On one of the busiest shopping days of the year, Chicago’s famous Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza will address newly imposed capacity measures “for crowd management and safety,” saying they pose an “existential threat” to future of the popular holiday event.
The update comes after a Chicago Tribune report from Nov. 25 said the City of Chicago recently placed new crowd restrictions on the event for 2025, with capacity limited to about 1,000 people at a time compared to 5,000 visitors on a typical day.
The City of Chicago did not immediately respond to NBC Chicago’s request for comment.
The iconic and free Christmas market, often being ranked among the world’s best, opened for the holiday season Nov. 21. Some on social media reported having waited in long entrance lines wrapped around the block to get in.
About 1 p.m. on Black Friday, Christkindlmarket organizers are set to hold a press conference at the Daley Plaza location in downtown Chicago to address the changes and how they may impact vendors and guests.
“For 29 years, the Christkindlmarket has maintained an exemplary safety record through extensive emergency planning, trained staff, and close coordination with city departments,” a press release from organizers said. “We are working to address crowding at the market that provides a safe experience. However, the current capacity measures pose an existential threat to the Christkindlmarket and the hundreds of artisans, performers, seasonal workers, and businesses who depend on the visitors it brings to downtown Chicago. More details will be shared at today’s Press Conference at the Christkindlmarket Chicago.”
The market has three locations this year. In addition to the Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza, there is a location in Wrigleyville and in suburban Aurora. In Chicago and Aurora, the markets will be open through Dec. 24. In Wrigleyville, the market is open until Dec. 31.
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