Special Events at the Christkindlmarket 2023

October 5, 2023

READ TIME 5 MIN – The holiday season is right around the corner, and we’re thrilled to unveil an array of special events at the Christkindlmarket Aurora and Chicago for those young and young at heart! Many of our visitor favorites are back, including the Children’s Lantern Parade, the exclusive Preview Party and Stammtisch. But there are also new events happening that many of you requested, like our Fast Entry Pass at the Christkindlmarket Chicago and Twinkly Thursdays at the Christkindlmarket Aurora.

Read the details about all of our enchanting events that will make your experience at the Christkindlmarkets truly unforgettable. Join us for a season filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories. It’s time to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in style!

‘Twas the Night Before Christkindlmarket Preview Party

Christkindlmarket Chicago, November 16th, 5pm

Join us on November 16th for an exclusive sneak peek at the Christkindlmarket Chicago at Daley Plaza before it officially opens its doors to the public! Be among the first to stroll the festive aisles, eat delectable treats, explore charming handcrafted gifts, and savor the aroma of mulled wine and holiday delights. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the Christkind and Santa. Tickets for this extraordinary evening usually sell out within a few weeks. Secure your spot for the event of the season. This year, we’re bringing even more magic to the night with special entertainment by Ballet 5:8. Your ticket includes a souvenir mug, two drink tickets, an entrée and a dessert to make your night truly special. Get ready for an evening filled with delights! Get your tickets now and make unforgettable memories at the ‘Twas the Night Before Christkindlmarket Preview Party!

Skip the Line & Secure Your Mug with Fast Entry Pass

Christkindlmarket Chicago, every Saturday & Sunday

We know your weekends are precious, so why spend them waiting in line to enter the market? We heard you and are finally offering a Fast Entry Pass at the Christkindlmarket Chicago at Daley Plaza for the first time! The Fast Entry Pass is exclusively available on Saturdays and Sundays and allows you to enter the market through a dedicated entrance within a 30-minute timeslot that you get to pick! And that’s not all – you also secure your mug with this pass and don’t have to worry about it selling out before you get to visit the market! The pass will be available from 11am to 8pm on Saturdays and from 11am to 7pm on Sundays. Only a very limited number of passes will be available to make sure you can get in without having to wait, so make sure to buy your Fast Entry Pass ahead of time for your weekend of choice here.

Receptions at the Christkindlmarket

Christkindlmarket Chicago, Mondays through Wednesdays

Looking for a unique and cozy venue for your next event? At the Christkindlmarket Chicago you can now book receptions for groups of up to 100 people at our heated Timber Haus and Timber Tent. Whether it’s a corporate gathering, a holiday party, or a special celebration, the Timber Haus and Timber tent provide the perfect setting for a memorable event. Located in the heart of the Christkindlmarket, you and your guests will be surrounded by the festive atmosphere and the charm of our traditional German holiday market. You can book receptions at the Christkindlmarket Mondays through Wednesdays during the market’s opening hours. Plus, you also have the chance to stroll the market before or after your reception. You can find more detailed information here receptions | chicago .

Stammtisch Reserved Tables

Christkindlmarket Chicago, Thursdays through Sundays

Stammtisch is finally back in 2023 – with new packages! Gather your friends, family, or colleagues for an unforgettable experience inside the heated festively decorated Timber Haus at the Christkindlmarket Chicago! There are 12 tables available that can each seat up to 8 people. For each table, it is possible to pick from four packages (starting at $200) that include German food and drink favorites, served family-style in our cozy, heated Timber Haus. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a casual get-together, or simply enjoying a night out with friends and family, our reserved table program ensures a warm, welcoming, and festive atmosphere for your group! A highlight of our offerings is the Bavarian Brotzeit, a sampling of cold cuts, sausages, and cheeses, our German-style Christkindlmarket twist on charcuterie. It’s a culinary experience you won’t want to miss! Each Stammtisch package includes a 90-minute table reservation and the option to order additional drinks on-site. Book your table here.

Family Fun at the Lantern Parade

Christkindlmarket Aurora, Nov. 26th, 5pm & Dec. 10th, 5pm

Join the Christkind on a luminous journey as she strolls the market with those young and young at heart while singing German and American holiday at the Christkindlmarket Aurora at RiverEdge Park. This family-friendly event will be a heartwarming celebration of the season’s spirit. Don’t miss the chance to create cherished memories with your loved ones at the Christkindlmarket Aurora’s Lantern Parade. Join us for an evening of festive magic and joy! Tickets include a lantern and a goodie bag. You can purchase your tickets here.

Entertainment at the Christkindlmarket

Christkindlmarkets Aurora, Chicago & Wrigleyville, every week

Get ready for special live performances at the Christkindlmarket Aurora, Chicago, and Wrigleyville! Every week, there will be exciting entertainment to enhance your visit to the market. From traditional alpine brass music to a capella groups and dancers – there will be music and magic in the air. For details about the upcoming entertainment schedule at each location, visit our event calendar on our website.

Twinkly Thursdays at the Christkindlmarket Aurora

RiverEdge Park, every Thursday during the market season

Join us for Twinkly Thursdays at the Christkindlmarket Aurora, where holiday magic meets tradition! Every Thursday, visitors can experience special free and ticketed family-friendly activities in the City of Light. Watch expert glass blowers create beautiful Christmas ornaments and decorative items, and even try your hand at crafting your own. Looking for a personal, customized Christmas gift? Stop by our poets who will surprise you with their skills when typing up unique poems on their typewriters for you to take home! And, don’t forget to indulge your inner child with professional face painting, seasonally inspired inside our cozy heated tent. Other fun activities like scavenger hunts and more will be announced soon. Make Twinkly Thursdays your new holiday tradition at the Christkindlmarket Aurora!