Garden City’s historic Windsor Hotel has hosted many community events over the years as part of the ongoing Windsor Hotel Restoration Project. Each gathering aims to bring the community together while raising awareness and support for preserving the hotel. This December, the tradition continues with something completely new. The Finney County Preservation Alliance is presenting the very first Windsor Wintermärchen, an old-world Christmas market inspired by European holiday traditions. The event will take place on Dec. 5th and will feature shopping, food, warm drinks, and plenty of holiday spirit.
“It’s kind of fashioned after the Christmas markets you might find in Europe,” Finney County Preservation Alliance President Brian Nelson said. “That was our inspiration, at least.”
Vendors from around the area will set up booths inside and around the hotel, offering handmade items, treats, crafts and unique gifts just in time for the holidays. Organizers hope the Wintermärchen will become an annual tradition that grows each year.
On Dec. 6, 13 and 20, the hotel will also host Yuletide at the Windsor, a family friendly afternoon event from 2–4 p.m. Families can get in for $10 per person, and can stay as long as they like. “Santa Claus comes in, Mrs. Claus is there as well. It’s a meet-and-greet for little kids,” Nelson said. “There is also hot chocolate, sugar-cookie decorating and a children’s craft.” The goal of Yuletide is to create a cozy, welcoming environment for families to enjoy simple holiday fun while exploring one of Garden City’s most historic buildings. Students also play an important role in preparing the hotel for the season. Volunteers help decorate, organize supplies and set up displays for the different events.
“I’ve always loved volunteering, I’ve done it for a long time. When Mr. Nelson told me about the winter class, my freshman year, I was really excited to join, and then I finally got the opportunity to last semester last year, and it’s just been a ton of fun to keep going, so I thought, why stop?” Zane Sorensen Arts & Comm. junior said.
Many also say the decorating days are their favorite part of the whole experience.
“I think decorating the trees is always really fun because that’s when we get the most people coming in,” Zach Stabel Arts & Comm. senior said. “And it’s just fun to be part of it.”
Between the new Wintermärchen Market, the returning Yuletide celebrations, this December is shaping up to be one of the most festive yet at the Windsor Hotel. Organizers hope the events will not only bring joy to families but also inspire more people to support the restoration efforts that keep the historic building alive.
