Traditional holiday markets selling crafts, artisanal food, holiday decorations and gifts are a hallmark of old world European travel but you don't actually need to cross continents to experience the festivities. A quick jaunt to the Windy City is all that's required for a glimpse of French and German holiday markets.
Christkindlmarket Chicago is based upon the historic Christkindlmarket of Nuremburg, Germany which started in 1545. A Chicago tradition since 1996, it's the city's largest open air Christmas festival and a favorite of both locals and visitors. German vendors and performers transform downtown's Daley Plaza into a glittering spectacle of wooden toys, spice and clove wreaths, bratwurst, stollen and mugs full of gluhwein or hot, spiced wine.
The opening of Christkindlmarket on November 21 kicks off the official holiday season in Chicago. A towering Christmas tree is illuminated in the plaza and Santa's house opens from November 25-December 24. There are other kind friendly activities, including collecting stamps in the Christkindlmarket passport and scavenger hunts. Of course, the traditional focus of the market is the Christkind, the fairy dressed in gold and white robes with a crown topping her blond curls. In the German tradition, it is the Christkind who leaves gifts under the Christmas tree, disappearing before children can spot her. Chicago's own Christkind strolls the market, telling Christmas stories and sharing German holiday traditions.
With candy-striped roofs and lights twinkling everywhere, the Christkindlmarket is one of the prettiest Chicago holiday traditions. I like shopping for hand-crafted gifts while munching on gingerbread and sipping on glühwein but another hallmark of the festival are the performers. You can enjoy everything from alpine brass bands to carolers and Waldorf school musicians, all while shopping non-stop.
Chicago's French holiday market, Marche De Noel, is a newer tradition that arrived with the opening of the year-round French market in 2009. The city's first and only year-round, European-inspired indoor market, it features a curated selection of 30 artisanal vendors offering baked goods, fresh fish and meat, cheeses and prepared meals.
The Marche De Noel tradition can be traced back to 440 years ago to Strasbourg, France where the tradition continues. Chicago's Marche De Noel features 16 artists showcasing toys, jewelry, photographs and handmade accessories. The fest runs through Dec. 23 and supplies one-stop shopping for holiday parties and events.
The beauty of the French holiday market is that it takes place indoors. If you have ever ventured into Chicago during December, you will know why this is a winning point. Not only does the market provide French charm and gastronomic expertise but it shields visitors from the vicious winds and snow that threaten to dampen the spirit of even the jolliest holiday makers.
My favorite thing is to eat an extravagant lunch from a few of the market's 20-odd restaurants, topping it off with a healthy smattering of macaroons while, watching the wind whip outside. Well fortified, I can then tackle several items on my gift list. If none of the gifts catch my eye, there are always good bottles of wine or gourmet chocolates to choose from. Whatever the spoils, my fingers and cheeks are always unfrozen and warm, which is an unusual Chicago holiday treat.
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