We Visit Chicago's Christmas Market

NEW! UPDATED for 2009: Scroll down!
On the evening after Thanksgiving we went to the Christmas Market in downtown Chicago. We thought it would be fun to see it again. There isn't much that is new, but there seems to be an increase in the number of evergreens which makes it smell very good. Since the Chicago Chriskindlmarket is patterned after the one in Nuremburg, Germany, all the huts (that 's the German term for what you might call "booths") are red and white. There are some tasty things to eat and drink, and yesterday we had the leberkaese, which looks like a meat loaf but tastes like a hotdog. It's often the cheapest option in Germany, but in Chicago it is expensive. If you are budgeting, there is a McDonald's across the street which is much cheaper.
This year, there are more lights and figurines, which make the market more attractive. This is an outside walk- around-and-shop activity, including shopping for food and beverage. The gluhwein was expensive, and you had to keep the cup. Also, it was not too warm. I would suggest the cider, and maybe a flask, for a better drink.

Just when we were about to leave, some street musicians playing Christmas jazz showed up. After a little bit, a man clutching a large bag of popcorn--who sang and danced--also appeared. It wasn't clear whether or not he was part of the original group, but it all worked out fine. I had my camera with me, so I can share the moment as well as the photos I took. Hope you enjoy the video. I liked the music and dance!


2009 UPDATE: Information about Chicago's 2009 Christmas Market is now available online in both English and German, with information on vendors as well as food and drink. An events schedule has been posted. Nuremberg's Christkindl, the young girl with golden hair dressed as an angel (or, as the Germans put it, a fairy-like being, dressed in a gold and white robe with a crown atop her golden locks), will once again travel to Chicago to deliver the official opening ceremony poem in German and English on November 27, the day after Thanksgiving, beginning at 4PM.There also is still time to sign your children up for a fun event new this year: a lantern parade at the market! There is a wider variety of German food available this year, and the currywurst (a cut-up bratwurst covered in curried ketchup sauce and curry powder), a popular German snack, makes its first appearance!

Interested in Christmas Markets in Germany? Click here for Wilmette's report!