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Special Events at the 2024 Christkindlmarkets

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READ TIME 3 MINS – The holiday season is fast approaching in the Chicagoland area, and we’re excited to once again announce a variety of special events at the Christkindlmarket Aurora and Christkindlmarket Chicago, perfect for all ages! Many beloved activities are returning, including our exclusive Preview Party at Daley Plaza, ‘Twas the Night Before Christkindlmarket, and other fan favorites like the Holiday Ornament Glassblowing Workshops, Wine Tasting, and Children’s Lantern Parade in Aurora. For the first time ever, we are adding on a new fun event that allows you to get a glimpse behind the scenes:  Our new Culture and Cheer Tours at the Christkindlmarket Chicago. Join us for festive fun and memorable experiences this holiday season!

Discover all the enchanting events that will make your experience at the Christkindlmarkets unforgettable. Join us for a season packed with happiness and unforgettable moments. Check out the details below to plan your perfect holiday experience and reserve your spots while you can, all of these events are ticketed and limited! 

Christkindlmarket Chicago Events

‘Twas the Night Before Christkindlmarket

Join us for an exclusive sneak peek of the Christkindlmarket Chicago on Thursday, November 21st, from 5:00 to 8:30 PM at the special “‘Twas the Night Before Christkindlmarket” opening event. Enjoy early access to the market before it opens to the public and be among the first to experience everything it has to offer. Guests will explore the market in a more intimate setting, receive the 2024 Boot Mug first, enjoy special entertainment, and get to meet and take pictures with the Christkind and Santa. Tickets for this evening sell out fast, so don’t miss your opportunity to be part of this highly anticipated event!  Click here to purchase your tickets on Eventbrite now!

Culture & Cheer Tours

Join a behind-the-scenes tour with our German-speaking guides, during which you learn about more about the history, events and vendors of the Christkindlmarket Chicago! Join us Fridays through Sundays from 10:15 AM to 11:00 AM for an educational but fun and festive journey at Daley Plaza before the market opens to the public. Each tour also features a “Deutschminute”—a short German language lesson for those wanting to learn authentic holiday phrases. Your tour ticket includes a goodie bag filled with a variety of Christkindlmarket treats, including one of our souvenir boot mugs and a hot chocolate voucher! Spots are limited to 36 per tour, so be sure to reserve your ticket now on Eventbrite!

The Christkind greets visitors at the preview party for the Christkindlmarket Chicago
Christkindlmarket Friends cheering with mugs
Wine tasting on Skydeck in Aurora
The glass blowing vendor at the Aurora market

Christkindlmarket Aurora Events

German and Austrian Wine Tasting 

Experience stunning views of the enchanting Christkindlmarket and Downtown Aurora while indulging in our Wine Tastings of imported German and Austrian hot and cold wines, featuring unique Glühwein flavors available exclusively at this Christkindlmarket event.  As a special bonus, after your tasting, you’ll receive a 2024 Boot Mug and a voucher for a mulled wine that you can get at any of the bars at the market once you’re done with the tasting. As the event sold out so fast in 2023, we’re adding an additional day and hours this year! The two wine tastings will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, and Saturday, December 21, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM on the SkyDeck at RiverEdge Park in one-hour time slots. This ticketed experience is for guests aged 21 and older only. Purchase your tickets here to secure your spot, limited availability!

Children’s Lantern Parades

We have exciting events for families and kids of all ages at the Christkindlmarket Aurora at RiverEdge Park! Celebrate German traditions with our enchanting lantern parades, inspired by the St. Martin celebration. This ticketed event allows children to carry battery-operated paper lanterns while parading, and sing carols with the Christkind, the namesake of the market. After the parade, each child will receive a goodie bag. The lantern parades will take place in Aurora on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 14, starting at 4:30 PM. You can also dress your little one as their favorite holiday character for a chance to win in our Children’s Costume Showcase! Tickets are available here, limited spots available.

Holiday Ornament Glassblowing Workshop

The beloved glassblowing workshop is back in 2024 – with more days, spots and shapes to choose from this season! Join talented artisans from Ikonic Glass to craft your own stunning ornament. Choose your ornament’s shape and colors, and with expert guidance, you’ll create a personalized piece over a torch flame in just 20 minutes. Don’t miss this chance to make a special holiday treasure! Workshops are available Thursday through Sunday from November 22 to December 8, and daily from December 12 to 23. Tickets are limited, click here to reserve yours today on Eventbrite for this memorable experience!

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