Wilmington Park District planning biggest Christkindl Market yet

Wilmington is kicking off the holiday season in a big way on Saturday, Nov. 29, with a bigger than ever Christkindl Market, classic Christmas movies, ice carving demonstration, holiday parade and the North Island lighted Christmas walk.
It’s hopeful the town will be celebrating a state championship football trophy too.
The Wilmington Park District has over 45 vendors signed up so far, so many that the Christkindlmarket is being expanded across the mill race.
The market will be located on the downtown parking lot—220 N. Water St—as well as across the foot bridge to the back half of the city parking lot next to Nelly’s Restaurant.
“The downtown location features a lot of our Farmers Market regulars plus many more with creative and amazing Holiday gifts for everyone,” commented Kirsten VanDuyne, director for the park district. “This will be a great opportunity for residents to stock up before winter sets in and we won’t see everyone till next year. We have a really diverse lineup and excited for everyone to shop local this holiday season!”
Among the offerings will be fresh hot donuts, ChickfilA food truck, hot chocolate, Kettle Corn, roasted nuts and much more! Stop by the giving tent to donate goods, money and more. There will be baked goods, décor, jewelry, crafts and gifts!
The Wine Café at 130 Bridge St. will be serving youth and adult hot chocolates, warm spiced wine. Next door at Nelly’s will have the Walk up window open with Christkindlmarket specials. There will be photo ops set throughout the market to snap a festive picture.
Downtown shops will be open late for shopping throughout the event. The new Christkindlmarket expansion will feature more vendors and so much entertainment for the whole family!
Starting at 3 p.m. will be a Candy Cane Lane tent for kids crafting activities including Letters to Santa, ornament making, inflatable games and snapping a photo with holiday friends including The Grinch, Willy the Wildcat and Jr. Gemini Giant as Santa’s pals.
Performances include Kankakee Valley Defensive Arts and the Park District Dancers on the main stage. After the performances are done, classic Christmas movies will be playing while you stroll the market.
Also strolling the market will be the Lamplight Carolers setting the festive mood as you shop. City of Wilmington is sponsoring the ‘Ice Man’ from U.S. Carving and will be hosting an ice carving demonstration PLUS sit to have your portrait carved to take home with you!
Hot chocolate stations will be placed along North Water St. from the stoplight north so grab a warm cup while you enjoy all of the festivities!
Parade voting will be done electronically this year. Scan the QR code on the floats and vote for your favorite float. Prizes will be issued to 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes.
Anyone can enter a float in the parade (see application in this edition) with the Chamber of Commerce before Nov. 23 to be included in the voting. Parade entries still accepted after that date.
At 5 p.m. the Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade will travel north on Water Street from Ryan Street to the post office as Santa ushers in the start of the Holiday Season, stopping at Claire’s Corner to participate in the Tree Lighting, crowning the Chamber of commerce Business Person of the Year and taking photos with young and old. The WHS Showcats will be performing at the Tree Lighting as well.
At 6:15 p.m., after the Tree Lighting ceremony, Santa will meet kids at Jackson & Water St., next to The Scoop ice cream shop, at 6:15 p.m. to walk over to the North Island and magically turn on the lights at the Island with the Lions Club!
Timeline of Events
8 a.m. - 2 p.m. – Small Business Saturday Downtown Wilmington
2:30 p.m. – N. Water street closes
3-6 p.m. – Christkindlmarket opens, downtown shopping continues. Ice carving begins.
3:15 p.m. – Kankakee Valley Defensive Arts Demo
4 p.m. - Park District Dancers; Lamplight Carolers
4:15 p.m. – Classic Christmas Movies
5 p.m. – Parade starts
5:45 p.m. – Tree Lighting at Claire’s Corner, Santa Pictures, Showcats performance
6:15 p.m. – Meet Santa at The Scoop to walk to the lights at the North Island
6:30 p.m. – (Approx.) Lights turn on at the North Island Holiday Walk
So bundle up and come start the holiday festivities in downtown Wilmington on Nov. 29.