Inside opening night: ‘Twas the Night Before Christkindlmarket’

The Chicago edition of the  Christkindlmarket hosted its annual “’Twas the Night Before Christkindlmarket,” an exclusive preview event held Nov. 20 at Daley Plaza. This event gave ticket holders an exclusive first look at the holiday market. From 5:00 to 8:30 PM, guests strolled through the wooden vendor huts in a quieter, more relaxed setting, sampling seasonal treats, browsing handcrafted ornaments and enjoying the festive atmosphere before the market opened to the public the next day.

The event featured the market’s traditional opening ceremony, during which the Christkind delivered her Prologue, officially launching the season. Musicians, including Alpine brass bands, moved through the plaza, adding a warm, cultural soundtrack to the evening.

A highlight of the night was a performance by Ballet 5:8:. Their adaptation, Beyond the Nutcracker, was presented inside a life‑sized snow globe, with dancers in mid‑century costumes performing amid softly falling “snow,” blending a theatrical edge with holiday tradition.

Read more on Chicago Star:

• Pilsen celebrates Dia de los Muertos with month-long windows exhibition
• Sparkling holidays on the lakefront: Navy Pier has it all!
• Rare Amur leopard cubs begin new chapter at Brookfield Zoo
• Sip, sample and shop at Mariano’s Holiday Sparkle Soirée

Guests could also gather in a heated Alpine-style tent, called the Timber Tent, where they could take a break, warm up, enjoy traditional food and drink and the smooth sounds of popular singer Blake Alexander. The ticket package included a 2025 collectible mug, an entrée, dessert and drink coupons, all part of creating a full, immersive evening. Photo opportunities were woven into the event- attendees could get their pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus and, with the incredible visuals, there was a photo opp around every corner.

While general admission to the Christkindlmarket remains free, the preview night provides a more curated and personal experience: early access to vendors, special entertainment and a crowd-free way to welcome in the holiday season. (Highly recommended, presented by German American Events)  (All photos by Candace Jordan)

Christkindlmarket 2025 Details (All Three Locations):

• Chicago – Daley Plaza: Runs November 21 through December 24. During weekdays, the hours are 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve feature special hours (11 a.m.–4 p.m.). 
  
• Aurora – RiverEdge Park: Opens November 21 and remains through December 24. It’s open Thursday through Sunday: Thursdays 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m.–9 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m.–6 p.m. 
• Wrigleyville – Gallagher Way: Starts November 23 and runs through December 31. Hours are Monday–Thursday 3 p.m.–9 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.