Chicago’s Very Own Christkind: Carrying on a German Tradition at the Christkindlmarket Chicago

German American Services, Inc. is happy to announce that the Christkindlmarket Chicago will be introducing its very own Christkind for the first time in 2013.

While the Christkind from Nuremberg, Germany has visited the Chicago market in previous years during the first weekend of the market, this is the first year in which she will be an original Chicago Christkind. She will be present throughout the entire duration of the market from November 26th – December 24th for the 18th Annual Christkindlmarket Chicago on Daley Plaza.

Keeping with the tradition from previous years, the Christkind will be part of the Grand Opening Ceremony, reciting her prologue translated from the original German, to welcome visitors to the Christkindlmarket Chicago. Additionally, during the 29 days of the market, the young and young at heart will have the opportunity to meet and greet and take pictures with her as she roams the market, sharing German holiday traditions and telling Christmas stories. She will also be part of the popular Kinder Korner programming, which made its debut at last year’s market. More information and a detailed schedule of when the Christkind will be at the market will be posted on the official website www.christkindlmarket.com as the market approaches.

History of the Christkind
The Christkind, a fairy-like being, dressed in gold and white robes with a crown upon her golden locks, is the namesake of the Christkindlmarket Chicago. Christkind folklore dates back to the 1500s and stems from traditional customs: parades during the holiday season were guided by one “grand” angel, the Christkind. Since then, and still today, she is the bearer of gifts to most children in German speaking countries, much like Santa Claus is in the United States. Traditionally, gifts are exchanged December 24th and delivered by the Christkind, who leaves gifts under the Christmas tree and disappears before the children can catch a glimpse of her.

The 18th annual Christkindlmarket Chicago is located on Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington, between Washington, Clark and Dearborn Streets. It is open daily from November 26 until December 24: Sunday-Thursday 11am-8pm, Fridays and Saturdays 11am-9pm. Admission is always free!

For further information on the Christkindlmarket and the Christkind herself, please visit the official Christkindlmarket website at www.christkindlmarket.com or call us at (312) 494-2175.
(High resolution photos are available upon request.)

German American Services, Inc. has been organizing the Christkindlmarket Chicago for the past 18 years.

German American Services, Inc
321 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60654
Morgan Kingsland

This release was published on openPR.