National food and travel authority Food & Wine has shined a spotlight on one of Cincinnati’s most beloved holiday traditions , the Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt , celebrating the small businesses, German heritage, and local flavors that bring the riverside market to life each winter.
Written by Wendy Pramik, a journalist the Cincy Region has hosted multiple times, the story highlights how this market goes far beyond a traditional European-inspired experience. Instead, it captures how Cincinnati has put its own unmistakable stamp on the Christkindlmarkt, blending Old World traditions with hometown favorites like goetta, Servatii’s iconic strudel, and the city’s ever-present flying pig symbolism.
Set along the Ohio River at Moerlein Lager House, the market unfolds across the Schmidlapp Event Lawn with rows of wooden chalets, rentable igloos, a heated beer hall-style tent, live music, and family-friendly attractions. The story nods to the sweeping riverfront views and historic backdrop, reinforcing how the market’s setting is as much a part of the experience as the food and festivities themselves.
Pramik weaves in the voices and stories of the small businesses that form the heart of the event, from Avril-Bleh Meat Market’s fifth-generation sausage-making to Glier’s serving goetta sliders and nachos that are uniquely Cincinnati. She also highlights Servatii Pastry Shop’s role as presenting sponsor, detailing its apple strudel, Bavarian pretzels, and cream puffs rooted in German baking traditions passed down through generations.
The feature underscores how the market balances authenticity with innovation: classic schnitzel and bratwurst sit alongside local staples, craft beer, espresso martinis, and spiced cider, all served in a setting designed for gathering, lingering, and celebrating the season. Family-friendly programming, live entertainment, and special events like the Holiday Beer Extravaganza further enhance the immersive experience.
Through this national coverage, Food & Wine positions Cincinnati’s Christkindlmarkt as a standout holiday destination, one that reflects the region’s deep German roots, thriving small business community, and creative culinary scene. It’s another example of how local entrepreneurs and cultural traditions continue to elevate the Cincy Region’s profile on a national stage, especially during one of its most festive times of year.
Read the full story here: Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt Is an Ohio Tradition With German Roots
