Chicago Sun-Times

Going, going, almost gone

Wrigleyvil­le is the last location with Christkind­lmarket’s 2023 collectibl­e mugs in stock, and those could sell out soon too

- BY EMMANUEL CAMARILLO, STAFF REPORTER ecamarillo@suntimes.com | @mannycam

Shoppers who planned on snagging one of Christkind­lmarket’s 2023 collectibl­e souvenir mugs might need a Plan B.

This year the popular outdoor market featured three versions of the mug, one for each of its locations in Aurora, Chicago and Wrigleyvil­le. The Chicago and Aurora editions of those mugs have officially sold out, according to the Christkind­lmarket website.

The Wrigleyvil­le version of the mug was expected to sell out late Monday or Tuesday, according to the Christkind­lmarket Facebook page.

A spokespers­on for Christkind­lmarket said “significan­tly” increased attendance across the markets this year led to the mugs quickly selling out.

Visitors who still want a souvenir mug will be able to purchase last year’s design instead. (Christkind­lmarket didn’t feature an online shop this year and items can only be purchased on site.)

The design of the 2022 mug combined elements from all three Christkind­lmarket locations, but this year the mugs had locationsp­ecific designs for each market.

The Chicago mug is mint green on the outside and shows off downtown landmarks like City Hall and the Daley Plaza Picasso sculpture.

The Aurora mug includes elements like the Paramount Theatre and bald eagles that can be found along the Fox River. The Wrigleyvil­le mug shows off the Hotel Zachary and the intersecti­on sign of Clark and Addison streets.

The downtown location for the first time is offering a fast-entry pass option, which for $25 guarantees priority admittance and a souvenir mug.

For many Chicago-area residents, the free outdoor market has become an annual tradition. Last year, the market served up warm wine and German fare to more than 1.5 million visitors across its three locations.

If you’re there to shop for presents, vendors sell handcrafte­d scarves, ornaments, stuffed animals, puzzles and jewelry.

The Daley Plaza market is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The location closes for the season at 4 p.m. Dec. 24.

Hours for Wrigleyvil­le and Aurora locations can be found at christkind­lmarket.com.

 ?? TROY MAIRS & CHICAGO STAR MEDIA ?? This year’s Christkind­lmarket souvenir mug featured designs inspired by three locations: Downtown Chicago, Wrigleyvil­le and Aurora. They are now only available in Wrigleyvil­le.
TROY MAIRS & CHICAGO STAR MEDIA This year’s Christkind­lmarket souvenir mug featured designs inspired by three locations: Downtown Chicago, Wrigleyvil­le and Aurora. They are now only available in Wrigleyvil­le.

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