Christkindlmarket Aurora
Visitors can wander through an open-air market filled with international craft vendors selling German glass ornaments, woodcarvings, paper star lanterns, and handmade apparel. Food stalls serve classic European and holiday treats, including Belgian hot chocolate, bratwurst, roasted nuts, fresh crepes, and warm pretzels. Guests can also enjoy live cultural entertainment ranging from traditional alpine brass bands to ballet performances.
What to Expect
Authentic German holiday market with artisan vendors and cultural entertainment.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
German American Events, LLC
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Holiday market shoppers and cultural entertainment fans
Vibe
Festive and cultural
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Thursday: 11 am–7 pm; Friday–Saturday: 11 am–9 pm; Sunday: 11 am–6 pm. Special hours: Wednesday, November 25: 11 am–7 pm; Thanksgiving, November 26, and Christmas Eve, December 24: 11 am–4 pm; Monday, December 21–Wednesday, December 23: 11 am–7 pm.
- Parking: Paid parking is available in the Aurora Transportation Center main lot ($10), overflow lot ($3), and City of Aurora River Street lots ($10); free parking is available in Lot Y. Handicap parking is available in the main and River Street lots.
- Accessibility: All Christkindlmarket locations are ADA accessible, and handicap parking is available in nearby lots.
- Pets: Pets are generally allowed in outdoor areas, but not inside walk-in cabins or tents.
Tips & Advice
- Ride the BNSF Metra line to the Aurora Transportation Center, then walk a short way north on North Broadway to RiverEdge Park.
- For free parking, use Lot Y on River Street and cross the pedestrian bridge into RiverEdge Park.
- In the ATC lots, pay at a pay station or with the ParkMobile app. Pay stations take card or exact cash only, and unpaid cars are ticketed.
- Come on a Thursday morning or early afternoon if you can, since weekdays are less crowded than weekends at the market.
- Shop the extra days before Christmas, Monday through Wednesday, December 21 to 23, when the market opens beyond its usual Thursday-to-Sunday schedule.
Special Events & Promotions
- Extra opening days on Wednesday, November 25 and Monday to Wednesday, December 21 to 23
- Shorter hours on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve
- Both free and ticketed special events run during the season
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, pets are allowed in all outdoor areas of the market. They can't go inside the walk-in cabins or tents. Smaller pets are easier for other visitors to see in a crowd.
Is the market accessible?
Yes, the market is ADA accessible. Handicap parking is available in the Aurora Transportation Center main lot and the River Street lots.
Where should I park?
There are paid lots at the Aurora Transportation Center and the River Street lots. Lot Y on River Street is free and connects to RiverEdge Park by the pedestrian bridge. From the ATC overflow lot, a pedestrian tunnel takes you under the tracks.
Is there live entertainment?
Yes. There's free live entertainment and cultural events, from alpine brass bands to ballet performances. Some special events are ticketed.
How can I avoid the biggest crowds?
Weekdays tend to be less busy than weekends, especially in the morning and early afternoon.
More Christmas Events Near Aurora
More Christmas Events near Aurora
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.