Now, thanks to the European Heritage Association, it's our city's turn to experience the tradition. From Dec. 2 to 4 at Cowles Commons downtown, 14 vendors will sell European-inspired, artisan-made crafts--such as holiday ornaments, letterpress cards, jewelry and linens--and, of course, food.

  

According to volunteer director Suzanne Hall, the organizers were especially looking for food vendors who could notably evoke a sense of the sights, sounds and smells of a European Christkindlmarket. Hopefully, the aromas of candied roasted nuts, freshly baked pretzels, sizzling sausages, German Bier cheese soup, English Christmas pudding, Glüwein (a spicy mulled wine) and other Old World classics will do the trick. Also look for craft beers from Iowa and Germany, plus seasonal brews.

  

To add another layer of authenticity, some vendors will be housed in classic wooden vendor stalls--a mainstay of traditional Christkindlmarkets. These have been crafted in partnership with Waukee High School's industrial arts program.

  

Family-friendly attractions include the Kinder Corner, a children's area that will offer crafts, games, storytelling and songs.