Special Holiday Events at the Chicago French Market

Dec. 3, 2012 - PRLog -- Special Event at the Chicago French Market

December 21 - Marche de Noel

8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Complimentary

Marche de Noel is back at the Chicago French Market for a holiday shopping season full of rotating visiting artisans. The traditional French Christmas Market encompasses a variety of vendors selling a range of products including handmade jewelry, natural pet treats, hand knitted scarves, woodworking gifts and more. They display and sell their wares daily, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. through December 21.

This special feature provides an unique holiday atmosphere and shopping options, helping customers cross everyone off their list. A couple select vendors include The Silver Rose selling sterling silver jewelry and Strongwear offering its mittens, coats, and fleece. Other Chicago French Market vendors also will feature new holiday items, during this time.

The Marche de Noel is believed to have begun in Dresden, Germany in 1434 under the reign of Fredrick II of Saxony. The Marche de Noel first began in France in the city of Strasbourg where it is still held today. The holiday market has continued ever since in France and in many other cities throughout Europe.

Thursday, December 6 & 20 - Rush Hour Music with Annalee Hooson

4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Complimentary

Grab something to eat and drink and wind down your day with Annalee Hooson, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. December 6 and 20. She is a Chicago French Market favorite and will be performing many original pieces as well as popular easy listening cover songs. Hooson has been enchanting audiences with her jazz acoustic sounds since the age of 13. The Chicago French Market is proud to share her musical styling as a perfect way to wrap up the hectic day.

Saturday December 8 - Fulton River District Association Tree Lighting

3:30 p.m. Complimentary

Join the Fulton River District Association Neighborhood Tree Lighting ceremony on the concourse of the Chicago French Market, 3:30 p.m. December 8. The Skinner Elementary School choir will be on hand to sing classic Christmas songs along with several honored guests who will light the tree. This event is sponsored by The Chicago French Market, LavAzza Espression, Fulton River District, The True Tale of Dasher and Ovie Bar and Grill.

Wednesday, December 12 - Lunch Hour Music with Steve Justman      

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary

Make your lunch more enjoyable with the Chicago French Market’s complimentary Lunch Hour Music. Folk musician Steve Justman joins the lunch hour crowd from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. December 12. He hails from the Chicago area and specializes in Americana music. Justman has performed in many of the best acoustic venues in the Chicagoland area and is excited to return to the market.  

Thursday, December 13 - Wine Tasting with Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine

4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Complimentary

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine is an European inspired neighborhood cheese shop at the Chicago French Market. In addition to featuring fine artisan cheeses from America and around the world, they also offer small production wines, freshly baked breads and a full complement of related items such as honeys, jams and olive oils. Continuing its monthly wine tasting series, Pastoral will sample varietals ideal for holiday entertaining needs, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. December 13. Its broad wine selection also makes great holiday gifts.

Saturday, December 15 - Jinglefest 2012

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary

Santa Claus is making a special appearance at the Chicago French Market for Jinglefest 2012, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. December 15. This fun filled family event features an opportunity for kids to have their picture taken with Santa.

Alan Jania a children’s author, also will be reading from his book The True Tale of Dasher (available for purchase for $19.95). To end on a sweet note, there will be holiday cookie decorating for kids. This fun event is sponsored by the Chicago French Market vendor Vanille Patisserie.

Tuesday December 25 - Chicago French Market is closed Christmas Day

About Chicago French Market
Chicago French Market is a European-inspired market offering an array of local produce, meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheese, wine, chocolates, pastas, artisan-made goods, specialty drinks, flowers, prepared meals and a seating area for customers. Chicago French Market’s diverse group of local vendors stay open year-round, six days per week, and is located within the new MetraMarket development at 131 N. Clinton St. (between Washington and Randolph Streets).

Chicago French Market offers complimentary garage parking with entrances at 164 N. Canal St. and 165 N. Clinton St. for one hour or less with a minimum purchase of $20 or more (receipt required).

For more information, visit chicagofrenchmarket.com. “Like” Chicago French Market on Facebook at facebook.com/ChicagoFrenchMarket and follow the market on Twitter at @ChiFrenchMarket.