Agenda

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Registration, Lantern Pick-Up, and Costume Showcase Entry

5:00 PM - 5:10 PM

Official Welcome and Storytelling

5:10 PM - 5:30 PM

Singing and Start of Parade

5:30 PM

Parade End, Costume Showcase Drawing, and Goodie-Bag Pickup

In November, German children celebrate St. Martin's Day by carrying lanterns around outside after dark and singing traditional songs. A bit like "trick or treating", the children are rewarded for their singing and the beauty of their lanterns with sweets and other goodies - in the spirit of the holiday season of sharing and giving.

Just like the children in Germany, the kids can enjoy a Lantern Parade at the at the enchanting Christkindlmarket Aurora. Before the parade begins, they’ll have the chance to meet the Christkind, and on December 6th, Saint Nikolaus will join for a special appearance and photo opportunities.

Before the procession starts, the Christkind will share the inspiring story of St. Martin, and on December 6th, Saint Nikolaus will recount tales of his charitable deeds and the traditions of St. Nicholas Day.

With lanterns in hand and festive songs filling the air, the Christkind leads the children on a leisurely stroll through the magical holiday village within the Christkindlmarket Aurora. Following the parade, each child receives a delightful goodie bag as a token of the experience.

New This Year:

1. Costume Showcase Giveaway! Dress up as your favorite holiday character (such as Christkind, St. Nikolaus, St. Martin, Santa, Elf, Mrs. Claus, Sugar Plum Fairy, or Krampus) for a chance to win. One winner will be chosen in each parade. On December 6th, kids in costume can win VIP Admission to the Art Institue of Chicago, and on December 14th, another lucky winner will receive a Fox Valley Park District day pass variety pack!
2. Also new this year, Saint Nikolaus will join the Christkind on December 6th to celebrate the Lantern Parade on St. Nicholas Day!

The Story Behind the Lantern Parade

Traditionally, the Lantern Parade takes place on St. Martin's Day in November to honor St. Martin, a fourth century AD soldier who is known for his goodwill and Samaritan deeds. His most famous deed was cutting his winter coat in half with his sword and sharing it with a poor man who was barely clothed on a freezing cold night.

Our lantern parade will also feature Saint Nikolaus on December 6th, who will share stories of his charitable deeds and the traditions of St. Nicholas Day, celebrated on that same date.

EVENT DETAILS

The Lantern Parade will take place on two (2) separate occasions at the Christkindlmarket Aurora at RiverEdge Park, allowing families the flexibility to select a date that suits their schedules best.

This event takes place outdoors, we recommend dressing appropriately for the occasion.

Dates:

1. Friday, December 6, 2024
2. Saturday, December 14, 2024

Time:

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Location:

The Christkindlmarket Aurora at RiverEdge Park, 360 North Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505

General Admission Tickets Include:

1. One (1) paper lantern with a lighting rod
2. One (1) complimentary goodie-bag
3. Participation in the parade alongside the Christkind

Children’s Costume Showcase Giveaway: No purchase necessary

Dress up as your favorite holiday character (such as Christkind, St. Nikolaus, St. Martin, Santa, Elf, Mrs. Claus, Sugar Plum Fairy, or Krampus) for a chance to win. One winner will be chosen in each parade. On December 6th, kids in costume can win Costume Showcase Giveaway! Dress up as your favorite holiday character (such as Christkind, St. Nikolaus, St. Martin, Santa, Elf, Mrs. Claus, Sugar Plum Fairy, or Krampus) for a chance to win. One winner will be chosen in each parade. On December 6th, kids in costume can win VIP Admission to the Art Institue of Chicago, and on December 14th, another lucky winner will receive a Fox Valley Park District day pass variety pack!

*Please note that you are allowed to bring along your own lantern, but open flames are not allowed on the Plaza at RiverEdge Park

Please note that this event will take place rain or shine. No refunds issued.