Italian Festival at Daley Plaza

In honor of Chicago's rich Italian American heritage, the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA) is hosting Fiera Italiana from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., October 5 - 9 at Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington Ave.). This outdoor festival-style event brings food, drink, performing arts, entertainment, fashion and more in celebration of the culture of Italy. The festivities will be the kick off to the tradition that is the annual Columbus Day Parade on October 12.  This outdoor festival-style event brings food, drink, performing arts, entertainment, fashion and more in celebration of the culture of Italy. The festivities will be the kick off to the tradition that is the annual Columbus Day Parade on October 12.

On Thursday, October 7, yours truly will be hosting an Italian wine tasting in Daley Plaza.  We'll travel through Italy's rich history of wine along with many of their great indigenous varietals.  The tasting will be free to all participants and will begin at 1pm.  Hope to see you there!

Chicago Christkindlmarket

The Chicago Christkindlmarket is in full swing at the Daley Plaza!  The market is going on it's 14th year and celebrates a tradition almost 500 years old, started in Germany.  It commemorates the season of Advent, as well as the growing season.  Each market includes fun, festivities, and goods, food, and beverages from local artisans and vendors.  Every region in Germany displays their own local specialties, making them unique.  Now, there are Christkindlmarkets around the globe, and we have our very own!  Here's a bit more about our market and vendors: There are dozens of vendors, offering crafted goods like jewelry, crystal, pottery, wood carvings, ornaments, scarves, sweaters, and cuckoo clocks.  They also offer imported candies and chocolates, and all sorts of food like schnitzel, goulash, bratwurst, soups, potato pancakes, sweet cheese fritters, roasted nuts, stollen, and strudel.

Now for the beverages!  For the adults, there is Original Sternthaler Nürnberger Christkindles Glühwein, a German mulled wine, which is normally a spiced red wine served warm.  Some have been known to be prepared with rum, so you are warmed up in more ways than one!  They also offered imported German beers, Bischoff Premium Pilsner and Doppelbock.  For the kids (or my pregnant wife!) they have hot chocolate and hot cider.  These are all sure to keep you warm as you enjoy the market with friends and family.

The market is open every year from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, and normally runs every day from 11am to 8pm.  There is also a large schedule of events including parades, performances, and choirs.  Be sure to visit and enjoy everything that Chicago has to offer!