The new Christkindlmarket in Naperville, located on the grounds of Naper Settlement, closely resembles the Christkindlmarket in the city. There are many wood booths with vendors selling gifts, ornaments, food, and drinks. You will find hot chocolate, brats, pierogi, beer, apple cider donuts, soft pretzels, roasted nuts, and more. Glühwein (hot spiced wine), hot chocolate, and Kinderglühwein can be purchased in a Naperville Christkindlmarket souvenir mug.
Picnic tables can be found so you could definitely eat there, but it was pretty dark, so dinner might be tough with kids. We went tonight and found it to be pretty crowded with long lines, however there were parents pushing strollers and kids in wagons, so it is doable.
The Naper Lights are fantastic, so you don’t want to miss walking through the area adjacent to the market. There were displays set to music, singing faces made from lights, and a gigantic lit up tree with presents surrounding it.
Make sure you keep your eye out for the Naperville Sunrise Rotary members with marked vests, who are asking for donations! In exchange for a small donation, they are giving out cardboard glasses that reveal hidden snowmen in the lights. So stop by their little stand and put on the glasses before walking through the lights… it’s really cool!
Location
Naper Settlement
523 S. Webster Street
Naperville, IL 60540
Parking
If you follow the signs for Naper Settlement Visitor Parking, there are spots available for $5. The market is around the corner, so the walk isn’t bad. (By the way, the website says the parking in that lot is free… did we miss something?) There are also spots along the street if you are lucky enough to find one, or you could park in other Downtown Naperville parking lots/garages and either walk or jump in a TukTuk.
Admission
Admission to Christkindlmarket is free. The market is open Thursdays through Sundays from November 25th until December 18th and every day from December 19th through the 24th.
Hours
Thursday 11am – 7pm, Friday – Saturday 11am – 9pm, Sunday 11am – 6pm
Special Hours for the week of Christmas (December 19-23): 11am – 9pm, Christmas Eve (December 24) 11am – 4pm
