SCENES FROM THE HARMONY CHRISTMAS MARKET KNOWN AS WEIHNACHTSMARKT | PHOTOS COURTESY THE HARMONY MUSEUM

Shoppers will be able to get a taste of Germany — and cross some items off their Holiday gift list — with the annual WeihnachtsMarkt in Harmony this weekend. 

Taking place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, the German-style Christmas Market features dozens of specialty vendors and traditional crafters selling handmade items in celebration of the historic town’s German roots. 

On the agenda for this year are horse-drawn wagon rides through Harmony’s National Historic Landmark District, entertainment featuring German music and dancers, and vendors selling German food and imported goods. Regionally produced wine and moonshine as well as Glühwein, the traditional German holiday beverage, will also be available. 

Founded in the early 19th century by the Harmony Society, a group of mostly German immigrants fronted by pietist Johann Georg Rapp, Harmony is located about 30 minutes north of Pittsburgh in Butler County. The event, which typically attracts thousands of visitors from across the tri-state area, recently was lauded by Travel Magazine for its one-of-a-kind atmosphere and variety of items for sale.

“Harmony’s Christmas Market is a great event for holiday shopping,” adds Gwen Lutz, event organizer and vice president of the Harmony Museum. “And with our German food and music, it’s no wonder Harmony was named one of the top 20 Christmas markets in the country.”

DANCERS AT THE ANNUAL HARMONY CHRISTMAS MARKET

Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for Harmony Museum members and senior citizens and $4 for students; there is no fee for children ages 5 and younger. Free parking is available in marked parking lots throughout the town. A free shuttle bus also will take visitors from the parking lots to the Christmas Market entrance.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Harmony Museum. For more information, visit here.