A new tradition will begin in Schade-Mylander Plaza in downtown Sandusky this holiday season with a market inspired by the charm and magic of Christmas Markets in Europe and helmed by a Sandusky family known for giving back.
The
Sandusky Christmas Market will take place across three weekends in downtown Sandusky, showcasing local artisans, crafters, entertainers, and small businesses.
The market’s creators, Judy Corso and son Chris Corso, took an unforgettable European River cruise last year during the holiday season.
“They were deeply inspired by the charm of the markets, the festive foods, and the sense of community,” says market spokesperson Becki Kintz.
The new Sandusky Christmas Market is a way to bring that magic back home, hopefully creating a new tradition for people in the community and beyond, she says.
Artisans, food trucks and Santa to make an appearance
There will be a total of 30-35 vendors at this year’s Christmas Market. The area will be filled with homemade and home-crafted goods by local artisans, crafters, and food vendors. Additionally, there will be a variety of food trucks on site.
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Destination Sandusky FacebookCedar Point has donated sheds to be used for vendor booths at the Sandusky Christmas Market.On opening night, Nov. 29th, the Market will open at 5 p.m.
“We encourage the community to remember to enjoy all the holiday festivities that are being held that same evening at Washington Park,” Kintz says. “Afterwards, we hope they make their way to Schade-Mylander Plaza and join us for the Tree Lighting at 7 p.m., when the Sandusky Christmas Market will truly come to life.”
A charming gazebo decorated with festive lights and draped in garland will serve as the stage, located in the heart of the Market.
Throughout the event, the community can enjoy performances from several local musicians/performers including Alex Dominish; Hektik Ballroom; Sandusky Choral Society; Treble Women's Chorus; and choirs from local schools, including Fremont-Ross High School, Edison High School, Sandusky High Schools, and the Regional Center for Arts & Academics, along with young performers from Sandusky Recreation who have donated their time and talent to create a cheerful holiday atmosphere.
“Additionally, we are collaborating with Firelands Winery’s Ugly Sweater Spice Wine to host an Ugly Sweater Contest,” Kintz says.
And to make this a whole family event, Kintz hopes to host a Happy Pawlidays Dog Costume Contest.
A stilt walker,
Mighty Ligress Aloft, will visit several times throughout the duration of the Christmas Market.
“And of course, Santa will make a few appearances,” Kintz says.
Fireworks will cap off the final night of the Christmas Market.
Additionally, as part of the Christmas Market festivities, Market organizers will partner with downtown venues to host an OSU vs. Michigan Bar Hop on Nov. 30. Fans can watch one of college football’s biggest games, enter to win rare prizes, and support local businesses, all while celebrating the community’s team spirit.
To satisfy those taste buds, traditional German fare, as well as an array of sweet and savory treats will be for sale. Drink options, from coffee to authentic German Christmas Market beverages, including Mulberry Creek Winery’s 50-year-old recipe for Gluhwein, will be available for purchase.
Dates for the market are:
- Friday, Nov. 29 - Sunday, Dec. 1
- Friday, Dec. 6 - Sunday, Dec. 8
- Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14
Hours are:
- 5-9 p.m. Fridays
- 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays
- 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays
There is no cost for admission into the Market. Parking is available at any open public parking area or garages.
Market is continuation of community events inspired by the late Jimm Corso
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Courtesy of Lainie BierJimm and Judy Corso pose with their grandchildren at Jimm's 75th birthday party in 2019.At its core, the Sandusky Christmas Market is designed to honor the legacy of Jimm Corso, who died in 2020. Corso was a man who deeply loved and was fervently dedicated to his community, Kintz says.
Chris Corso expressed that his dad, and being raised in Sandusky, played an integral part in the successful businessman that he is today.
Jimm instilled the importance of hard-work, commitment and not only being part of the community, but making sure to give back to the community.
“Giving back” is precisely what Chris is trying to do, as he is funding much of the Market himself.
Along with several members of the Corso family, who have taken those same lessons from Jimm and applied them to their own lives, are Chris’ sister Lainie Bier, brother Jeff; and mother Judy, whose involvement with the Sandusky City Schools school board and dedication to many other community agencies and organizations is unwavering.
The Christmas Market has become a “family affair” and their hope is to create an enchanting holiday event that will hopefully become a new holiday tradition.
“Our hope is that by bringing the community together, showcasing many of our local artisans, crafters, entertainers, and small businesses, we can create an event that reflects Jimm’s spirit and dedication, and celebrate the values that he held dear,” Kintz says.
Want to get Involved?
This is a not-for-profit event, so the success and longevity of the Sandusky Christmas Market relies heavily on sponsors and volunteers. There are many ways to support and be involved.
“We are still in need of a number of volunteers before and during the event,” Kintz says.
Support can also be made by way of tiered sponsorship. Organizers are hosting a VIP kick-off party on the Market’s opening day. Anyone who contributes $20 can receive a ticket for the VIP event. The party will offer a free buffet-style dinner and beverages.
For information on volunteering, sponsorship/VIP Tickets, vendors, performing/entertainment, or to visit the Sandusky Christmas Market website at
www.sanduskychristmasmarket.com, or email
[email protected].