The 2025 Atlanta Christkindl Market and Winterlight Walk set new records for attendance and economic impact in Downtown Lawrenceville. According to aggregated, anonymous visitation data, the market generated 370,800 total visits, with 159,500 entering downtown—an increase of 77 percent over the previous year. More than 81 percent of attendees traveled from outside Lawrenceville, with almost 11 percent coming from outside Georgia or internationally. Visitors represented 48 states across the country.
This marked the first year Downtown Lawrenceville hosted the event, which previously took place in Atlanta’s Buckhead area. The move to Lawrenceville resulted in strong results despite operating for fewer days than in 2024. The Christkindl Market is organized as a fundraiser by the German American Cultural Foundation, with the City of Lawrenceville providing significant municipal support including venue coordination, shuttle services, public safety staffing, sanitation services, and infrastructure support.
Mayor David Still commented on the event’s success: “The Atlanta Christkindl Market and Winterlight Walk showcased the very best of Lawrenceville. Building on our long-standing holiday traditions, the Christkindl Market elevated downtown Lawrenceville’s profile as a Christmas destination and delivered strong economic impact for local businesses.”
Organizers emphasized intentional planning around parking and walkability. Key arrival points such as the Fallen Heroes Memorial and Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center were integrated into access strategies with support from county transportation officials and the city’s EZ-2-PARK initiative. This included updated parking plans with color-coded lots and digital campaigns to help visitors navigate downtown during busy periods.
The event contributed positively to local businesses. Sixteen downtown businesses participated directly in the market while many vendors reported sales increases between 20 and 30 percent compared to last year. Some food vendors called it their most successful year ever.
Business owners expressed appreciation for hosting the event in Lawrenceville:
“The Christkindl Market was great for our employees and businesses. When we heard they selected Lawrenceville, our teams became very excited to decorate the stores and wear festive uniforms,” said Scott McCray of McCray’s Tavern and Perry Street Chophouse.
“The verdict is in! The Christkindl Market was such a success and an amazing blessing to all my businesses. We are very grateful for all the hard work and effort to bring the market to Lawrenceville,” said Bryan Mason of Boulder Creek.
“The Christkindl Market gave us the chance to meet and literally share a cup of tea with many people. Locals and visitors, young and old. It was a wonderful start to a beautiful holiday season! It was a pleasure to show them what Lawrenceville has to offer,” said Lindsay Mason of Becca’s Well Teahouse and Market.
“Having had the opportunity to work with the Christkindl Market was an amazing experience for my business and for me personally. I was able to reach a large number of people and expose them to my business,” said Ene Mandella of Nancy’s Candy & Spice.
Regional partnerships played a role as well; Gwinnett County offered free parking at its facilities during one of its highest-attended events ever held locally.
Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson stated: “Successful places are built through strong partnerships. Gwinnett County was proud to support the City of Lawrenceville at this year’s Christkindl Market, an event that brought hundreds of thousands of people to downtown Lawrenceville.”
On December 22, 2025, Atlanta Christkindl Market was named fourth most trending holiday market globally—ranking ahead of Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, among others.
Lawrenceville has focused on community growth through revitalization projects that enhance local heritage according to its official history page. The city also features sites like Gwinnett Historic Courthouse that contribute to cultural activities (source).
Looking forward, city officials plan discussions with organizers about bringing back future editions of this popular event.
