Christkindlmarket, Chicago

Christkindlmarket is a Christmas market held annually at Daley Plaza in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The festival is part of the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and attracts more than one million visitors each year.
== History ==
The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest first held Chicago's Christkindlmarket on Pioneer Court in 1996.German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest. (2006, November 17). Christkindlmarket Chicago - Contact. Retrieved July 08, 2007, from http://www.christkindlmarket.com/contact.htmGerman American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest. (2006, November 17). Christkindlmarket Chicago - Facts. Retrieved July 08, 2007, from http://www.christkindlmarket.com/facts.htm Christkindlmarket was inspired by the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany. In 1997, Mayor Daley requested that the festival be moved to Daley Plaza. That year the market attracted more than 750,000 visitors. By 1999, the Christkindlmarket had become part of the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. In recent years, Chicago's Christkindlmarket has become the largest Christmas market in the United States, hosting well over one million visitors annually.
== Vendors and attractions ==
The market is situated by a large Christmas tree at Daley Plaza and also houses a small nativity scene.German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest. (2007, July 13). Fireworks. Retrieved August 26, 2007, from http://www.christkindlmarket.com/images/gallery/2004opening.jpg The site features entertainment from Christmas choirs, dance groups, and brass bands. It also houses a model train and a Santa Claus house. At the site beer, wine, baked goods, meats, toys, holiday ornaments, and other Christmas decorations are sold by vendors from Germany, Ukraine, Austria, and the Chicago metropolitan area.
== See also ==
*List of Christmas markets
*Christmas market
== References ==
=== Further reading ===
* Zug, J.D. (1991). German-American Life: Recipes and Traditions. Iowa City: Penfield Press.
=== Notes ===
=== External links ===
*Christkindlmarket
Category:Christmas markets