The Children's Lantern Parade at the Christkindlmarket Aurora 2024

In November, German children celebrate St. Martin's Day by carrying lanterns around outside after dark and singing traditional songs. A bit like "trick or treating", the children are rewarded for their singing and the beauty of their lanterns with sweets and other goodies - in the spirit of the holiday season of sharing and giving.

Just like the children in Germany, the kids can enjoy a Lantern Parade at the at the enchanting Christkindlmarket Aurora. Before the parade begins, they’ll have the chance to meet the Christkind, and on December 6th, Saint Nikolaus will join for a special appearance and photo opportunities.

Before the procession starts, the Christkind will share the inspiring story of St. Martin, and on December 6th, Saint Nikolaus will recount tales of his charitable deeds and the traditions of St. Nicholas Day.

With lanterns in hand and festive songs filling the air, the Christkind leads the children on a leisurely stroll through the magical holiday village within the Christkindlmarket Aurora. Following the parade, each child receives a delightful goodie bag as a token of the experience.

New This Year:

1. Costume Showcase Giveaway! Dress up as your favorite holiday character (such as Christkind, St. Nikolaus, St. Martin, Santa, Elf, Mrs. Claus, Sugar Plum Fairy, or Krampus) for a chance to win. One winner will be chosen in each parade. On December 6th, kids in costume can win VIP Admission to the Art Institue of Chicago, and on December 14th, another lucky winner will receive a Fox Valley Park District day pass variety pack!
2. Also new this year, Saint Nikolaus will join the Christkind on December 6th to celebrate the Lantern Parade on St. Nicholas Day!

The Story Behind the Lantern Parade

Traditionally, the Lantern Parade takes place on St. Martin's Day in November to honor St. Martin, a fourth century AD soldier who is known for his goodwill and Samaritan deeds. His most famous deed was cutting his winter coat in half with his sword and sharing it with a poor man who was barely clothed on a freezing cold night.

Our lantern parade will also feature Saint Nikolaus on December 6th, who will share stories of his charitable deeds and the traditions of St. Nicholas Day, celebrated on that same date.

The Lantern Parade will take place on two (2) separate occasions at the Christkindlmarket Aurora at RiverEdge Park, allowing families the flexibility to select a date that suits their schedules best.

This event takes place outdoors, we recommend dressing appropriately for the occasion.

Dates:

• Friday, December 6, 2024
• Saturday, December 14, 2024

Time:

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Location:

The Christkindlmarket Aurora at RiverEdge Park, 360 North Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505

General Admission Tickets Include:

• One (1) paper lantern with a lighting rod
• One (1) complimentary goodie-bag
• Participation in the parade alongside the Christkind

Children’s Costume Showcase Giveaway: No purchase necessary

Dress up as your favorite holiday character (such as Christkind, St. Nikolaus, St. Martin, Santa, Elf, Mrs. Claus, Sugar Plum Fairy, or Krampus) for a chance to win. One winner will be chosen in each parade. On December 6th, kids in costume can win Costume Showcase Giveaway! Dress up as your favorite holiday character (such as Christkind, St. Nikolaus, St. Martin, Santa, Elf, Mrs. Claus, Sugar Plum Fairy, or Krampus) for a chance to win. One winner will be chosen in each parade. On December 6th, kids in costume can win VIP Admission to the Art Institue of Chicago, and on December 14th, another lucky winner will receive a Fox Valley Park District day pass variety pack!

*Please note that you are allowed to bring along your own lantern, but open flames are not allowed on the Plaza at RiverEdge Park

Please note that this event will take place rain or shine. No refunds issued.

Who is 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. 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 on December 24th and delivered by the Christkind, who leaves them under the Christmas tree and disappears before the children can catch a glimpse of her.

Chicagoland’s Christkind: While the Christkind from Nuremberg, Germany has visited the Chicago market in previous years during the first weekend of the market, 2013 marked the first year of the original Chicago Christkind. Since then, the Christkind has been a key part of the Christkindlmarket. At the Grand Opening Ceremony at the Preview Party, she recites her prologue translated from the original German, to welcome visitors to the Christkindlmarket Chicago. Throughout the duration of the Christkindlmarket visitors have had the opportunity to meet and take pictures with the Christkind in previous years as she roamed the market, sharing German holiday traditions. The Christkind is also part of the popular Kinder Club programming: The Children’s Lantern Parade, where she is joined by those young and young at heart to parade through the Christkindlmarket Aurora and sing songs!

Host or Publisher The Christkindlmarket