Canandaigua’s Christkindl Market will hold its final weekend at Granger Homestead Nov. 13–15, as rising costs, declining sponsorships and volunteer shortages bring the annual holiday fundraiser’s run there to an end.
The German-inspired market’s 20th edition will offer one more opportunity to browse artisan goods, enjoy seasonal food and music, and visit the historic North Main Street property.
Market director Cheryl Zulick, who has led the event for 17 years, told WROC that hosting it has become financially unsustainable.
“We don’t get the sponsorships like we used to, the cost of goods has gone up,” Zulick told the station.
The market has supported Granger Homestead’s educational programs, but Zulick said its financial return has diminished while the work required to produce it remains substantial. Organizers have also struggled to recruit and retain enough volunteers.
Zulick said she hopes someone with event-planning experience might take over the market and relocate it, preserving the tradition elsewhere in the community.
The 20th annual Christkindl Market takes place on the grounds of Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum, 295 N. Main St. in Canandaigua.
Artist tents will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13–14, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15.
Admission is cash only: $10 for a single day or $15 for a multiday pass. Children under 12 enter free, according to the Ontario County tourism agency’s event listing.
More than 150 regional artisans and specialty food vendors are expected in decorated, heated tents. The event includes German food, traditional fare, drinks, holiday music, visits with Santa and children’s activities.
A Saturday evening gathering from 5 to 7 p.m. will offer free admission, with food and drinks available.
Granger also lists off-site parking and shuttle service, along with a holiday trolley connecting the market to downtown Canandaigua.
Granger Homestead’s holiday programming will continue beyond the market weekend. The Festival of Trees opens during the Nov. 13–15 market and resumes Nov. 18 through Dec. 5, with decorated trees and other holiday displays inside the homestead.
The festival has its own operating schedule and will be closed Nov. 19 and Thanksgiving Day.
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