Chicago’s best holiday village is back to help you get in the spirit.
A little bit of Germany returns with Christkindlmarket Chicago. For the 20th year this tiny European village pops up in the heart of the city with over 50 vendors in their traditional wooden huts selling one-of-a-kind holiday ornaments, toys, beer steins, jewelry, and more along with sweet treats and delicious food. Christkindlmarket is as authentic as it can get with over 65 percent of the vendors flying in from Germany. The strudel, schnitzel, sausages, and imported beer will also help bring out the German culture. For the real cold days make sure to take advantage of the glühwein (hot spiced wine) inside the Grand Timber House and Festival Tent.
The strudel and glühwein not German enough for you? How about the rotating array of musicians and performers that will grace the market like the Alpine Brass Band, Glen Sorgatz Phenix Trio, and the name sake and gift-bringer of the market Christkind. There will also be some non-German entertainment like the Apollo Chorus of Chicago, Barefoot Hawaiian Dancers, and some college a cappella groups.
Don’t forget to bring the kids to enjoy Kinder Korner where they can participate in some holiday arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, and visits from Christkind. In addition, for those who might not be able to make it into the city they can still enjoy the magical tradition in Oak Brook at the Oakbrook Center. In Oak Brook you can find the same German spiced wine, beer, food, and gifts along with a a special selection of vendors from the Christkindlmarket Chicago.
Christkindlemarket Chicago will run Friday, Nov. 20 — Thursday, Dec. 24 at the Daley Plaza located at 50 W. Washington St. The market opens from Sunday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. For a full schedule of events and more information visit christkindlmarket.com.
Christkindlmarket Oakbrook opens Friday, Nov. 27 – Thursday, Dec. 24 at Oakbrook Center located at 100 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL. The market will be open Thursdays – Sundays. The hours are Thursdays, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; and Sundays, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information on Christkindlmarket Oakbrook at christkindlmarket.com/oakbrook.
