Christkindlmarket Brings Lights, Santa, Gluhwein To Naperville

NAPERVILLE, IL --- Naper Settlement will be filled with twinkling lights, roasting chestnuts, and holiday cheer for the city's annual Christkindlmarket. The German-inspired market will open on Nov. 23 and run alongside Naper Lights, a display of colorful Christmas decorations and lights that will add even more festive brightness to the holiday scene.

During Christkindlmarket, shoppers can browse handmade ornaments and old-fashioned toys at vendor booths that are set up to look like tiny village houses. If you get hungry, you can nosh on authentic German bratwurst or potato pancakes and then wash it all down with warm gluhwein served in a souvenir mug that's shaped like a heart.

This year's holiday happenings at Naper Settlement also feature a variety of family-oriented activities, including Santa at the Settlement. Kids can craft their own ornaments, decorate holiday cookies, and share their holiday wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Related: Christkindlmarket Unveils Its 2018 Christmas Mug

Santa at the Settlement will take place Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Christkindlmarket will be open Nov. 23 through Dec. 24. The hours for Christkindlmarket are as follows until Dec. 17, after which hours change slightly.

• Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Dec. 17 through Dec. 20, the market will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Dec. 21-22, it will be open until 9 p.m. On Dec. 23, Christkindlmarket hours will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Christmas Eve, the market will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Photo credit: David Allen/Patch