SUTTON, Mass. — The band is rocking, vendors are selling artisan goods and shoppers are celebrating holiday spirit at the traditional German Christmas market at Vaillancourt Folk Art.
What You Need To Know
- Vaillancourt Folk Art is welcoming thousands to the Vaillancourt Christkindlesmarkt & Artisan Show
- This year marks 40 years in business for Vaillancourt Folk Art, started by Judi and Gary Vaillancourt in 1984
- The Sutton business specializes in hand-painted chalkware collectibles
- The Christkindlesmarkt & Artisan Show features artists from around the country, authentic German food and drink in a European-style outdoor Christmas Market
“They have phenomenal vendors, amazing shopping inside," attendee Liz Baker said. "And my advice to anybody who comes if you're here, get the Glühwein.”
From the cider to the Schupfnudel…
“Schupfnudel is a German potato dumpling," Dan Arbia of Fraulein's Bakery said. "Traditional German dish. And we pair it with sauerkraut and pork that we braised for 15 hours on a low temperature in the oven. And then I bring it out here and put it on the grill.”
Vaillancourt Folk Art’s Christkindlesmarkt & Artisan Show is inspired by trips to European Christmas markets
“My wife and I go to Europe on a regular basis," Gary Vaillancourt said. "And the German Christmas markets have been spectacular, so we wanted to do one here.”
The Vaillancourts are welcoming thousands to celebrate the start of the season in Sutton this Friday and Saturday.
“We're really excited. We have over 2,000 attendees coming from 12 different states as far as California and Texas, and it's really special for us that they make this their Christmas start," Luke Vaillancourt said. "It's wonderful to have such a group of collectors and from far and near, and it really is a good way to start the Christmas season with a way to smile.”
“It's pretty much authentic as you can get," Vaillancourt said. "Other than the fact we're not in Germany, and that it's a little 70 degrees out.”
“Vaillancourt does a great job," Arbia said. "I've been to the Munich Christkindlesmarkt a couple of times, and it's quite similar, not as large, but quite similar in its feel and especially with the Glühwein.”
And many say, the celebration comes right at the perfect time.
“Things have been stressful in general lately. It was an election year. Holidays are coming," Baker said. "So having events like this in the community to come let loose, have fun is always appreciated and we're looking forward to more.”
And if you missed the market this weekend, Vaillancourt folk art plans to celebrate the season all the way through Christmas.
