The Christkind
History of the Christkind
The Christkind, a fairy-like being dressed in gold and white robes with a crown upon her golden locks, is the namesake of the Christkindlmarket. Christkind folklore dates back to the 1500s and stems from traditional customs: parades during the holiday season were guided by one “grand” angel, the Christkind. Since then, and still today, she is the bearer of gifts to most children in German-speaking countries, much like Santa Claus is in the United States. Traditionally, gifts are exchanged December 24th and delivered by the Christkind, who leaves them under the Christmas tree and disappears before the children can catch a glimpse of her.
Chicago’s Own Christkind
While the Christkind from Nuremberg, Germany has visited the Chicago market in previous years during the first weekend of the market, 2013 marked the first year of the original Chicago Christkind. Since then, the Christkind has been part of the Grand Opening Ceremony at the Preview Party, reciting her prologue translated from the original German, to welcome visitors to the Christkindlmarket Chicago. Those young and young at heart have had the opportunity to meet and take pictures with the Christkind in previous years as she roamed the market, sharing German holiday traditions. The Christkind is also part of the popular Kinder Club programming. This year, she will make virtual appearances during the Christkind Story Time, every Sunday at 2pm from November 20th – December 24th. You can watch the video in the Gallery section of the website and learn more about German culture and customs.
