Christkindlmarket Naperville opens at Naper Settlement
Christkindlmarket Chicago will open its only suburban location in a community with strong German roots when the outdoor market opens Friday, Nov. 25, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville.
Open through Friday, Dec. 24, the market will operate from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. The week of Christmas, the hours will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 19-23 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 24.
Christkindlmarket models itself after the Nuremberg Christkindlmarket, one of Germany's oldest outdoor markets, dating back to the mid-16th century. The Christkind, a fairylike girl who is the bearer of gifts to most children in German speaking countries, is the namesake of Christkindlmarket.
Seeking ways to promote trade between the United States and Germany, the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest Inc. initiated a partnership with city officials of Nuremberg and invited companies from Germany and the Chicago area to participate in the first Christkindlmarket Chicago in 1996. The market was an instant success.
"Due to the growing popularity in the suburban market, we were looking for a location to really grow and expand and make it the market that people wanted," said Kate Bleeker, manager of German American events.
Christkindlmarket Naperville will have 35 vendors with three walk-in shopping tents. Vendors and tents will sell goods that include handblown glass ornaments, traditional German holiday décor, beer steins, and sweet and savory treats. Admission is free.
For more information on the market, contact www.christkindlmarket.com/naperville or (630) 420-6010.
Parking will be available at Naper Settlement's parking lot on Porter Avenue.
On the weekends and weekdays after 4 p.m., visitors can also park at Centennial Beach, the municipal center on Aurora Avenue, the Water Street parking garage, Naperville Central High School and along Hillside Road.
On weekdays, visitors can park at the Water Street parking garage and Centennial Beach. There also will be a shuttle running on Saturdays and Sundays from the Naperville Metra station to Naper Settlement. The shuttle will be $2 to use each way.