Kris Kringle Christmas Market
Modeled after Germany's famous markets, this holiday event features handmade crafts from over 180 local artisans, light displays, and musical holiday fireworks. Visitors can watch Santa Claus arrive, listen to strolling carolers and local school musical groups, view a model train display, and walk along a lighted holiday path. The market also offers tours of the decorated Historic McConchie School House and Digges Farm Museum, a living nativity, a cookie contest, and fresh holiday greenery.
What to Expect
German-style holiday market featuring 180 artisans, light displays, and fireworks.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Charles County Fair Board
Food & Drink
Food vendors are available, and an indoor dining and seating area is in Building 6 (Comm B).
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday shoppers
Vibe
Festive and traditional
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adults: $5.00. Children 10 and under: free. Admission gives access to the crafters and activities listed on the page.
- Hours: Fri 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.; Sat 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Sun 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Tree lighting and Santa’s arrival: Fri at 5:00 pm; fireworks: Sat at 6:00 p.m.
Tips & Advice
- Bring non-perishable food items to drop off next to any market entrance, because donations go to the Southern Maryland Food Bank.
- Come Friday evening for the tree lighting and Santa's arrival, or Saturday evening for the musical holiday fireworks.
- Take a food break in the indoor dining and seating area in Building 6 (Comm B) when you need to warm up.
- Bring the kids along, because children 10 and under get in free and Santa is on site for all market hours.
- Come Friday or Saturday if you want a longer visit, because the market closes earliest on Sunday.
Special Events & Promotions
- The official tree lighting and Santa's arrival are on Friday evening, December 11.
- Musical holiday fireworks on Saturday evening.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does admission include?
Admission gets you into the crafters and activities. Those include Santa, the fireworks, the tree lighting, strolling carolers, school choruses and bands, a living nativity, a cookie contest, a model train display, kids' activities and a lighted holiday path. Children 10 and under get in free.
Is there an indoor place to sit and eat?
Yes. There's an indoor dining and seating area in Building 6 (Comm B), with food from the market's vendors.
Is Santa there the whole time?
Yes. Santa arrives with the official tree lighting on Friday and stays on site for all market hours.
What else is there to see besides the vendors?
The Historic McConchie School House is decorated and open for tours, and the Fair's Digges Farm Museum is open for viewing. Fresh holiday greens from local yards and fields are for sale, courtesy of Cardinal Creek Plant Farm's Garden Center.
How can I help the food bank?
Bring non-perishable food to the drop-off points next to each market entrance. Admission money also supports the Southern Maryland Food Bank, local volunteer fire and EMS associations, and the Charles County Fair.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.