Preschool-12 Dual Language Education in
Two Locations in the Bay Area

GISSV's 10th Annual (reboot) German Holiday Market

GISSV's 10th Annual (reboot) German Holiday Market

What an extraordinary day it was! Once again a wonderful event! Together, we accomplished so much.

The collective efforts of parents, students, faculty, and staff from our modestly sized school to orchestrate a large "Weihnachtsmarkt" in a single day were truly remarkable.

On Saturday, December 9, 2023, thousands gathered in downtown Mountain View to partake in the celebration of an authentic German "Weihnachtsmarkt." Once again, the heart of Mountain View hosted this remarkable event, and with a slightly new layout, the 2023 GISSV Holiday Market surpassed the size of previous years. The market sprawled from City Hall Plaza and Pioneers Park into Castro Street and Mercy Street.

The event was a spectacular production, featuring a diverse entertainment schedule showcasing the talents of our school community. Delightful food and drinks, enjoyable amusement games, crafts, and activities brought joy to our guests. The array of handmade items, including toys, ornaments, and sweet treats from vendors, contributed to a unique and enjoyable holiday shopping experience.

Heartfelt thanks to every helping hand! The combined efforts of our school community were instrumental in the success of the German Holiday Market, spanning event preparation, word-of-mouth promotion, market volunteering, stage performances, set-up and take-down assistance, and enthusiastic attendance. Your dedication made the 10th annual (reboot) German Holiday Market a resounding success, and we take immense pride in being part of the industrious and supportive GISSV community. In every aspect, 2023 marked the best success yet!

Each individual's significant, small, or meaningful contributions made this achievement possible. Our deepest gratitude extends to the remarkable Holiday Market organizers and team leaders whose tireless dedication, hard work, and positive spirit brought this blockbuster event to life. This is GISSV! While the German Holiday Market serves as a fundraiser for GISSV, it equally highlights our school's exceptional cultural profile, representing traditions not only from Germany but from around the world.

A special appreciation goes to Mayor Alison Hicks and Consul General Oliver Schramm for officially opening the Holiday Market alongside Head of School Gerald Miebs and Board President Dr. Horst Groesser. Your support added to the festive spirit of this exceptional event.


Photos by Andrea Rowe: