Beardstown’s Christkindlmarkt set to open Thanksgiving weekend

BEARDSTOWN, lll. — The downtown square in Beardstown has been converted into a Christmas village for the holidays. The Christkindlmarkt is set to open on Friday, Nov. 29 with 20 custom-built cedar chalets featuring a variety of vendors each weekend leading up to Christmas.

In a press release, Katie Vitale, executive director of the Beardstown CONNECT, said, “This is the fourth year for what has become a very popular annual event in West Central Illinois. It provides shoppers an opportunity to enjoy an old-world German-style Christmas market. It is becoming one of the largest outdoor Christmas markets in Central Illinois.”

The chalets will feature a variety of vendors every weekend. Artists, potters and talented crafters will have a variety of products for sale in addition to Christmas-themed decorations, ornaments and foods.

“What started as a small four-chalet market has grown so quickly in popularity that this year it will have 20 chalets,” said Vitale. “We’ll have a variety of hot food available like brats, ribeye sandwiches and hot dogs. Stroll around the market and square while enjoying a hot cup of German-style spiced wine or hot chocolate in a souvenir cup. Grab a cinnamon roll or delicious Dutch pancakes for a sweet treat.”

The Christkindlmarkt opens from 4 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 29, but the official start of the season is Saturday, Nov. 30. Saturday’s market will open at 9 a.m. and is capped with the lighted Christmas parade at 6 p.m. Lighted floats and displays will travel the length of State Street, concluding at the downtown square and the Markt and will feature Santa Claus for the kids.

“Come early, shop the market and downtown retailers, enjoy a brat and watch the Christmas parade. That will certainly get anyone in the spirit of the season,” Vitale said.

The Christkindlmarkt will be open each Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving until Christmas. Normal hours are 4-7 p.m. on Fridays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

“Remember, there are different vendors each weekend, so people should plan multiple visits,” Vitale said. “You won’t be disappointed and you will, no doubt, find that special gift for Christmas.”

More information and schedules are available on Facebook at Beardstown Christkindlmarkt.