Christkindlmarket holds kids day Sunday: Carols, a lantern parade and visit from the Christkind

Kids can sing carols with the Christkind – a fairy-like character from German holiday folklore – and join her in a lantern parade Sunday afternoon at the holiday market outside Fiserv Forum.

The Christkindlmarket Milwaukee kids day starts at 3 p.m. with a performance by the Syrena Polish Children's Folk Dance Ensemble. It concludes at 5:30 p.m. with a handout of goody bags.

Here's what to expect.

Lanterns for rent

Battery operated lanterns are available for a $10 at the Timber Tent at the north end of the market.

Kids can bring their own lanterns, but they must be battery operated – no candles are allowed.

Christkind makes an appearance

Wearing gold and white robe with long golden locks, the Christkind is the holiday market's namesake.

"Christkind folklore dates back to the 1500s and stems from traditional customs: Parades during the holiday season were guided by one 'grand' angel, the Christkind," according to the market organizers, German American Events, a subsidiary of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest.

"Since then, and still today, she is the bearer of gifts to most children in German-speaking countries, much like Santa Claus is in the United States." 

The Christkind will deliver a welcome at 5 p.m.

RELATED:What you need to know about Milwaukee's Christkindlmarket outside Fiserv Forum

What's St. Martin's Day?

The lantern parade celebrates Good Samaritans such as St. Martin, "a soldier who lived in the fourth century AD," the market says.

"He was known for his goodwill and Samaritan deeds. His most famous deed was cutting his winter coat in half with his sword and sharing it with a poor man who was barely clothed on a freezing cold night."

The market says St. Martin's Day is "a bit like trick or treating."

"Children are rewarded for their singing and the beauty of their lanterns with sweets and other goodies – in the spirit of the holiday season of sharing and giving," the market says.

Parade and caroling 

The Christkind will lead the parade starting at 5:10 p.m., on a route around the Fiserv Forum plaza, with a couple of stops for carols.

The parade ends at 5:30 p.m. and each child will receive a goody bag while supplies last.

The Christkindlmarket is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

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