Christkindlmarket Chicago
WHAT:Christkindlmarket Chicago
WHEN: November 20 – December 24, 2012
WHERE: Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington)
HOST: German American Services, Inc (a subsidiary of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest)
OUR RATING: Do It!
In the spirit of the season, we ventured to the centre of Chicago and explored the institution that is the Christkindlmarket. For those of you who don’t know, Christkindlmarket is a traditional German-American outdoor market that appears every year on the Daley Plaza in Downtown Chicago. Inspired by the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, which began in 1545, Chicago’s version of the market was first held in 1996, and has been held every year since. Bringing the European tradition of Christmas to the bitterly cold Midwest, such a market is not out of place in this wintery city.
Photo courtesy of Christkindlmarket Chicago
Adam: As we wandered through the quaint little town of temporary stalls and heated cabins, one cannot help but be transported to the heart of Europe, full of traditions of all sorts, from the beers of Schonwald and the Gluhwein of Nuremberg, to the stollen of Dinkel’s Bakery (which Alicia insists we go back for, particularly the Pecan strudel the Chicagoist raves about), Chicago and onto the more exotic heights of Nepal and Ecuador for some warm native goods. You don’t have to be German or even Christian to appreciate the artistry of some of the products on offer here, with entire stores dedicated to holiday ornaments that vary from the everyday (reindeer and stars) to the slightly bizarre (hamburgers and fries). While prices are steep, with ornaments setting you back at least $5 for the smallest of pieces, enthusiasts will revel in the sheer variety and quality offered.
Some of the more notable vendors included Honey Bee Enterprises, selling a variety of bee-based goodies, Fehrenbach Family Cuckoo Clocks, Dinkel’s Bakery (slices of stollen or strudel at $3–a great deal!), Teagschwendner, and, of course, the numerous stalls wafting delicious scents our way.
Alicia: And who can travel their way through this German market without grabbing a boot full of glühwein (hot mulled wine) or cold German beer? We could, but that doesn’t mean you should. You might want to grab a pint to go with those steaming hot plates of sauerkraut you just can’t take your eyes off of.
For the little ones, staff hand out Christkind Crowns and Passport activity books everyday to provide some extra entertainment. Or, visit Santa’s House (Fri, Sat & Sun until Dec 23, and X-Mas Eve). Plus, you can’t miss the giant Christmas tree, perhaps the most spectacular focal point of the market.
Yes, everything is overpriced and just not quite up to par with my family’s German cooking, but it really does hit the spot and bring back memories of my Grandfather’s sauerkraut and weißwürste, and of the beautiful glass-blown and hand-carved wood ornaments we placed on the tree every Christmas when I was growing up. I go back to Christkindlmarket every year and it only serves to ignite my passion for my heritage and my family traditions.
Photo courtesy of Christkindlmarket Chicago
The final say: Need we say more? Grab a friend or loved one and share in the holiday spirit. The warm weather is calling to you.