Chicago Star Media offers first-look at Christkindlmarket Souvenir Mug 2023

There’s no other experience in Chicago that marks the beginning of the holiday season like the Christkindlmarket. Beginning Friday, November 17, these much-loved markets will return, bringing the centuries’ old spirit of German open-air markets to Daley Plaza (in its 27th season), Wrigleyville at Gallagher Way (in its 5th season) and, for the second year, to Aurora's RiverEdge Park. 

New every year, and as collectible as it comes, is the coveted Christkindlmarket Souvenir Mug. Whether you have a cupboard filled with mugs from all 24 of the previous markets or if you’re a sporadic collector, you can’t deny the charm, rich symbolism and love that are infused into each and every one.

The history of the souvenir mug dates back to the first Christkindlmarket in 1996. The market was originally conceptualized in 1995 to further transatlantic trade between Germany and the United States. The inaugural event took place on Pioneer Court and then, by special invitation from former Mayor Richard M. Daley, the Christkindlmarket Chicago moved to Daley Plaza in 1997 where it has become a staple event on the plaza ever since.

(There will be no online store this year so all mugs/merchandise need to be purchased on location.)

First look at Christkindlmarket's 2023 Souvenir Mug - Chicago 

The distinctive Christkindlmarket booths are shown with their brightly colored red and white awnings against a mint background during a snowfall. Towering over this scene is the skyline with iconic landmarks that include Willis Tower, the John Hancock Building and the plaza’s Picasso sculpture. The shape of the mug this year is absolutely unique, as it features a nice round base and tapered top to keep your Glühwein hot! 

Wrigleyville Souvenir Mug 2023

The Wrigleyville Souvenir Mug is colored mint green and gray, to match the modern vibe of the Wrigleyville Market. The design features the Hotel Zachary, the colorful Carousel, the intersection sign at Clark & Addison, and the Christmas tree.

Aurora Souvenir Mug 2023

The Aurora Souvenir Mug is mint green and dark green with depictions of the Paramount Theatre, the Pedestrian Bridge, an Alpine horn player, bald eagles (that can be found along the Fox River), and more. 

Non-Alcoholic Beverage Souvenir Reindeer Mug 2023

The Non-Alcoholic Beverage Souvenir Mug features a reindeer in front of a whimsically decorated Christmas tree branch. On the back, an exuberant ice-skating scene is shown in front of vendor’s booths with a backdrop of the Chicago skyline.

For the first time, a Christkindlmarket Beer Stein will be available depicting a charming market scene. It will be for sale (with beer) at Daley Plaza and Aurora, but only as a retail item at the Wrigleyville Market.  

A boxed set of all three Souvenir Mugs will be available for $25. 

In the past, souvenir mugs were created in a variety of shapes and sizes—thin, tall, short and fat, heart-shaped, hat-shaped and, of course, the popular boot-shaped mugs (which have made 9 appearances). Visitors will be able to purchase this year’s beloved mugs at all three markets while supplies last, along with new merchandise.

The Christkind, the face of the market, will be making appearances at all three markets.

The Christkindlmarket provides a safe outdoor experience for the whole family that is always admission-free. The smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst and hot spiced wine, the sound of festive music, and the glimmer of sparkling Christmas ornaments, all evoke a cozy atmosphere where visitors can share holiday cheer, explore vendor products from around the world, participate in special events, and enjoy the unique shopping experiences. 

“Chicago Star is proud to again be the official media sponsor of the Christkindlmarket. These collectibles invoke a sense of peace and holiday spirit and bring back special memories for many. The shape and mint color of the mugs are unique this year. As experts in showcasing everything good that Chicago has to offer, we take great pride in being the first to unveil Chicago’s must-have holiday souvenir,” said Elaine Hyde, Editor and Publisher of Chicago Star Media.

"We are excited to bring back the three pack of mugs - one for each of our wonderful 2023 locations with unique designs and color combinations," said German American Events' CEO & General Manager Maren Biester Priebe.

All three Christkindlmarkets open Friday, November 17, 2023

Christkindlmarket Chicago at Daley Plaza (November 17 – December 24)

Regular Hours:

Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 8pm

Friday – Saturday: 11am – 9pm

Special Hours:

Thanksgiving (Nov. 23 Christmas Eve (Dec. 24): 11am – 4pm

Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville at Gallagher Way (November 17 – December 31)

Regular Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 3pm – 9pm

Friday – Saturday: 11am – 10pm

Sunday: 11am – 7pm

Special Hours:

Thanksgiving (Nov. 23), Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31): 11am – 4pm

Christmas Day (Dec. 25): Closed

Tuesday (Dec. 26) – Thursday (Dec. 28): 11 am – 9 pm

Christkindlmarket Aurora at RiverEdge Park (November 17– December 24)

Regular Hours:

Thursdays: 11am – 7pm

Fridays & Saturdays: 11am – 9pm

Sundays: 11am – 6pm

Special Hours:

Monday (Dec. 18) – Wednesday (Dec. 20) 11am – 7pm

Thanksgiving (Nov. 23) & Christmas Eve (Dec. 24): 11am – 4pm

LINKS

Website: christkindlmarket.com

Facebook: facebook.com/christkindlmarket

Facebook: facebook.com/christkindlmarket.wrigleyville

Facebook: facebook.com/christkindlmarket.aurora

(For more information about RiverEdge Park, visit paramountaurora.com/riveredge/  

And for more information about Paramount Theatre, visit paramountaurora.com/)

(More information on this season’s Winterland activities at Gallagher Way will be available at gallagherway.com)

About German American Events, LLC

German American Events LLC, a subsidiary of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that plans and executes the Christkindlmarket Chicago, Wrigleyville and Aurora at RiverEdge Park. All Christkindlmarket locations are modeled after the classic German holiday market in Nuremberg, Germany, with traditional candy cane striped huts.

The free outdoor holiday markets host international and local vendors who display and sell hand-crafted ornaments, toys, and special holiday gifts as well as traditional German foods, sweets, and beverages. The markets are rich in cultural tradition and include special events, entertainment and activities that are fun for the whole family, including traditional alpine brass music. (gaccmidwest.org)

About Chicago Star Media

Chicago Star Media, the official mug launch sponsor for Christkindlmarket 2023, is a media company dedicated to connecting people to resources and creating meaningful and impactful content. Clients include local organizations and Fortune 500 companies who harness CSM’s creativity and highly engaged audience to increase their brand recognition and drive revenue. (chicagostarmedia.com)

(Compiled by Candace Jordan, Chicago Star Media | All photos by Troy Mairs)