Christkindlmarket Aurora — Attraction in Aurora Township

The parking for the Aurora Christkindlmarket was organized chaos and $10 a car, but my Park Mobile app that the event encourages you to use charged me approximately $10.55.

The lots across the Christkindlmarket were jammed packed; and innumerable cars were driving lane by lane and stopped and trapped in each parking lot in traffic as cars desperately waited to see if anyone was leaving the lot.

We had to go park blocks away to an alternate lot and walk in the dark and cold.

One of the few positives of this Christkindlmarket was the heated tent where the enjoyable band played which seemed bigger than the tent at the Chicago Market in times past. The negative is that it was overcrowded and at least 50 to 75 people had to stand crammed next to one another and could not sit.

In 2024, the Aurora Market should double the size of the tent or at least increase the size by 50% and add nearly double the tables.

There were very few tables located outside at the center of the Market. More should be added next year since so much activity is at the center point of the Market.

The larger adult beverage area was a positive where it looked like 6 different cashiers were serving the public at once.

The bratwurst served at the vendor we stopped at was pretty tasteless and average and it was served with bland, overcooked sauerkraut on an overly crumbly, dry bun. The potato pancakes were actually decent.

We were grateful as usual for the presence of Käthe Wohlfahrt tent where we buy beautiful ornaments each year.

Overall, The Aurora Christkindlmarket lacked that special something—the more intimate European charm of the Christmas season— due to overcrowded spaces and a lack of ornamental decoration and beauty throughout the outdoor portion of the market.

Manned bonfires and or fire pits and extra mobile hot ciders and mulled wine should be added along with some cool looking seating around fire pits to add a seasonal intimate flare and to warm patrons up on the blistering cold days and nights.

The Kindlmarkets should turn it up a notch in class and have the employees dress in nice and warm period garb —say the 16th century— and make the markets transform to a true intimate German Village where patrons actual feel that they are in Europe during the Reformation.

Innumerable people I know wish they could go to a Christkindlmarket like I describe.

12/23/23 update :

In relation to my idea for a better Christkindlmarket experience overall, I shared my recent experience in Aurora with a friend and coworker—who is an excellent leader—and after I shared some of my thoughts, he came up with the ideal location for the best Christmas market that would even rival any in Europe: finally move the market to the Bristol Renaissance Faire grounds in Kenosha Wisconsin!

First, they have an endless field for parking. Second, the entire village that is created for the Faire would be an amazing improvement to all Christmas markets around the world, since it would look like something from centuries ago, and it would have that true Christmas feel and 16th to 19th century charm.

It would be so amazing that you would have hordes of people flock to wanna go there and have a true yesteryear, old-fashioned Christmas experience that people are really seeking. The Aurora location gets 1 star and the parking was horrendous—which...

I've been to this market 3x the past few years including this year. I cannot say I will be returning after this last visit. This time I stopped around 4pm and make my first stop at Bob's Belgian Hot Chocolate as I do every year. They were great as always with a souvenir cup and gingerbread cookie. Afterwords I made my way to Baked Cheese Haus as I do every year. This time they were by the entrance on the south side. I went in the line that extended all the way to the entrance and decided to wait it out. after an hour goes by I check and it's almost 5:30pm. They annouce since they are closing at 6 they will have to cut the line down and serve who ever is left. I patiently wait until it is my time to go to talk to the gentleman taking orders. At this time the gentleman is taking orders from the group in front of me. As soon as it turns to 6pm they announce they are done taking orders and the 20+ people behind me are starting to get upset because they told us they cut down the line to accommodate all of us. Not long after the people behind me started causing a ruckus with the people from the Baked Chees Haus and other patrons. Other business were still operating and serving patrons at the time and the vendor stated they could not serve any more people due to the marker shutting dowb. After dealing with all of this and thinking about what occurred that evening I won't be taking the time to come to this market if vendors will be unprofessional and unprepared to do business. The staff running the market was great but that can't be said for the Baked Cheese Haus. Thank you for your time but I will not be spending it...

The Christkindlmarket is a truly authentic experience that brings the charm of a traditional German market to life. From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere is filled with European charm, offering a variety of goods and foods that feel genuinely imported straight from the heart of Europe. The craftsmanship in the goods is remarkable, with each item seeming carefully made and of high quality.

The food and beverages are equally impressive, with traditional German dishes and drinks that taste authentic and satisfying. Whether you’re craving bratwurst, pretzels, or mulled wine, the offerings will not disappoint.

Having visited the Aurora location, it’s worth noting the differences compared to downtown Chicago. While the Aurora market is more spread out and less shoulder-to-shoulder, the lines tend to be much longer. The popularity of this location is evident, so patience is necessary, especially during peak times.

Overall, the Christkindlmarket is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a bit of European culture and tradition during the holiday season. The vibrant atmosphere, quality goods, and delicious food make it well...