Enjoy traditional Winter Markt, tree lighting

The holidays will come alive in downtown Birmingham's Shain Park with the Birmingham Shopping District's annual Birmingham Winter Markt, Friday December 6, through Sunday, December 8, highlighted by the lighting of Birmingham's holiday tree in Shain Park at 6 p.m. Friday, December 6. On opening night, Friday, December 6th at 6 p.m., join the community as it comes together with Santa and Birmingham’s Mayor Pierre Boutros for live caroling and the lighting of Birmingham’s holiday tree. With a brand new extension this year, Birmingham’s holiday tree is larger and brighter than ever, standing at 41 feet tall with more than 45,000 LED lights. Then stay and enjoy Birmingham Winter Markt, a special European holiday tradition brought to Birmingham. The park will be illuminated with more than 65 booths featuring unique gift items for loved ones, teachers and friends. Talented vendors will display traditional holiday crafts and décor, art from local artisans, holiday greenery, jewelry, home décor and more. Enjoy European food and drinks, gift items, holiday greens, crafts, ice sculptures, live reindeer, warming stations, marshmallow roasting stations, a Kinderhaus children’s activity area, the popular Santa House, and live entertainment. New this year, approximately 300 random shoppers will be the lucky recipients of ornaments with a voucher for a free gift attached. Throughout the weekend, local school choirs will perform live at the event. Dancing acts will be performed by the Scottish Highland Dance School and The Community House Dance Academy. The Village Youth Theater's cast of Frozen Junior, Four Stories, Collision Six and the Birmingham Concert Band will also take the stage. Topping off the magic, Shain Park is the place to be to board your free horse-drawn carriage for an illuminated tour through the decorated downtown area all throughout the holiday season. “We’re excited to kick off an ornament giveaway promotion at this year’s Birmingham Winter Markt,” said Ingrid Tighe, executive director of the Birmingham Shopping District. “Select lucky shoppers will receive a red ornament with a gift tag attached. Each tag will direct shoppers to a downtown Birmingham store where they can pick up their free gift.” Event hours are Friday, December 6, from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m., with the Tree Lighting at 6 p.m.; Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; and Sunday, December 8, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, visit AllinBirmingham.com/WinterMarkt.