With the busy holiday season upon us, shoppers hoping to start Christmas early headed to the four enormous heated tents at SteelStacks known as ArtsQuest’s Christkindlmarkt Nov. 16, the day it opened. There they found a huge collection of goods to choose from, including, but not limited to, apparel for people of all ages, toys, jewelry, dolls and doll clothes, soaps and lotions, wine, candy, and all manner of decorative objects. As in previous years, visitors pored over Käthe Wohlfahrt’s huge collection of beautifully crafted wooden hand-painted Christmas ornaments, including creche scenes, Christmas tree ornaments and cuckoo clocks.

In addition to shopping, visitors viewed Christmas tree ornaments being made, an activity called the Glass Experience. In addition, Santa Claus was on hand ready to greet young visitors. Attendees who worked up an appetite while shopping headed for the tent where they could get a variety of American, German, and international foods. While they ate, some enjoyed music provided by a variety of entertainers, including a performer who sang Christmas songs and accompanied herself on the guitar. On Dec. 14, visitors can enjoy the performance of The Swing Time Dolls, who will present their “Dolled Up Christmas” show. In addition, there is ice sculpting, and each Saturday, starting on Nov. 24, there will be spirits and wine tasting at 4 and 6 p.m.

Christkindlmarkt will continue the following dates: Nov. 29 to Dec. 2, Dec. 6 to 9, 13 to 16, and 20 to 23. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.