A Bavarian Christmas

One of my favorite holiday traditions in Chicago is a visit to the ChriskindleMarket in Daley plaza. This International market place is full of shopping, food and drinks. Mostly German in concept, several other nationalities have popped up with wares for sale from all over the world.

Potato pancakes, bratwurst and mulled wine are a few of the wonderfully seasonal foods offered at the market. A yearly collector’s mug in the shape of a boot filled with the mulled wine is extremely popular.

Shops filled with handcrafted goods such as nutcrackers, traditional smokers and glass ornaments are staffed with natives of the countries they represent. There are tree ornaments in the shape of almost everything imaginable. For those of you not familiar with the “pickle” tradition, ask one of the employees, my family has observed that tradition for years.

Since most of the market is outdoors, make sure and bundle up and take a camera for a picture in front of the beautifully lit Christmas tree or Santa’s workshop. The hours are between 11 and 8 every day until Christmas Eve and until 9 on the weekends. Daley Center in located right in the middle of the loop about 1 ½ miles from the Knickerbocker. A cab should run about $10.

Enjoy this wonderful holiday tradition!

Jeff

Wicked Holiday!

A Chicago favorite has returned just in time for the holidays! Wicked, the thoroughly enchanting musical is playing for a limited time at the Cadillac Palace. Even in a venue different from where it played for years in town, the musical brings the magical story of the witches of Oz to life. It feels right at home in the Cadillac Palace Theater just a short taxi ride from the Knickerbocker Hotel.

For those who have not seen the show, it is a re-telling of the Wizard of Oz from a different point of view, that of the wicked witch of the west. It includes everything from childhood, schooling and the bonds she creates throughout her life. If you have ever seen the movie (and let’s face it, most of us have), the musical brings back childhood memories and mixes them with amazing music, enchanting sets and flying monkeys!

With such a short time scheduled in Chicago this run, you may want to get your tickets before it flies to its next destination. Let the concierge find you premium seats and a pre-show meal to go with it!