Old World Christmas Market is inspired by traditional European markets, but with our own Midwest magic. Experience a delightful market with local handcrafted items, delicious treats, entertainment and activities for people of all ages. This enchanted celebration of culture, community, and holiday cheer is free for the entire weekend, including admission to NCSML galleries.
We are looking for volunteers for Old World Christmas Market! Please call 319-362-8500 or fill out our volunteer form.
Join us for a holiday vendor market featuring new and returning vendors. If you’d like to become a 2024 Old World Christmas Market vendor, email info@ncsml.org.
Andrea Wolf
Antler Ridge Elk Ranch
Carol Hodne
Czech Heritage Foundation Wreath Raffle
French Pastry by Sandrine *Sunday Only
Golden Ember Coffee Company
Myrtle Tyrtle Creation – Sewing and Craft Business
Mystic Blooms Jewelry *Sunday Only
Nana’s
The Crafty Needle
2024’s schedule includes extended hours on Saturday, plus a Culinary Taste with Chef Tom featuring authentic Czech and Slovak foods! Enjoy delicious treats, entertainment, free museum admission, and activities for people of all ages during Old World Christmas Market.
This year we will have a new craft available for visitors again! Come and play with paper crafts, tiny carps, walnut boats and much more.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
9:30 a.m. – Noon (or ending earlier, depending on supply) Cookie Walk. Cookies will be sold by the pound. (Rozek Grand Hall)
12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Culinary Tastes with Chef Tom Open
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Svatý Mikuláš, Čert, and Anděl (Father Christmas, Devil, and Angel) will be present (Roaming)
1 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Marion Chamber Trio (Rozek Grand Hall)
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Bell Choir Group (Rozek Grand Hall)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
12 p.m. – 3.30 p.m. Svatý Mikuláš, Čert, and Anděl (Father Christmas, Devil, and Angel) will be present (Roaming)
12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Culinary Tastes with Chef Tom Open (WFLA Heritage Hall)
1 p.m. – 1:20 p.m. Světlušky Youth Ensemble (Rozek Grand Hall)
1.30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 5 Seasons Chamber Music Group (Rozek Grand Hall)
3 p.m. Czech Heritage Foundation Wreath Raffle Drawing (WFLA Heritage Hall)
Enjoy traditional Czech and Slovak food offerings at Old World Christmas Market’s Culinary Tastes with Chef Tom. The restaurant will be open from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 7 and from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 8. Several full bars serving alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks will be available.
Chlebicky
Many European nations have their own version of open-faced sandwiches, but traditionally decorated Czech “chlebíček” is common only in the Czech and Slovak Republics. Chlebíček is fairly affordable in the Czech Republic and is a common snack/meal for many occasions, such as for various types of celebrations, receptions, intermissions during theater performances, on Christmas Eve, or even for a quick lunch.
Řízek
Also known as Schnitzel, Řízek is technically the Czech version of schnitzel. Czechs commonly prepare it from chicken breasts or pork. The version served at the Christmas Market will be chicken that can either be served as a sandwich with tartar sauce and vegetables or on it’s own with a side of traditional Czech potato salad.
Beef Goulash
Forget goulash consisting of a stew with pasta, Czech goulash is a decadent mix of earthy flavor and tender meat. It is also always served with side dumplings to reach perfection!
Strapacky with Sauerkraut and Bacon
Strapacky is one of the most typical Slovak foods that you can get. It is a small-sized potato pasta meal. At the Christmas Market, it will be served in its popular sauerkraut and bacon version and without bacon for a vegetarian version.
Fried Cheese
This food will change your perception of comfort food. Melted creamy cheese in a delicious crispy breading is the best description of this meal. It is traditionally Czech, which makes it the perfect meal to be served at the Christmas Market in a sandwich.
Buchty
These traditional Czech sweet buns are filled with marmalades and preserves. Even though they are somewhat similar to kolaches, they are very different. Interestingly, they are equally as famous as kolaches in the Czech Republic. Available individually or as packs of four.
Additional offerings include:
• Potato Chips
• Homemade potato salad
• Kapustnica – Slovak Sauerkraut soup
• Schnitzel Sandwich
NCSML is sincerely grateful for the community support and the individuals and businesses sponsoring the 2024 Old World Christmas Market:
CRST International
UFG
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
KCRG-TV9′s Show You Care
KZIA
IPR
All proceeds of Old World Christmas Market go to the museum’s educational programming.
Who does not enjoy cookies during the holiday season? We have the perfect opportunity to fulfil that sweet tooth craving and support a local non-profit organization during our Old World Christmas Market. Our cookie walk will open Saturday, December 7 at 9:30 a.m. where you can pick and choose your sweet treats by the pound. We will sell until we run out.
Do you love to bake, but do not have enough mouths to enjoy all those goodies? We are searching for donations for our Cookie Walk on Saturday, December 7. If you are interested in donating some wonderful cookies or other baked goods please follow the link below to fill out our form.
Donations may be dropped off in our Classroom on Thursday, December 5 from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. or Friday, December 6 from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
