Shopping this year for the perfect gift in Switzerland, Germany or Austria won’t necessarily require a passport or an expensive plane ticket. All it takes is a visit to Turner Hall of Monroe’s annual Christkindlmarkt on the Friday and Saturday right after Thanksgiving.

Turner Hall's Christkindlmarkt, held indoors, will feature the work of select artisans and vendors, with unique, affordable and quality gifts. Shoppers will find a variety of items including fiber and fabric arts, candles, soaps, woodworking, rugs, jewelry, home décor and Christmas decorations as well as specifically European items such as Scherenschnitte (scissor cuttings) and Kerbschnitte (chip-carving in wood). For a complete listing of this year's vendors, click here.

Samichlaus, Switzerland's version of St. Nick, will be making appearances at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm both days of the market, visiting with children and shoppers, and checking his large book of the year's past infractions! Children of all ages should be on the lookout for Samichlaus' partner, Schmutzli, who makes sure children haven't been too naughty during the year! You can see a video of Samichlaus and Schmutzli at a past Christkindlmarkt here.

The Old World ambiance of the Turner Hall of Monroe provides the perfect backdrop for this unique European-style Christmas market. The Christkindlmarkt, or literally translated, Christ-Child Market, is a traditional outdoor German Christmas market with origins dating back to the 14th century. One of the most famous and oldest markets, which was first officially recorded in 1628, is held annually in Nuremberg. Christkindlmarkts take place in many cities throughout Germany, attracting millions of visitors, as well as in areas of the United States where immigrants brought the tradition with them.

Also part of the market, homemade Swiss baked goods and traditional Glüwein (hot spiced wine), will offer Christkindlmarkt shoppers a chance to relax and take in the holiday atmosphere. The lower level Ratskeller Restaurant will also be open both days of the market from 11 am - 8 pm.

Treat yourself to the experience this year, and you'll want to make the Christkindlmarkt one of your holiday shopping traditions every year!