Chicago Christkindlmarket organizers, vendors speak out on issues due to new capacity limits
One vendor said sales are down over 40%, as they watch those who want to enter Christkindlmarket wait in lines for hours.
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Christkindlmarket organizers and vendors spoke out Friday about issues due to new capacity limits on the event.
One organizer said the market was told 12 hours before it opened last week that their capacity limit had been dramatically reduced.
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He said during the COVID pandemic, they were allowed to have nearly 3,500 on Daley Plaza. Now, they can have less than half of that.
"While we are working to address crowding issues at the Christkindlmarket, this level of restrictions poses 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," organizers said in a news release.
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One vendor said sales are down over 40%, as they watch those who want to enter Christkindlmarket wait in lines for hours.
Vendors are also facing higher prices on goods due to President Donald Trump's tariffs, they said.
"I travel from Munich every year to sell my honey products and ornaments," said Sabine Korger of Biene's Honighaus. "With tariffs and now capacity limits, we'll lose significant income. I'm not sure I can afford to return next year, or even if I will survive this one."
An organizer said they are working with the mayor's office in an effort to remedy the situation, but they are concerned over the repercussions.
"Created in 1996 to promote a relationship between Germany and the United States, the family-friendly Christkindlmarket draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to Chicago annually and has an economic impact of over $190 million, driving tourism and tax revenues during the holiday season," the news release said.
The market also provides nearly 2,000 jobs, organizers said.
The mayor's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
