Kris Kringle, an Americanized pronunciation and spelling of Christkindl
On opening nights (and in some towns more often) onlookers welcome the "Christkind" (originally boy Jesus, but more often depicted as an angel-like girl), acted out by a local child.
Christkind or Christkindl, the Austrian and German Christmas gift-bringer, the Christ Child
This is a time of religious preparation for the arrival of das Christkind (the Christ Child).
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In the more Catholic regions - primarily South Germany and Switzerland - this is considered the Christ Child (Christkind), while those in North Germany commonly considers it to be the Weihnachtsmann (Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus) who is exiting.
For children there is a Santa's house and more special themed events including a lantern parade; for adults there are daily live performances from local artists such as string and brass bands, soloists and school choirs at a central stage, and an opening ceremony with the original Christkind from Christkindlesmarkt Nuremberg, the City of Philadelphia's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and a German American weekend.