The Christkindlmarket Is Coming Back to Downtown Aurora’s RiverEdge Park!

For the third consecutive year, The Christkindlmarket will be returning to RiverEdge Park in downtown Aurora!

It will also be in downtown Chicago at Daley Plaza for it’s 28th year! The annual Christmas time festival will NOT be in Wrigleyville this year to make room for the NHL’s Winter Classic.

Both festivals will open on November 22nd and will utilize the following hours.

• Thursdays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Fridays and Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sundays: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Special Hours:
  Thanksgiving (Nov. 28) and Christmas Eve (Dec. 24): 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Monday (Dec. 16) through Wednesday (Dec. 18): 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  Monday (Dec. 23): 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Christkindlmarket Aurora welcomed over 240,000 guests last year while the combined attendance over the three locations topping two million!

In Aurora, vendor participation will increase to over 55, featuring Chicago favorites like Chiya Chai, Bearhands & Buddies, and Syrin. The expanded offerings will include additional photo opportunities and family-friendly activities. For the first time, receptions can be booked inside the heated Timber Tent at RiverEdge Park, providing an ideal setting for company gatherings, family celebrations, and more. Booking inquiries can be made via the website. Aurora will also host returning family-friendly activities such as the scavenger hunt, glassblowing workshops, and the lantern parade.

Oh, and dont’ forget the time Nick started a bit of mayhem last year!

Christkindlmarket enthusiasts should follow the market on Instagram for two exciting giveaways this week: one with Chicago Hotel Sponsor Staypineapple for a one-night stay, and another with the Paramount Theatre in Aurora for a pair of tickets to Frozen. Both giveaways include a pair of the cherished annual souvenir mugs. The design for these mugs, along with other 2024 merchandise, will be revealed next month.