CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Another holiday tradition returns to Chicago.
Christkindlmarket Chicago returns to Daley Plaza on Friday; and workers and vendors were busy Thursday putting the finishing touches on the Christkindlmarket. After a year of going virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual holiday tradition is getting ready to reopen.
"It is wonderful to be back, yes, absolutely," said Leila Schmidt with German American Events.
Leila Schmidt with German American Events, which stages the Christkindlmarket, said she's looking forward to an in-person experience this year after last year's virtual event.
"As soon as we found out (2020) couldn't take place, of course, we made sure that we could at least have a virtual event for our visitors. The main reason was to help our vendors, the majority of them are small businesses, so they can make it through the year so we could all be in person again this year," Schmidt said.
"It just brings us so much joy to see how many people have made this an annual holiday tradition...the experience, itself, is something that people appreciate. It just makes us happy to see smiles on people."
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the first Christkindlmarket Chicago in 1996.
Health and safety protocols will be in place. Schmidt said most of the booths will be touch-free. Visitors will have to wear a mask unless they are actively eating or drinking. Otherwise, she added, all of the old favorites will be back, from potato pancakes to spiced gluhwein in a collector's mug.
"Everyone is already here and ready to get started," she said.
Christkindlmarket Chicago runs through Dec. 24. A second Christkindlmarket location in Wrigleyville, located at Gallagher Way near Wrigley Field, will be open through Dec. 31.
