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Christmas Market a Touch of Europe in Cambria

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By Judy Salamacha

Cambria’s Dirk Winter loves Christmas. He’s always been a collector of everything Christmas, demonstrated by the vintage Christmas display he shares year round at the Christmas shop inside his Cambria Nursery & Florist.

For years as the owner of Moonstone Hotel Properties, Winter has regularly supported events in Cambria’s Village while seeking an opportunity that would bring more visitors, more families, and more business to Cambria during the slower season from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

During travels to Europe, Winter became enamored by the lightshows and festivities in Germany and Austria during their traditional “Weihnachtsmarkt” or Christmas Market, a concept that dates back to the Middle Ages. In 2001, he challenged his staff to test it out in Cambria.

“Just make it ‘over the top’ is what he told me,” said George Marschall, Santa’s chief elf and the general manager for Winter’s Cambria properties. “We didn’t know how it would work and struggled with what to call it, then called it what it was – ‘Cambria Christmas Market.’ We found 20 vendors to join us and prepared mostly German food offerings, including Glühwein, a traditional hot spiced wine.”

A free event, Marschall was not sure how many attended, but realized the “Wow” factor was the tunnel of lights and other lighted displays like the “Twelve Days of Christmas.” They planned even more for 2012 understanding that to grow and sustain the event, they needed to charge admission. Each year it’s grown — 20,000, 30,000, and 36,000 in 2014.

With that growth, neighborhood parking became the issue they needed to resolve to survive. In 2015, offsite, free parking and shuttle service was offered from the Village and Coast Union High School to the marketplace.

By providing ample shuttles running about every 15 minutes, people who thought the Grinch might have killed Christmas in Cambria were pleased it worked so well. The numbers swelled to 46,000 in 2015 over the 23 days of operation.

“But each year was a waiting game hoping we’d get our temporary permit from the Coastal Commission,” Marschall said. “This made planning ahead and taking advantage of cost savings too risky.” This past August, a 5-year permit was negotiated with the County. “We met all the conditions required and now know what we have to work with.”

The marketplace changes each year. “We learn new ways to make it flow better and offer more to encourage folks to come back,” Marschall said. “We’re moving the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ to offer a family photo op with Santa and his reindeer. We have a new Christmas Krampus and are anxious to see two new displays by a local artist — a large peacock and a dragon.”

Marschall explained after exiting the Light Tunnel a pathway leads to the nursery for more lighted exhibits and shopping. “Another path leads to the entertainment amphitheater, where we’re adding a unique photo-booth project and additional vendors.”

Twenty-six vendors will join them in 2016, including Allocco’s Bakery, personalized ornaments, a caramel company, a kids’ toy called Spin Copter, and Mehlenbacher Taffy, which is gluten free.

Mike Arnold handles sales and marketing for Moonstone Hotel Properties, including the website and booking entertainment for the Christmas Market. “Most performances include Christmas music,” he said, “but Bucket Busters is always fun.”

Arnold also encouraged those looking for extra Christmas money to apply for part time work at the market. “We always need extra help.” Typically, the operation has a crew of 40 employees plus more than 25 temps.

Winter’s hope that a European-styled Christmas Market would bring visitors to Cambria has been fulfilled. December is now the biggest sales month for the nursery. Travelers are international.

Arnold suggested, “Come early. Park and eat in the village before or after visiting the Christmas Market. Many merchants are now staying open later.”

The 5th Annual Cambria Christmas Market is open daily from, 5-8:30 p.m. from Friday, Nov. 25 through Friday, Dec. 23. Plan spending a minimum of an hour to experience the Christmas Market.

Off-site free parking and shuttle service at Coast Union High School, Village parking at Brambles, Cambria Hardware. Last shuttle to market at 8 p.m. and the final shuttle back is at 9:15. Parking at Cambria Pines Lodge reserved for hotel guests and handicapped.

Guaranteed online registration at: www.CAMBRIACHRISTMASMARKET.COM. Cost is $15, $10, $5 based on the night, with children 5-under free. Ticket sales at the gate ends at 8 p.m. or at capacity — attendance of 3,000 per evening. No pets.

Freelance writer, columnist and author, Judy Salamacha’s Then & Now column is a regular feature of Tolosa Press. Contact her at: [email protected] or (805) 801-1422 with story ideas.

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