Midwest Mary

Handcrafted, hand-painted, hand-carved, hand-blown, and hand-sewn.

Pottery,

nutcrackers,

glass ornaments,

unique gifts,

hats, scarves, gloves, and

jewelry.

Sandwiches,

bratwurst, schnitzel, hamburgers, pierogis,

pretzels,

chocolate, nuts, gingerbread, and sweets.

Hot cocoa, coffee, beer, mulled wine,

tea,

and butterbeer.

Christkindlmarkts offer a variety of international foods and gifts. The pop-up European-style market is packed with vendors and patrons eager to take part in the yearly holiday event. Despite the cloudy, chilly weather, the joy of the season is evident throughout the park.

I attended the Christkindlmarkt (Christ Child Market) in Aurora, Illinois, which is open through Christmas Eve. The more famous one in the Chicago area is held in Daley Plaza. The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, Inc., opened the first market in Chicago in 1995. It’s since expanded to other locations in Illinois and Wisconsin.

Christ child markets are documented as early as 1628. The holiday trade fairs, which were held in town squares in medieval times, have evolved, but they continue to delight patrons, as seen by the crowds that number in the tens of thousands at the Aurora market alone.

Happy Holidays, my friends. Peace, love, and joy to all of you.

©Mary K. Doyle, 2025