Christkindlmarket To Return To Aurora For 2nd Year

AURORA, IL — Christkindlmarket, the popular German-themed outdoor market, is returning to Aurora for the second year, organizers announced.

The season will kick off Nov. 17 and run Thursdays through Sundays until Christmas Eve on Dec. 24, turning RiverEdge Park into a winter wonderland.

Aurora is an "ideal site to host the market," said Leila Schmidt, senior management for marketing and intercultural communication for German American Events.

"We enjoy working together with the City of Aurora, the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA) and Paramount Theatre to give visitors the opportunity to experience the beloved holiday tradition in the suburbs," she told Patch in an email.

German American Events is looking to make Christkindlmarket an annual occurrence in Aurora but will make final decisions in the new year when organizers meet to set dates and locations, Schmidt said.

So far, it's "been a wonderful partnership," she said.

After last year, market-goers asked for more photo opportunities and vendors, so Schmidt said organizers "heard you" and are implementing them. This year, Christkindlmarket is increasing the sitemap to host more than 50 vendors — as opposed to the inaugural year's more than 35, Schmidt said. This year’s add-ons include vendors specializing in German Flammkuchen, similar to pizza, and Belgian poffertjes, almost like mini pancakes.

To kick off the market, organizer German American Events — who also plans the annual Christkindlmarket locations in downtown Chicago and Wrigleyville — will host a special keg tapping event Nov. 18. Other activities will include interactive and festive photo opportunities and scavenger hunts unique to the Aurora location.

Christkindlmarket Aurora will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Special hours will be implemented a few times during the season: from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 18-20 and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

Additional details about vendors are expected to be released in the coming weeks. The mug design for this season will be revealed in October, officials said.