Chicago Star Media is proud to announce that they are the official media sponsor for the 2022 Christkindlmarket and are the first outlet to reveal this year's souvenir mug.
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There’s no other experience in Chicago that marks the beginning of the holiday season like the Christkindlmarket. Beginning Friday, November 18, these much-loved markets will return, bringing the centuries old spirit of German open-air markets to Daley Plaza (in its 26th season), Wrigleyville at Gallagher Way (in its 4th season) and, for the first time, to Aurora's RiverEdge Park. Preview the Christkindlmarket before the crowds.
New every year, and as collectible as it comes, is the coveted Christkindlmarket Souvenir Mug. Whether you have a cupboard filled with all 25 or if you’re a sporadic collector, you can’t deny the charm, rich symbolism and love that are infused into each and every one.
The history of the souvenir mug dates back to the first Christkindlmarket in 1996. The market was originally conceptualized in 1995 to further transatlantic trade between Germany and the U.S. The inaugural event took place on Pioneer Court and then, by special invitation from former Mayor Richard M. Daley, the Christkindlmarket Chicago moved to Daley Plaza in 1997 where it has become a staple event on the plaza ever since.
First look at Christkindlmarket's Souvenir Non-Alcoholic Beverage Mug. (Watch for a naming contest beginning November 4 on Christkindlmarket's Instagram)
For this year's creation, the inspiration for the mug came from the City of Chicago's Year of the Dance celebration. The mug is a different shape from anything done in the past and curves out on one side to simulate the movement of dance--in particular, a typical German dance formation with friends holding hands and moving to the music, symbolizing a sense of community.
The dancers depicted on this year's mug surround the Christkind, the face of the market, in Daley Plaza with the gaily decorated red and white striped vendors' booths in the background. Towering over this scene, are iconic landmarks that represent each of the three markets. The Daley Plaza market is represented by renderings of Marina Towers, Willis Tower, the John Hancock Building, 311 S. Wacker Drive (the “engagement ring” building) and the Crain Communications Building. The Aurora location is represented by an image of the Paramount Theatre and the Hotel Zachary is pictured for the Wrigleyville location.
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Equally collectible is this year's non-alcoholic souvenir mug which depicts a girl penguin, adding to the market's little penguin family. She's shown holding the popular, limited-edition ornament (introduced last year), a glass globe hand-painted with a design of a sparkling Christmas tree in front of the market booths and the city's skyline. (Watch for a naming contest for the girl penguin mug beginning November 4 on the Christkindlmarket Instagram account) The 2021 non-alcoholic mug, celebrating the market’s 25th anniversary, depicted Peppermint the Penguin dressed in a green-trimmed tuxedo.
FIRST LOOK: Christkindlmarket’s 2022 Souvenir Mug. Presented by CHICAGO STAR MEDIA, official media sponsor for Christkindlmarket 2022.
In the past, the souvenir mugs were created in a variety of shapes and sizes—thin, tall, short and fat, heart-shaped, hat-shaped and, of course, the popular boot-shaped mugs (which have made 9 appearances). Visitors will be able to purchase the beloved mugs at all locations and online while supplies last. (christkindlmarket.com)
The Christkindlmarket is always expanding. In Daley Plaza, for the second year, Washington Street will be closed on the weekend to host food trucks along with the more than 55 vendors (including pop-up vendors in the Timber Haus). In 1996, when this market debuted, there were only 13 sellers. The Wrigleyville and Aurora markets will each have more than 35 vendors.
You might also like: Preview the Christkindlmarket before the crowds.
The Christkind, the face of the market and the gift-giver to kids in German speaking countries (sort of like our Santa Claus here) will be visiting each market. You can meet her at the Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville every Friday from 2-4 pm; Daley Plaza, every Saturday from 2-4 pm and in Aurora, every Sunday from 2-4 pm. The Lantern Parade, a ticketed event also happening at every market location, will give visitors the chance to stroll the market with the Christkind and sing American and German holiday songs. (The paarade will take place in Chicago, December 1, 5-7 pm; Aurora, December 4, 5-7 pm and Wrigleyville, December 11, 5-7 pm.)
The Christkind, the face of the market, will be making appearances at all three markets.
The Christkindlmarket provides a safe outdoor experience for the whole family that is always admission-free. The smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst and hot spiced wine, the sound of festive music, and the glimmer of sparkling Christmas ornaments, all evoke a cozy atmosphere where visitors can share holiday cheer, explore vendor products from around the world, participate in special events, and enjoy the unique shopping experiences.
“It is an honor to be able to present the 2022 Christkindlmarket and share the first photos of this year's special souvenir mug. We take great pride in being the premier local news source people turn to for a positive, upbeat look at what to see and do in this great city. The Christkindlmarket is one of the top Chicago holiday attractions and we are delighted to be able to lend our creativity in how we portray this iconic Chicago tradition to the local community and beyond,” says Elaine Hyde, Editor and Publisher of Chicago Star Media.
"What makes this year's mug so special is the combination of iconic landmarks from all three 2022 market locations! The dancing shape and elements reflect what we all are grateful for: Finally being able to enjoy happy, cheerful moments and events in person again - with the people we love," shared Maren Biester Priebe, Christkindlmarket CEO and General Manager.
"For me personally as a German, the Christkindlmarket feels like a piece of home in the heart of the city. I used to come here as a visitor and, when I was able to start working with the Christkindlmarket team, it was a dream come true. It's not just a job, it's a passion project. And it's wonderful to share my culture with everyone who's visiting the markets,” said Leila Schmidt, Manager, Marketing & Intercultural Communication, German American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) Midwest.
You might also like: Read the Chicago Star November 2022 issue online - A Season of Giving.
All three Christkindlmarkets open Friday, November 18, 2022
Christkindlmarket Chicago at Daley Plaza (November 18 – December 24)
Regular Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 8pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am – 9pm
Special Hours:
Thanksgiving (Nov. 24), Christmas Eve (Dec. 24): 11am – 4pm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christkindlmarket
Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville at Gallagher Way (November 18 – December 31)
Regular Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 3pm – 9pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am – 10pm
Sunday: 11am – 7pm
Special Hours:
Thanksgiving (Nov. 24), Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31): 11am – 4pm
Christmas Day (Dec. 25): Closed
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christkindlmarket.wrigleyville
(More information on this season’s Winterland activities will become available at www.gallagherway.com)
Christkindlmarket Aurora at RiverEdge Park (November 18 – December 24)
Regular Hours:
Thursdays: 11am – 7pm
Fridays & Saturdays: 11am – 9pm
Sundays: 11am – 6pm
Special Hours:
Monday (Dec. 19) – Wednesday (Dec. 21): 11am – 7pm
Thanksgiving (Nov. 24) & Christmas Eve (Dec. 24): 11am – 4pm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christkindlmarket.aurora
(More information about RiverEdge Park: https://paramountaurora.com/riveredge/
About German American Events, LLC
German American Events LLC, a subsidiary of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that plans and executes the Christkindlmarket Chicago, Wrigleyville and Aurora at RiverEdge Park. All Christkindlmarket locations are modeled after the classic German holiday market in Nuremberg, Germany, with traditional candy cane striped huts.
The free outdoor holiday markets host international and local vendors who display and sell hand-crafted ornaments, toys, and special holiday gifts as well as traditional German foods, sweets, and beverages. The markets are rich in cultural tradition and include special events, entertainment and activities that are fun for the whole family, including traditional alpine brass music.
(Contact: Candace Jordan | candidcandace@chicagostarmedia.com |Chicago Star Media, Official Media Sponsor)
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