The name "Christkindlmarket" originates from the mythical tale of the Christkind (the name changes depending on regional provenance to the diminuitive like Christkindl, Christkindle, and Christkindel). She is a fairy-like being, dressed in a gold and white robe with a crown atop her golden locks. Depending on region and family tradition, either the "Christkind" (pronounced Kristkint) or the "Weihnachtsmann" (Father Christmas or better known as Santa Claus) will be the bearer of gifts.

The tradition of the Christkind is known among German-speaking countries including Germany, Austria and Switzerland, as well as in the Czech Republic, Italy, Liechtenstein, and even some South American countries.

The market has welcomed Nuremberg's former Christkind to the city of Chicago for the past thirteen winter holiday seasons. Every year, the Christkind, who serves as an official representative of the city of Nuremberg, opens the Chicago Christkindlmarket with her famous decree. Her participation in the Annual Grand Opening Ceremony has been a cherished tradition since 1997. The ceremony takes place on Daley Plaza on the first day of the Christkindlmarket after the official Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Johanna Heller, who was the Nuremberg Christkind between 2009 and 2010, is the official Christkind of the Christkindlmarket Chicago 2011-2012. Johanna was chosen to be the Christkind in Nuremberg on November 7th, 2009 by a jury when she was only 17-years old. Being the Christkind means for Johanna spreading the message of God.

Johanna was born in Lauf, a city near Nuremberg. Following in the footsteps of their parents, who are professional musicians, Johanna and her younger sisters are avid musicians. Not only does Johanna love to play piano or oboe in her free-time but she also wants to study music. Moreover, she likes dancing and skiing and is engaged in the church of Laufamholz.