Market time

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Saturday, Dec. 1* 10 a.m. Medieval and Renaissance music by David and Michele Wollert* 11 a.m. Center for Creative Arts String Quartet* Noon. Metropolitan Bells quartet* 4 p.m. Contemporary and Southern Gospel musicSunday, Dec. 2* 2 p.m. A Jolley Family Christmas* 3:30 p.m. Folk music by Mike Harris

St. Marks Church, 701 Mississippi Ave., on Chattanooga's North Shore, may be teaching a lot of area residents a new word this weekend.

It's spelled Christkindlmarkt, which to anglophones would seem to need a couple more vowels. But its pronunciation is actually quite simple: Kris-kin-dill-Mart. The word is German and translates to "Christ child market."

Organizers describe it as "an enchanting family market" in the tradition of those held in Germany and Austria during the Christmas season. According to a news release, it will be filled with twinkling lights, holidays sounds and aromas of Christmas. Visitors will find one-of-a-kind items from local retailers, artists and crafters, as well as specialty foods and musical performances.

According to an online history at www.christkindlmarktchattanooga.com, many towns in Germany and Austria usher in Advent with the opening of a Christmas market. Generally held in the town square, the markets sell food, drink and seasonal items from open-air stalls, accompanied by traditional singing and dancing. On opening nights (and in some towns more often) onlookers welcome the "Christkind," or boy Jesus, acted out by a local child.

Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, and 1-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. Admission is free.

For more information, visit www.christkindlmarktchattanooga.com or call 276-5530.

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