Christkindlmarket Naperville 2016

Every year since the second year we were dating Kevin and I have been going to the Christkindlmarket with our parents as our yearly start of the holidays tradition. The past few years since Louie & Bethany have moved back they've been joining in the Christmas fun as well. 

This year was a little different though. Instead of making the trek by plane, train or automobile downtown to Daley Plaza for the Christkindlmarket Chicago we were going to head to the Christkindlmarket Naperville. This second location for the market was chosen last year and for us living in the western burbs it worked out really well. 

Held at the beautiful Naper Settlement it was the perfect place for the market. Both of the markets give off their own distinct vibes I felt. While the Christkindlmarket Chicago is right in the middle of the busy Loop, Christkindlmarket Naperville was distinctly different being surrounded by the historic buildings of the Settlement.

The set up of the market was the same with it's closely set little booths, larger ornament shop and large tents with group tables for enjoying your cocoa from the yearly little ceramic stein. While things look the same the size is definitely smaller and there were a couple of vendors who I missed. Although I was able to get my delicious chocolate covered rice krispie treat when I was in the city the week before ... shhh don't tell Kevin his didn't actually make it home!

We loved that the communal eating areas were much larger. It was nice being able to spread out a little more for lunch and with a two year old on the move there was definitely some open space for him to move! Although I think my favorite aspect of the larger area was that they had this wall of windows. It was fun to see people as they went by. I love people watching.

After several cups of cocoa were consumed, more than several pretzels and bratwurst, the yearly ornament purchased and good family time had by all we headed home through the slushy first snow of the year. I definitely hope that Christkindlmarket Naperville is here to stay!

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