Christkindlesmarkt ushers in holidays

Remembrances of Christkindlesmarkt focus on gluhwein, a warm, aromatic and hearty favorite of Germanophiles at the holiday market and fall festival that arrives right before Advent.

Members of the Schaumburg Sister Cities Commission and Sister Cities Organization will sell gluhwein, that fragrant drink heavy with spice and fruit, as well as apple strudel and Advent calendars during the two-day market and festival similar to holiday fests in many European cities. Sponsored for the 11th time by the Village of Schaumburg, the free event will open at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 and Sunday, Nov. 30 outdoors in Town Square, Schaumburg and Roselle roads, Schaumburg.

Schaumburg Special Events Coordinator Roxane Benvenuti says booths will display German and American crafts, holiday gifts and various foods preferred by fest goers. Shoppers favor brats, German potato salad, goulash soup, kettle corn, funnel cakes and hot pretzels.

Crafters will display table linens, hand-knit sweaters, olive woodcarvings, fleece ponchos and decorated wreaths. One vendor will sell streusel cakes and cookies.

For fun, children can delve into paper crafts, have their faces painted or pose for caricatures.

The Waterloo German Band will play from 11 a.m. to 12:30 Friday, Nov. 28 and carriage and sleigh rides will circle the area for a nominal fee.

Calling it "our biggest and most beloved project of the entire year," the Schaumburg Jaycees Wish Tree will locate in a storefront on the grounds during the festival and through Sunday, Dec. 14.

Jaycee spokeswoman Tami Curran said it is the 23rd year for the Jaycees to sponsor the program that benefits the township's underprivileged children. She added that its success is because of the "generosity and good will of local businesses and residents" who provide Christmas presents.

"Our wish tree is decorated with the holiday wishes of less fortunate children in Schaumburg Township," Curran said. "The public adopts a child (whose name is on an ornament) and shops for that child."

Folks may take ornaments containing children's wishes, buy gifts and return wrapped packages to the wish tree office, 160 S. Roselle Road, as soon as possible. Curran said Jaycees then organize gifts, finish shopping, wrap and deliver the presents to families before Christmas. She cautioned the Jaycees do not solicit names. Instead, names come from the township's general assistance department and will be on the ornaments.

"It's a wonderful event, one we look forward to every year," Curran said.