If you visit Chicago, you will likely find plenty to do, regardless of the time of year. You can go to Bears games in the late fall or Cubs games in the summer. You can check out museums and eat at high-end restaurants.
You might also spend some time at Christkindlmarket. Chicago’s Christkindlmarket attracted over 2 million people in 2023, and the festival organizers boast similar numbers each year.
You will more than likely enjoy your time there, whether you’re a vender or you’re shopping amongst the stalls. Let’s run through how you can stay safe there if you’re in either situation.
What Should You Know About Christkindlmarket?
First, let’s talk about this festive event that happens in Chicago every year. Christkindlmarket sets up shop at Daley Plaza. It has different dates every year, but it always takes place right around Christmas.
You can get all kinds of different food and drinks there, including ones to keep you warm, since Chicago often sees frigid winter weather. You can also buy many crafts and trinkets. You might purchase some clothing or artwork.
Much of what you’ll see has a distinctive handmade look. The workers you see running the booths often made the crafts, food, and everything else you see for sale. You might grab a cookie, a mug of cocoa, and a picture to hang on your wall. You can also go there and look for gifts for anyone still on your holiday shopping list.
Now, let’s run through what you should do to stay safe while you’re there as a customer.
How Customers Can Stay Safe at Christkindlmarket
If you head to Christkindlmarket with an eye on buying some products, or else you just want to walk around, you should first watch your step. Since this market normally takes place during the winter, you might have snow and ice on the ground while you’re visiting.
The staff there always does its utmost when shoveling snow and salting the walkways. However, you might still have icy or slick spots.
If you wear boots, that’s often helpful. You will have more traction that way. You certainly don’t want to slip and fall while shopping.
Watch Out for Pickpockets
As you walk around, you should also watch out for thieves. Pickpockets target places like public markets. It’s often more of a problem in some European countries, but it can certainly happen in a city like Chicago as well.
You can keep your wallet snug in your front pocket. That’s better than your rear one. You might also attach your wallet to your belt with a chain or length of nylon cord if you bought the sort of wallet where that’s possible.
You should keep a tight grip on your purse as well. Grabbing a purse if you’re not paying attention becomes much easier. Someone who sees a purse with a smartphone and money in it might try to snatch it and dash away through the crowd before anyone can tackle them.
You will also see police officers stationed around the market. If you need one of their help, flag them down. They’re often eager to assist you if someone pickpockets you. It’s probably the first action they’ve seen all day.
Keep an Eye on Your Kids
You should also keep a close eye on your children if you have any with you. If you bring the kids, they will likely have a great time. Make sure you bundle them up if you do. It’s often nippy, and you want to protect their little fingers and toes.
You should also tell your very young kids to hold tight to your hand as you walk around with them. Sometimes, predators will target a place like a public market or playground.
It’s terrifying to think that someone could snatch your child, but it does happen occasionally. You would never forgive yourself if something like that occurred, so keep your kids with you and watch them closely.
How Venders Can Stay Safe at the Market
Venders who use the market and try to make some money from it also have some possible concerns, just somewhat different ones. If you’re working at the market, you probably don’t have your kids with you. If you do, maybe they’re teens old enough to run the booth while you take a short break.
Mostly, you need to watch out for thieves at the market, just like the other attendees. You must watch out for pickpockets as well, but also for anyone who might sneak into your booth and try to walk off with your cashbox.
Many venders don’t take physical cash anymore, and that’s probably best. You can use a credit card swiper or an app on your smartphone if someone wants to pay you.
If you run a business selling food, though, maybe you don’t mind taking cash. That’s fine, but know that physical money makes a tempting target for someone walking around looking for something to snatch.
If you run into a two-person team, one might distract you while the other tries to grab your money. Know about these scams. You can usually spot one easily if you remain on your guard.
You should also wear layers. If you’re out there in subzero temperatures, especially with the wind blowing, you might start to feel chilled to the bone before very long.
Take a portable heater with you. If you don’t have one, then have multiple individuals running the booth. That way, when someone needs a break, they can find somewhere to warm up. Wear gloves, a hat, and a scarf. By doing so, you will protect all of your more delicate parts that the cold weather might harm.
If venders and shoppers watch themselves while at the market, then usually, they will both do fine. The vender will make money, and the shopper will get the food and gifts they want. That way, everyone has a happy holiday.
