The Christkindlmarket Aurora at RiverEdge Park
Schedule
Sun Dec 21 2025 at 11:00 am to 06:00 pm
UTC-06:00Location
RiverEdge Park | Aurora, IL
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FREE RSVP at link.bucketlisters.com/bkJ9About the Market:
Visitors can experience Holiday Fun for the whole family at the Christkindlmarket Aurora at RiverEdge Park. As the only suburban location, it has more vendors and space than the other locations and various photo ops that are perfect for all ages. Read more below about the special events that take place at the Christkindlmarket Aurora 2025.
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Glass Ornament Making
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About the event:
In just 20 minutes, you’ll design and craft a one-of-a-kind glass ornament to treasure for years to come. Choose from 5 ornament shapes—including beloved German-American traditions like the Pickle Ornament—then select your colors and work hands-on with expert artisans to shape your piece using a benchtop torch. After cooling, your ornament will be ready to take home the same day.
🌟 New This Year: More sessions, same Christkindlmarket magic! By popular demand, we’ve added more spots for this special holiday activity. Now 6 spots are available per session.
🎨 Ornament Shapes to Choose from: Christmas Pickle, Heart, Leaf, Icicle, Medallion.
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German Wine Tasting
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About the event:
Step onto the SkyDeck for a truly magical view of the Christkindlmarket Aurora, and Downtown Aurora’s holiday lights. As you try eight (8) carefully curated European wines—including hot, spiced Glühwein—you’ll enjoy seasonal pairings, festive company, and exclusive rooftop access. After your tasting, redeem a complimentary Glühwein poured into the 2025 Annual Heart Mug at any market bar.
🌟 Exclusive Rooftop Experience: From the SkyDeck, take in views of the Christkindlmarket from above—the glowing red-and-white booths, twinkling holiday lights, and festive bustle below. While RiverEdge Park has been undergoing construction, the SkyDeck remains a magical vantage point, offering an unforgettable holiday escape as you sip the season’s finest wines.
🍷 Eight Tastings, Endless Flavor: Choose your own adventure by selecting eight (8) wines from a range of German, Austrian, and European specialties. Explore featured wines such as Blueberry Glühwein, "Hugo" Elderberry Glühwein, Eiswein, and many more!
🥨 Perfect Pairings: Savor specialty bites from Christkindlmarket vendors, including Stollen, Lebkuchen, cheese, and sausages—crafted to perfectly complement your wine selections.
🔥 Cozy Comfort in the Open Air: The SkyDeck is an open-air rooftop with ample covering. Heaters will be placed throughout the space, but please dress warmly to fully enjoy the atmosphere.
❓What is Glühwein?
Glühwein is a traditional warm German beverage, often enjoyed during the winter months and at Christmas markets in Europe. The drink is a hot, spiced wine made by heating wine with aromatic spices such as cinnamon and cloves. Sweeteners like sugar are added to taste, and sometimes fruit like oranges or lemons are included for more flavor. Glühwein is cherished for its comforting qualities on cold evenings.
At the Christkindlmarket Aurora, many guests enjoy a mug of Glühwein as they stroll the outdoor holiday market. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience to sip and savor fun flavors of Glühwein like Blueberry and Cherry—only available at the Christkindlmarket Aurora wine tasting.
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Children’s Lantern Parade
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About the event:
In Germany, St. Martin’s Day is celebrated with lantern processions, festive songs, and sweet treats as a way to honor the spirit of sharing and kindness. At the Christkindlmarket Aurora, children and families can enjoy this time-honored tradition right in the heart of the holiday village.
👑🎅 Meet the Christkind & St. Nikolaus
Before the parade begins, the Christkind will share the inspiring story of St. Martin. On December 5th only, St. Nikolaus will also join to recount tales of St. Martin's charitable deeds and pose for photo opportunities.
🎄🕯️ The Lantern Parade
With lanterns in hand, children will follow the Christkind through the enchanting market, singing festive songs and celebrating the season. Afterward, each child receives a complimentary goodie bag.
✨ The Story Behind the Lantern Parade
The tradition honors St. Martin, who famously shared his winter coat with a poor man on a freezing night. In Germany, children celebrate his legacy with lanterns and songs—a tradition that has been reimagined at the Christkindlmarket Aurora to include St. Nikolaus on December 5th.
👼🏼 Who is the Christkind?
The Christkind, dressed in golden robes with a crown upon her locks, is the namesake of the Christkindlmarket. For centuries, she has been the bearer of gifts to children in German-speaking countries, much like Santa Claus in the U.S. At the Christkindlmarket, the Christkind continues this tradition by leading parades, sharing holiday stories, and welcoming families with festive cheer.
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Where is it happening?
RiverEdge Park, Water Lantern Festival, 360 N Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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