According to National Geographic, Christmas markets began in the 15th century specifically in 1434 in Germany. Throughout the years they have now become a staple of this time of year with their sweet smells, glowing lights, and wonderful sounds. With these wonderful traditions and attractions it is no surprise that America has adopted the markets and some of the most prominent markets can be found right here in Chicago. The two markets that will be discussed during this article are the Christkindlmarket and One of a Kind Show as they are two of the most visited markets in the ChicagoLand Area.
Christkindlmarket
The first Christkindlmarket opened in 1996 at the Pioneer Court with only thirteen vendor booths. With the market growing in knowledge to the public throughout the years the market has been able to expand. The market has now grown to 55 vendors in 2024. Starting in 1997 the Christkindlmarket moved operations to the Daley Plaza which is where they have had the market every year since.
The market this year will have two locations, one in downtown Chicago at the Daley Plaza and one in Aurora at RiverEdge Park. The address for the market at the Daley Plaza is 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602 and the address for the market in Aurora is 360 N Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505. Both locations share a phone number and website as well. The phone number is 312-494-2175 and the website is christkindlmarket.com. The market opens at both locations on November 22nd, the Chicago market is open daily until December 24th and the Aurora market will be open Thursdays – Sundays also until December 24th.
The market is well known for their large number of vendors which include the signature stands every year. Some of the signatures in the Chicago location this year include German food stands that have Schnitzel, Bratwurst, Potato Pancakes, Roasted Nuts and many more classics. However the market also offers local and international food stands, including Chiya Chai with Nepalese specialties, like Chai, and Baked Cheese, known for their raclette sandwiches. In Aurora, there will be a variety of international vendors, offering Dutch pancakes, waffles, Belgian fries, Pierogi and so much more. There are also vendors that don’t offer food but do offer handmade trinkets that you will be sure to love.
Along with these vendors there will also be a surplus of live performances at the locations. Live performances at both markets span from brass bands, carolers to ballet dancers and acapella groups. There will also be guided Behind-the-Scenes Tours at the Chicago market and glassblowing workshops at the market in Aurora.
A main attraction of the Christkindlmarket is the different souvenir cup design that the market has each year. This year the two cup designs are the boot and the nutcracker.
One of the best parts about the Christkindlmarket is that admission is completely free every year during every visit. However, attractions such as the vendors and cups mentioned above are items that you will have to purchase at the market.
As the Christkindlmarket’s representative Leila Schimmt describes the market, “Strolling around and taking in all the beautiful lights, smells, sounds and the whole atmosphere is what makes the whole experience so magical.” That is the message that the Christkindlmarket wants you to know when considering visiting them this winter season.
One of a Kind Show/Market
The first One of a Kind Show in Chicago happened in 2001 but started in Toronto about 50 years ago. The show website states how the show started as, “2 friends who wanted to provide a community for artists to connect with each other and a platform for artists to present their work to those who appreciated handmade, unique art.”
Since coming to Chicago in 2001 the show has operated at the same area every year as well as operating on similar dates. The One of a Kind Show operates on the 7th floor of The Mart which the show’s website describes as, “a world class design center and home to creative and technologically innovative companies.” The address for the show this year is THE MART, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 470, Chicago, IL 60654 and the phone number is 312-527-4141. As for the dates that the show will be open this year, the show will take place from December 5th – December 8th as it is always scheduled for the first weekend of December. Admission for the show is fifteen dollars for re-entry for all four days and anyone who is below the age of 12 is free to enter the market. This means that if you were to purchase a ticket to the show you would be able to re-enter the show for all four days of operation.
A huge staple of the show is the different vendors. The show’s website states the vendors’ part of the show as, “a high energy experience and an exciting way to shop for unique gifts and art for yourself and others. With over 650 artists and makers spanning 20+ categories, expect to spend a full day meeting and shopping, eating and being entertained.” As for food there are 50 gourmet artists that will be offering samples and food for purchase this year at the show as well as various cafeterias throughout the area that will also be offering food options.
An interesting component of these vendors are the diversity and process to become a vendor at the show. The show describes the process as, “Vendors are required to submit applications which share their background, experience, skills, training as well as images of their work and presentation. A jury reviews all applications inviting artists based on quality, uniqueness, and presentation. This year, we are welcoming artists from all over the US as well as Canada, France, Mexico & Peru.”
Similar to the aforementioned Christkindlmarket cups, the One of a Kind Show also offers a collectable item at their show. This year the show will be offering a tote bag for eight dollars. The bag design changes every year but this year the bag will be a baby blue background and will have lights strung across it as well as three words: smile, sparkle, and shine.
One piece of advice that the representatives of the show have for newcomers is that they, “highly recommend previewing all of our artists and programming on our website before mapping out a plan to see it all.” A few highlights they noted which will be of interest to visitors are the Emerging Market on the southeast side which features artists new to the show, the Fine Art Gallery and Marwen booth both located in the center to view curated pieces or make a hands-on project. For evening visitors, the show has Art on THE MART which is the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, projecting contemporary artwork across the 2.5 acre river-façade.
In the end, the One of a Kind Show offers an experience unlike any other with its variety of artists and vendors.
