Old World Christmas Market

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.

2025’s schedule includes extended hours on Saturday, plus a Culinary Taste 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 6

9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Museum galleries open with free admission for all
• Museum Store open
• Family holiday crafts for all (Jiruska Gallery)
• Holiday Vendor Market (WFLA Heritage Hall)
• Czech Heritage Foundation Wreath Raffle (WFLA Heritage Hall)
• Kolache Café (Rozek Grand Hall)
• Cedar Valley Chapter of the Embroiders’ Guild demonstration (Hallway by the Skala Bartizal Library)
• Special holiday Orloj run of show (top of the hour, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.)

9 a.m. – Noon Free horse-drawn wagon rides around Czech Village with stops for shopping, restaurants, Old World Christmas Market, and murals

9:30 a.m. – Noon (or ending earlier, depending on supply) Cookie Walk. Cookies will be sold by the pound. (Rozek Grand Hall)

9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Cedar Valley Woodcarvers demonstration (Hallway by the Skala Bartizal Library)

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Authentic Czech and Slovak Foods Available

10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. Svatý Mikuláš, Čert, and Anděl (Father Christmas, Devil, and Angel) will be present (Roaming)

Noon – 1 p.m.  Carillon Bell Choir Group (Rozek Grand Hall)

1 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.  Story time (Little Mole) with Miss Czech Slovak US 1st Runner-up Isabel Sherman, followed by her Czech vinegar dough ornament activity (Hemphill Theater)

1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Free horse-drawn wagon rides around Czech Village with stops for shopping, restaurants, Old World Christmas Market, and murals

1:15 p.m. – 3 p.m. Marion Chamber Trio (Rozek Grand Hall)

3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Heritage and Pageant Talk by Miss Czech Slovak U.S. 2025-2026 Madelyn Karstedt and 1st Runner-up Isabel Sherman (Rozek Grand Hall)

3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Iowa Accordion Club (Rozek Grand Hall)

5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Czech, Slovak & US Carrols by Jozef and Dodo Ivaška (Rozek Grand Hall)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Museum galleries open with free admission for all
• Museum Store open
• Family holiday crafts for all (Jiruska Gallery)
• Holiday Vendor Market (WFLA Heritage Hall)
• Czech Heritage Foundation Wreath Raffle (WFLA Heritage Hall)
• Kolache Café (or ending earlier, while supplies last)
  (Rozek Grand Hall)
• Authentic Czech and Slovak Foods Take Away — Options include Beef Goulash with Dumplings (Knedliky), Schnitzel and Potato Salad, traditional Czech and Slovak open-faced sandwiches (Chlebíčky) and Sweet Buns with Fruit Filling (Buchty)
• Cedar Valley Woodcarvers demonstration (Hallway by the Skala Bartizal Library)
• Cedar Valley Chapter of the Embroiders’ Guild demonstration (Hallway by the Skala Bartizal Library)
• Special holiday Orloj run of show (top of the hour, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.)

10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Christmas Melodies

11 a.m. – Noon Sara Miller Piano (Rozek Grand Hall)

Noon – 12:30 p.m. Heritage and Pageant Talk by Miss Czech Slovak US 2025-2026 Madelyn Karstedt and 1st Runner-up Isabel Sherman (Rozek Grand Hall)

12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m. Five Seasons Chamber Music Group (Rozek Grand Hall)

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Svatý Mikuláš will be present; 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Svatý Mikuláš, Čert, and Anděl (Father Christmas, Devil, and Angel) Roaming

1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Světlušky Youth Ensemble (Rozek Grand Hall)

1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. Five Seasons Chamber Music Group (Rozek Grand Hall)

1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.  Story time (Little Mole) with Miss Czech Slovak US 1st Runner-up Isabel Sherman, followed by her Czech vinegar dough ornament activity (Hemphill Theater)

3 p.m. Czech Heritage Foundation Wreath Raffle Drawing (WFLA Heritage Hall)

3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Czech, Slovak & US Carrols by Jozef and Dodo Ivaška (Rozek Grand Hall)

Madelyn Karstedt is the reigning Miss Czech-Slovak US Queen 2025–2026. She is from La Grange, Texas, and proudly represents Czech and Slovak heritage across the United States. She is passionate about cultural preservation, community engagement, and sharing Czech and Slovak traditions. Madelyn is thrilled to be attending the Old World Christmas Market at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, celebrating the season and connecting with the community.

