Ishpeming is getting a European-style Christmas market this holiday season. The Ishpeming Kriskindlmarkt, described by Sunny 101.9 as the Upper Peninsula’s first Christmas market, opens over two weekends in late November and early December in downtown Ishpeming.

The market launches with a ticketed kickoff event. The Cheermeister’s Ball takes place Thursday, Nov. 12, in the Mather Ballroom at the Mather Inn, according to the event’s official website. Tickets cost $40 each, with proceeds supporting the market. The organizer advertises a limited number of tickets on its website.

The ball features hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, live music from Irontown Brass and the debut of Cheermeister Ale, a collaboration with Upper Hand Brewery. Guests can also purchase a Cheermeister Blend Coffee made with Campfire Coffee.

The evening’s highlight is the reveal of the first-ever Ishpeming Kriskindl Cheermeister, an honor recognizing a Marquette County resident who contributes to the community through volunteering, philanthropy or service year-round. The organizer says the selection will remain confidential until the ball, with advance knowledge restricted to the selection committee and the honoree’s family.

Kevin Corkin is the market’s founder and chairman, according to Sunny 101.9’s interview coverage.

The Cheermeister will be outfitted in a Stormy Kromer hat and coat and will carry a hand-carved staff passed down to future honorees.

The market itself runs two weekends in the parking lot of the Mather Inn at 107 E. Canda St. Admission is free, though food, drinks, vendor items and some activities carry separate costs.

The Mather Inn, which opened in 1932, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, according to the venue’s history page. Visitors should check the event website for final schedule details.

Ishpeming Kriskindlmarkt schedule

  • Thursday, Nov. 12: Cheermeister’s Ball, Mather Ballroom. Tickets are $40.
  • Friday, Nov. 27: Opening day, with a ribbon cutting at 2 p.m., tapping of the golden keg at 4 p.m., and a holiday parade and tree lighting in the evening. Market open until 9 p.m. Snowshoe Pub open 4 to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 28: Market open noon to 9 p.m. Snowshoe Pub open 4 to 10 p.m.
  • Friday, Dec. 4: Market open 4 to 9 p.m. Snowshoe Pub open 4 to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 5: Market open noon to 9 p.m. Snowshoe Pub open 4 to 10 p.m.