PRONSTORF CHRISTMAS MARKET
From 23. November 2012
Termine: 23.- 25.11., 30.11.-02.12., 07.-09.12., 14.-16.12.
Friday · Saturday · Sunday
from 11.00 a.m.–6.00 p.m.
Admission fee: EUR 4.00, on Fridays EUR 2.00,
children and young people admitted free of charge!
Merry Christmas
The renovation work on the estate’s buildings has now been finished; everything is looking its best.
To achieve this, the estate resembled a large construction site for a long time. Both the gatehouse and the outdoor spaces have been given a facelift. Four barns, all of them built between 1968 and 1982, were knocked down, then asphalt and concrete surfacing was removed from a 3,000 m² courtyard area. Approximately 1,000 m² of paths were newly laid out and paved with cobbles. The project also created approximately 3,500 m² of green space and enabled 40 lime trees to be planted. The gatehouse’s original archway has been restored, while the roof has been retiled and has regained its dormer windows. Surviving historical construction plans were used as a model. Masonry was restored with historic stone, meaning that the gatehouse has been restored to its former glory.
Visitors will find a large courtyard complex consisting of a barn originally used for storing oats, the Kuhhaus, the Torhaus, the Kutschstall and the Kavalierhaus (a separate building and former accommodation for staff and guests). The estate’s centrepiece is the baroque manor house, built in 1728. ■
A village within the village
For Pronstorfer Weihnacht (Christmas market), a stunning, self-contained village of huts is established in the tree-lined garden, resembling little Swedish wooden cabins. Stallholders present their exquisite goods here. In the children’s barn, Mr and Mrs Krainbrink always have something to keep the little ones entertained. Here, children can romp around and climb, stroke pet rabbits, and listen to Punch and Judy stories or fairy tales. There is plenty for children to do! At nightfall, Strubbelchen – our little Christmas pony – pays a visit with his elves. ■
Heaven-sent gifts
The lovingly restored buildings and the wintry park of the estate have all sorts of surprises in store for adults and children, young and old. Watch while skilled craftsmen and women or imaginative artists create masterpieces made from glass, clay, wood, cardboard, metal, porcelain, fabric, leather and gold. With approximately 100 stalls, you are bound to find the ideal gift for your loved ones – from unique antiques to handcrafted items and exquisite rare treasures. Stalls selling natural products are particularly popular among visitors and stock everything imaginable, including oils, honey, cheese, flower arrangements, game from the local forest, freshly smoked fish, pesto, biscuits, freshly baked bread, jams and specialities made from pumpkin seeds.
The attic floor in the Kuhhaus offers a taste of the heaven-sent gifts on offer, decorated by the lady of the manor herself. A festively adorned table with a magical selection of festive scents and ideal gifts for children will wow you and get you in the Christmas spirit.
Our exhibitors include: Blazer by Design, Brigitte von Boch, Goldschmiede von Bötticher (goldsmiths), Galerie Landleben (country-inspired accessories), historic Christmas tree decorations from Lauscha, beautiful ASIA, RoseArt, John & Jork, Chez Elles, Ammerländer Binsenstühle (chairs with rush seats), Antik & Gartencenter Kaltenkirchen, Herrnhuter Sterne (Christmas star decorations), Tools & Garden, spanische Stiefel (Spanish boots), Flechtanker, Ambiente, Lampenatelier Weden, Pionera Design, Silber von der Wense (silverware for dining) and many more. ■
Come and dine in the Kutschstall
Once again this year, the team will spoil their guests with delicious Christmas dishes served by the crackling fireplace. The menu features traditional dishes such as curly kale, braised leg of goose or local roast venison.
Open until 10.00 p.m. during the Pronstorfer Weihnacht. For enquiries regarding large group bookings, please contact: info@gutpronstorf.de. ■
The ladies of Pronstorf and their secret recipes
The air is filled with the delicious scent of pomanders, roast almonds and tangy mulled wine. The ladies of Pronstorf use secret recipes to bake delicious cakes, which you can taste at “Alter Pferdestall” (the old stables) in the gatehouse. Try tempting regional delicacies, from rustic grilled meat to Pronstorf-style venison steak, jacket potatoes with sour cream and shrimps, or pea soup – and mulled wine is a must, of course. ■
Twinkling Herrnhut stars as far as the eye can see
Children’s dreams come alive once again with a pony ride along the tree-lined drive towards the manor house. Magicians and elves have plenty of delights in store – not just for children. Throughout the estate grounds, beautiful Herrnhut stars light visitors’ way after nightfall. Cast iron fire baskets with dancing flames create a wonderful atmosphere and provide welcome heat. If you’re lucky, you might even see a little Christmas elf. ■
Traditional Christmas tree chopping
And there is more: Pronstorf also cultivates the traditional practice of Christmas tree chopping, allowing you to choose your tree out in the open countryside and cut it fresh from the forest. Discerning customers gladly come again and fetch their Christmas tree directly from the forester. Many a businessman has also discovered this experience and invites his clients to join in. Then off they go into the forest equipped with a saw. While the tree is waiting in a net at the exit after the job is done, you can stop off for a chat at the gatehouse with mulled wine and other festive treats. ■
| Admission fee: | EUR 4.00, on Fridays EUR 2.00, children and young people admitted free of charge (Should you buy a Christmas tree, the cost of one admission ticket will be refunded against the price) |
| Dates: | 26/11–28/11, 03/12–05/12, 10/12–12/12, 17/12–19/12 |
| Open: | 11.00 a.m.–6.00 p.m. |
| Parking: | free of charge (there are no parking facilities for coach tours on Sundays) |