TravelWorld International Magazine Winter 2023
The magazine written and photographed by North American Travel Journalist Association members
The magazine written and photographed by North American Travel Journalist Association members
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Christkindlmarket Chicago Mug<br />
Photo courtesy of Christindlmarket<br />
o have a less crowded<br />
experience, a girlfriend and<br />
I went to the Aurora market<br />
the next week on a weekday.<br />
This market had very few people<br />
in attendance and was so much<br />
fun! We didn’t have to wait in line<br />
for anything and we were able to<br />
warm up inside a heated tent, a lovely<br />
convenience given the brutally cold<br />
weather. Parking was also very easy<br />
and close to the market.<br />
Homemade Finger<br />
Puppets<br />
Funny Chocolates<br />
If you’re wondering what you can<br />
buy at the Christkindlmarket, you’re<br />
in for a treat! From German goodies<br />
like nutcrackers, incense smokers,<br />
Christmas pyramids, chocolates,<br />
candy, and ornaments, to children’s<br />
puzzles, jewelry, and fair-trade<br />
textiles, we came home loaded with<br />
German chocolates, homemade gifts,<br />
and treats. Each location also has<br />
a different souvenir mug available<br />
for purchase and they do sell out, so<br />
make sure you get yours!<br />
Gluhwein & Beer sign<br />
Photo courtesy of<br />
Christindlmarket<br />
Lantern Parade<br />
Photo courtesy of<br />
Christindlmarket<br />
Lantern Parade<br />
Photo courtesy of<br />
Christindlmarket<br />
Visitors enjoying Glühwein<br />
Photo courtesy of<br />
Christindlmarket<br />
Photo Booth at the Aurora<br />
Photo courtesy of<br />
Christindlmarket<br />
Pickle Ornaments for Sale<br />
The other thing we really love about<br />
this iconic holiday tradition is the<br />
opportunity for children to learn<br />
about German culture. Families<br />
can take their kids to Aurora for<br />
the Children’s Lantern Parade,<br />
"Kinder-Laternenlauf" in German,<br />
on November 26th or December<br />
10th. This popular German tradition<br />
happens every November or<br />
December and involves children<br />
parading through town at night<br />
carrying twinkly handmade lanterns.<br />
In Germany, the parade is led by<br />
St. Martin or St. Nikolaus, but in<br />
Aurora, the parade will be led by<br />
the Christkind. During this special<br />
ticketed event, children learn the<br />
story of St. Martin, practice singing<br />
traditional German songs, and then<br />
parade through the Christkindlmarket<br />
with lanterns. I have fond memories<br />
of the Laternenlauf when I was a kid<br />
in Germany and I know young kids<br />
will have a great time!<br />
Christkindlmarket Vendors<br />
Photo courtesy of Christindlmarket<br />
25th Anniversary<br />
Mugs<br />
Enjoying treats in the<br />
warming tent in Aurora<br />
With so many fun things to do and eat at the Chicago Christkindlmarkets, it’s no wonder<br />
it has become such a popular event. You won’t want to miss this time-honored tradition,<br />
where the spirit of Christmas comes alive in the heart of the Windy City.<br />
20<br />
21
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