Christkindl Market-Blog Post #2-April 13, 2015

One of the most popular holidays in Germany is also one of the most popular holidays in the U.S., Christmas.  Germany has a large Christian population and the holiday of Christmas is widely celebrated.  This doesn't only include presents and gifts, but rich, homemade foods.  One very easy way to get a feel of the German culture while still being close to home is by going to the Christkindl Market in Chicago every Christmas time.  Due to the large population of Germans in Chicago, there is a celebration held each year in Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago.  There you will see a large amount of German culture ranging from the large amounts of food to the German ornaments and figurines to even German speakers.  Starting with the food, you will see a large amount of vendors selling German food from Bratwurst to Pretzels.  But in my opinion the best food to have is the schnitzel, which is a thin slice of meat (usually chicken) breaded and then fried. The link below will show you an easy recipe for it!

 http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/pork-schnitzel-recipe.html 

Another unique thing you will see at the market are wonderfully decorated Christmas ornaments being sold left and right.  Many of the local German artists will come and make hand-made ornaments available for sale.

Lastly, the most interesting part of the Christkindl Market is seeing the Christmas angel who is called the Christkind.  In Germany instead of Santa Claus, they believe the Christkind brings the gifts to all the children.  Often you will see her introducing you to the market in GERMAN and singing different German folk-songs! 

 

http://www.christkindlmarket.com/about-us/the-christkind/