For over 22 years, the Marion Chamber Trio has been a part of Eastern Iowa’s musical landscape, bringing elegance and artistry to life’s most meaningful moments. This distinguished ensemble features Terri Hodge on flute, Rodney Ocenosak on cello, and Sarah Schmidt on harp – three accomplished musicians whose shared passion for music shines through every performance. Known for their versatility and grace, the Trio provides exquisite music for weddings, church services, and private celebrations, creating unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages. Each member is a seasoned church musician, blending technical mastery with heartfelt expression to craft performances that are both inspiring and deeply personal. Whether filling a sanctuary with soaring melodies or adding a touch of sophistication to an intimate gathering, the Marion Chamber Trio continues to set the standard for chamber music in Eastern Iowa— where tradition meets artistry.

Isabel Sherman, is the former Miss Czech Slovak Iowa, and the current Miss Czech Slovak U.S. 1st Runner Up. She is currently a senior at the University of Iowa, and will be student teaching this spring. She is thrilled to be here at the Old World Christmas Market, as this is an event she grew up going to. Veselé Vánoce to all!

Světlušky is a youth ensemble that was formed in Cedar Rapids in 2007 to perform Czech, Moravian, and Slovak instrumental folk music, folk songs, and folk dances.

Jozef Ivaška is a singer, composer, and entertainer who hosts a number of TV shows throughout Central and Eastern Europe and has recorded over 20 CDs during his illustrious career. His repertoire includes a mix of traditional and pop songs. Jozef (Dodo) Ivaška, Jr. is a Slovak operatic tenor who graduated from the State Conservatory of Music (Voice) in Bratislava and completed his education as an opera singer in the Academy of Arts in Banska Bystrica. Jozef Ivaska Jr. performed in a number of opera houses, such as Grosses Festspielhaus in Salzburg, Jugendstiltheater in Vienna, the Amato Opera in New York, and the State Opera in Banska Bystrica. He sang regular at the Isny Oper Festival in Isny, Germany. He taught music at the Children’s Czech and Slovak School in Astoria, New York.

Sara has been playing the piano for 50+ years, including for many high school musicals and accompanying choirs and vocal students through the years. She currently teaches piano and voice lessons and plays in a local band, RetroMix, on top of working a full-time job at Corda Credit Union.

The Carillon Bell Choir is a vibrant, collaborative ensemble that brings the joy of handbell music to congregations and communities across Eastern Iowa. Formed by members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Marion, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, and one dedicated unaffiliated musician, this group embodies the spirit of unity and shared faith through music. From September to May, the choir enriches worship services at both home churches and takes its music “on the road”, performing for other congregations and special events. Each performance is a celebration of harmony – both musical and spiritual—creating uplifting experiences that resonate far beyond the sanctuary. With a repertoire that blends tradition and creativity, the Carillon Choir continues to ring out a message of community, fellowship, and joy wherever their music is heard.

A trio of musicians – Nate Bassinger/accordion/vocals, Forrest Heusinkveld/percussion, Richard Wagor/ tuba/bass- playing a little polka, a little Cajun, and a variety of music sure to engage and entertain.

Myrtle Tyrtle Creation

French Pastry by Sandrine

Nanas

BohoBeads

The Barkery

The Crafty Needle

Dania De Bortoli Designs

Pickle Creek Herbs

Echoes of the East

Antler Ridge Elk Ranch

Hue Hill

Lori Ann’s Candies

CR Beads LLC

Grimm’s Farm LLC

Baba Tillie’s Czech and More

2025 Old World Christmas Market Sponsors

Thank you for your support!