Each year, Denver visitors and residents get to experience an authentic German-Austrian Christmas market—and it's way more than just shopping. It's a full-on holiday experience for the whole family, complete with festive food and drink and European and American entertainment. The opening of the Christkindl Market marks the start of the holiday season. There are European crafts artisans selling such gifts as traditional wooden toys and fanciful ornaments, German teddy bears, European lace and cashmere. There are booths overflowing with candies and chocolates and traditional German food is available hot off the grill. Entertainers of all kinds, including German bands, polka bands, local school groups and a variety of singers and dancers, keep patrons occupied and in good spirits. Among the most popular activities is sampling traditional food and drink, including Gluehwein, a traditional hot-spiced wine.