Naperville Christkindlmarket returns to Naper Settlement
Tradition takes center stage, memories of years past spring to mind and a fascination with handcrafted treasures abounds.
It's Christkindlmarket time in Naperville.
This year, 48 vendors stand ready to satisfy those seasonal cravings at the open-air European-style market that's making Naper Settlement its suburban outpost for the third time.
The market also operates in Chicago's Daley Plaza.
“It's our 22nd year in Chicago,” said Kate Bleeker, director of expansion and operations for German American Events, a branch of the German American Chamber of Commerce.
The Naperville Christkindlmarket opens Friday and continues through Dec. 24.
“We're really excited. There are five more vendors this year than we had last year,” Bleeker said.
Decadent Flavor, an Oak Park dessert maker, will offer mini doughnuts and gourmet coffees. Another new addition is Steinbach Volkskunst, a German company that produces wooden nutcrackers and figurines.
“We also will have pop-ups this year,” said Bleeker, referring to vendors that participate in the market for up to five days, then yield their space to others.
“We'll have all the traditional vendors our visitors have come to know and love,” Bleeker said.
Sweet Castle of Germany will offer nuts and chocolates. Kathe Wohlfahrt of America, a German purveyor of Christmas ornaments with an American headquarters in Minnesota, will be back again, too.
The mix will include Bavarian Workshop, a Munich-based vendor that offers handmade ornaments and decor; products made from honey from Bienes Honighaus of Augsburg, Germany; animal-themed figurines from The Dancing Wolf; Frank's Ornament House, a cabin filled with glass ornaments from Lauscha, Germany; wooden ornaments from Dresden; Pemberton Candies and Piccadilly Roasted Nuts, both from Tuttlingen, Germany; and toys from the Steiff company based in Giengen, Germany.
The market also will feature vendors from the Chicago area and other Midwest locations, as well as some from countries such as Canada, Ukraine, Krzygstan, Peru, Israel and Austria.
The Beer and Wine Lodge will offer brews and wines, including Gluhwein, a German mulled wine. Food will include baked cheese, spaetzle, bratwurst, potato pancakes, Belgian hot chocolate, doughnuts, waffles, chocolate and popcorn.
From 2 to 4 p.m. on Sundays, the Christkind will roam the grounds. The Christkind is a gift-giving character, similar to Santa Claus, celebrated in parts of Europe.
Live entertainers scheduled to perform include the Chicago Carolers, Naperville Chorus, a cappella group Court and Country, the True Colors Show Choir, which features adults with disabilities, a group from Metea Valley High School known as The Neighborhood Elves, the Center Stage Players, Barefoot Hawaiian Dancers and the HOTT Dance Company.
Dec. 9 is a special children's day with a visit from the Christkind and a lantern parade at 4:30 p.m.
A special event mug, specially designed for the Naperville Christkindlmarket, will be available for purchase.
“The mugs this year are heart-shaped,” Bleeker said, and will be inscribed with the words “Ich Liebe Christkindlmarket,” which translates to “I love Christkindlmarket.” Bleeker said empty mugs are priced at $6, while those filled with spiced wine, cider or hot chocolate will sell for $8 to $10.
The market coincides with the Naper Lights exhibit at Naper Settlement, a holiday-themed light show presented by the Rotary Club of Naperville-Sunrise. Admission to Christkindlmarket is free.
Bleeker said 275,000 people visited the Naperville market last year.
“It's become a really great family gathering place and holiday tradition for a lot of people,” Bleeker said.
Christkindlmarket
<b>Where:</b> Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville
<b>When:</b> 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 23 through Dec. 24; also open daily 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 17-21 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 24
<b>Admission:</b> Free
<b>Info:</b> <a href="http://www.christkindlmarket.com">www.christkindlmarket.com </a>