Our Story
Sparkling Christmas lights and holiday music reaching across from every corner, surrounded by Christmas trees, authentic festive foods and vendors offering their trade to brighten your Holiday season. Join us at the Sussex County Fairgrounds Dec 3-5th 2021 to celebrate our 20th annual market. Bring your family, friends and loved ones and let us provide you a joyous holiday experience.
The German Christmas Market at Sussex County was brought to life in 2001 by a small handful of volunteers desiring to recreate an authentic German Christmas Market, which they were familiar with, with the intention to raise funds for local Sussex County, NJ charities. Recognized as the largest annual Christmas Market in the State of New Jersey, and the only German Christmas Market in the USA, whose sole mission is to donate back into the community, it has become a fixture in the local region. Since 2013 NJ.com has ranked The German Christmas Market Foundation, Inc. as one of the Top 10 things to do in December.
The German Christmas Market of NJ is comprised of 100% volunteers. All money collected through booth sales and the famous Cookie Hut is used to pay fees for services and the remained is then donated to local charities. Several local businesses donate their time and services for free or at a reduced rate in order to make this magical event come to life each Christmas.
Who We Are
Many people in the community donate their time and effort to plan, organize and run the Market. The Committee is comprised of 30 volunteers, each taking an active role in planning and executing one or more activities that is needed. The Committee is managed by a Board of Trustees, seven volunteers who serve a 3 year term and are elected by the Committee. The Board oversees major decisions and ensures the organization's mission and objectives are met.
At the end of each Market, the Board and Committee have the privilege to host the local charities who receive the funds generated form the Market. Since its inception, the Market has donated over $370,000 to the local Sussex County community, assisting 20 charities.
Get Involved
Membership on the Committee is open to all; the only requirements to join are you bring your talents, energy and passion to the group and be prepared to become part of a wonderful tradition.
We also enlist volunteers during the Market – we need assistance in the setup, running and take-down of the Market. We welcome volunteers new and old to join use each year. Your time is valuable to use and the volunteers during the Market are a key factor in its success.