See a short video about the Christkindlmarket here:
Frank’s Ornament House is tucked into a corner of the Chicago Christkindlmarket, but for many people who visit each year, it’s a destination, a reason to add a new handmade ornament to their collection.
The family-owned business is based in Lauscha, Thuringia, Germany and only opens in Chicago during the Christmas season. Each ornament is hand blown and hand painted.
“They’re beautiful, absolutely beautiful,” said Janet Shirrell of St. Louis, who is visiting her daughter in the city. “For many years I’ve been a collector of ornaments and so have my children from the time they were babies … We’ve shared ornaments even through the feast of Saint Nicholas and I have an elaborate collection.”
Since its beginning in 1996, the Chicago Christkindlmarket has brought joy and tradition to Chicagoans and tourists alike in the Daley Plaza each Christmas season. In a survey done by Gallup, U.S. consumers are expected to spend about $794 this Christmas season on gifts, and with over 50 vendors, visitors can stroll the admission-free market, the Christkindlmarket is a great place to find unique gifts this season.
Although the majority of the vendors at the market are outdoor booths, Frank’s Ornmaent House is one of the few shops that is indoors. The store draws large crowds on chilly days where it’s not unusual to see a line out the door on any given weekend.
“I think a crowd can have two effects: If I see it and it’s super packed, sometimes I just want to walk by, but other times I can be like ‘oh, what’s there?” said visitor Erika Eads.
Since its beginning in 1996, the Chicago Christkindlmarket has brought joy and tradition to Chicagoans and tourists alike in the Daley Plaza each Christmas season. In a survey done by Gallup, U.S. consumers are expected to spend about $794 this Christmas season on gifts, and with over 50 vendors, visitors can stroll the admission-free market, the Christkindlmarket is a great place to find unique gifts this season.