DUBLIN, Ohio — Christkindlmarkt Dublin is accepting applications for its inaugural Christkind Scholarship Program, inviting high school and college students to apply to serve as the market’s 2026 Christkind, a traditional Christmas figure in many German-speaking communities.

The program will award a $1,000 first-prize scholarship and two $500 runner-up scholarships. Applications are due in early October with panel interviews to follow shortly thereafter.

The selected Christkind will welcome guests, participate in market and community appearances, and help introduce visitors to the traditions behind a German Christmas market. The selected student must be available throughout the market season, including VIP Day on Nov. 18 and the Opening Ceremony on Nov. 21.

Applicants must submit an essay of at least 500 words that researches the history and meaning of the Christkind and shares what it would mean to bring the tradition to life in Dublin. The essay also asks students to reflect on how they would help create a welcoming experience for market guests.

The scholarship program is connected to founder and CEO Maria Adele Rosenfeld’s own experience as a Congress-Bundestag Scholarship recipient. Rosenfeld spent a year with a host family near Hamburg, where she experienced her first Christmas season in Germany and visited her first German Christmas market.

“That experience introduced me to traditions that stayed with me long after I returned home,” said Rosenfeld. “The Christkind Scholarship Program gives a student the opportunity to learn about those traditions, represent the market in the community and help make visitors feel welcome.”

The Christkind Scholarship Program is open to eligible high school and college students. Complete requirements, application materials, and appearance expectations are available on the Christkind Scholarship page at ChristkindlmarktDublin.com.