Winter Markt, Tree lighting December 1

The holidays have hit Birmingham, from twinkling lights adorning downtown trees, to the most popular events, the eighth annual Birmingham Winter Markt and the city’s tree lighting, together again on Friday, December 1.

Birmingham’s Shain Park will transport you back to a quaint European market where you can enjoy the holidays of yesteryear at the annual Birmingham Winter Markt event. This special and treasured tradition takes place Friday, December 1, from 4-10 p.m., Saturday, December 2, from 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., and Sunday, December 3, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Birmingham Tree Lighting will be held on Friday, December 1, at 6 p.m., to coincide with the opening night of Winter Markt.

“Last year we received positive feedback after combining the two events and we’re pleased to celebrate the opening of the Birmingham Winter Markt with the Birmingham Tree Lighting event again this year,” said Ingrid Tighe, executive director of the Birmingham Shopping District (BSD).

Attendees will enjoy stations filled with European food and drinks, gift items, holiday greens, crafts, ice carving demonstrations, live reindeer, warming stations, the always popular Santa Haus, horse-drawn carriage rides, and live entertainment. Shoppers are encouraged to stop by the Kinder Haus chidlren’s activity area where you’ll find complimentary crafts.

Presenting sponsors for Winter Markt are Mercedes Benz of Bloomfield Hills and Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Other sponsors include The Community House, Lucido Fine Jewelry, Birmingham Country Club, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Plum Market, Somerset Ophthamology, The Surnow Company, and 104.3 WOMC.