Kitchener Christmas Market dissapoints local shoppers

On Saturday, Nov. 24 the Kitchener Market, located on the corner of King Street and Cedar Street in downtown Kitchener, hosted a “Christmas Market.”

I put that phrase in quotes not only because it is a direct quote of their Facebook advertisement but also because it is a stretch to give that name to the experience I had.

The Kitchener Market isn’t much to write about on a normal day and anyone who has been there will understand what I mean.

It serves its purpose, allowing vendors from around the area to sell their wares to consumers from around the area but it’s not really my scene. The only thing that will get me to go there, aside from a pretty cheap slice of pizza, is the promise of a Christmas Market that I have to write about for the paper.

So let’s unpack this, shall we? The Kitchener Christmas Market was comprised of about seven vendors, each one selling possible holiday gifts as well as decorations.

This segment of the Kitchener Market was upstairs, firmly tucked away from the rest of the scenery almost as if to separate the experience from the rest of the market in order to give you the best time possible.

Or to hide the shame of what was delivered. I’m not sure which one was the true reason for the placement.Funny enough I didn’t know the Christmas Market was happening. I mean, I knew it was going on because I was there for it, but walking through the front doors provided no different of an experience than the Kitchener Market on a regular day.

First of all, it’s November. Second of all, the Kitchener Market is one of the more multicultural spots in the area, with vendors selling food and products from all areas of the world.

There was very little done to the cold interior of the Kitchener Market that would allude to it being Christmas, or even winter time. I’m not one for being bombarded with Christmas music during the holidays, but come on.

The only people you’re going to get at a Christmas Market are the people who want to be at a Christmas Market. So who was this market for? In my opinion, the Kitchener Christmas Market, while depressing in appearance, would serve the general public who would be at the Kitchener Market on a Saturday morning regardless.

Seeing locally made items that would be perfect as a stocking- stuffer for little Johnny while going out to buy some tomatoes would be a nice surprise and a great start to the weekend. But for people like me, people who went to the Kitchener Market for this promise of festivities, it was disappointing. Also, why call it a “Christmas Market”?

First of all, it’s November. Second of all, the Kitchener Market is one of the more multicultural spots in the area, with vendors selling food and products from all areas of the world.

I’m not about to go into a rant about political correctness, but it seemed out of place to call it a “Christmas Market” when the vast majority of people in attendance will be celebrating different holidays.

Oh well, ’Tis the season.