Beardstown’s Christkindlmarkt set to open Thanksgiving weekend with 15 chalets

BEARDSTOWN, Ill. — The downtown square in Beardstown will be converted to a Christmas village for the holidays in preparation for the Christkindlmarkt set to open on Friday, Nov. 24.

Fifteen custom-built cedar chalets will feature a variety of vendors each weekend leading up to Christmas. Lighted, decorated and garnished with greenery, the Christkindlmarkt will look like a Hallmark Village complementing the many downtown shops showing their Christmas themes.

In a press release, Katie Vitale, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, said, “This is the third 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 the largest, outdoor Christmas market down state from Chicago.”

Each chalet will feature a different vendor every weekend. Artists, potters and crafters will have their variety of products for sale. Christmas-themed decorations, ornaments, foods and more will capture a shopper’s holiday spirit. Wood crafts for kitchen and home are available, some of which are created by the students at the Illinois School for the Deaf specifically for the market.

“What started as a small, four-chalet market has grown so quickly in popularity that this year will have 15 chalets,” Vitale said. “We’ll have a variety of hot food, brats, chili, hot dogs and more. You can stroll around the market and square 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 Friday, Nov. 24, but the official start of the season is on Saturday. Saturday’s market will open at 9 a.m. and is capped off with the lighted Christmas parade at 6 p.m. Lighted floats and displays will travel the length of State Street, ending at the downtown square and the Markt and will feature Santa Claus for the kids.

Christkindlmarkt will be open each Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving until Christmas. Friday hours are 4 to 7 p.m. Hours for Saturday, Nov. 25, are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The hours for all following Saturdays will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Remember, there are different vendors each weekend, so people should plan multiple visits,” Vitale said.

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