I have lived in Northern Virginia for over 8 years and this was the first year that I had heard about the German Armed Forces Command Christkindlmarket (Bundeswehr Christmas Market) in Reston, Virginia. I actually learned about it through a couple coworkers when they sent a department-wide invite to the festivities. As it turns out, the Bundeswehr building is a few office buildings down from ours and is the “it” thing to do during the holidays! The market is setup similar to most German Christmas Markets, with a selection of German crafts, music, food, and drinks.

Event Details

The German Armed Forces Command Christkindlmarkt is held yearly in early December at the Bundeswehr building at 11150 Sunrise Valley Drive, in Reston, VA. The event is typically held from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., but be sure to check the times each year. Traditionally, event details are not released well in advance. (Word on the street is that it helps keep the number of attendees down.) In the future, I would keep an eye on the German Armed Forces Command Facebook page. Otherwise, you can call the Bundeswehr at 703-390-3175 for more information.

2019 Reston Christkindlmarkt

The market is traditionally held the first Thursday of December, making the market take place this year on December 5th, 2019.

Visiting the Christkindlmarket

As I mentioned above, I first attended the market with my co-works at the end of our workday. Then, Hubs joined me to stroll around later that evening. The following pictures are from both of those visits:

The line to enter the market was wrapped around the grounds prior to opening.

Thankfully, the line moved quickly as soon as the gate opened.

A musical soldier played a variety of holiday selections on his saxophone during the afternoon.

After we arrived, we wandered around the various Germanic and holiday themed booths and exhibits.

Soldiers and their families served visitors treats, hot cider, and mulled wine (free, but charitable donations requested).

In addition to the crafts, treats, and exhibits, there was also a “food hall” section that served beer and traditional foods.

The Bundeswehr Kommando (German Armed Forces Command) has a section of the Berlin Wall near its office building entrance.

After dark, a live band provided traditional Germanic musical entertainment.

As the day progressed, the food (brats and split pea soup) section grew in popularity