There is something special about the tradition of a German Christmas market and we look forward to visiting Urbana’s very own again this year
Last year’s German Christmas Market at Riggs in Urbana was a highlight of the season and we can’t wait to visit again. This tradition has quickly turned into a Champaign-Urbana area favorite.
For the first time in 2019, Matt Riggs and his wife Caroline, part of the ownership family of Riggs Beer Company, constructed and opened a German Christmas market at the Urbana store.
The traditional huts that are characteristic of German Christmas markets truly make the experience. Not only do they provide a beautiful backdrop for the experience but, by being stacked closely together, they block the wind to help keep visitors warmer than if the winter winds were blowing right across the open fields.
This year’s food lineup includes “sweet and savory crepes” along with bratwurst, candied roasted nuts, hot spiced wine and more. This is “very much what you would find at a German Christmas market in Germany,” according to Riggs.
The market gets bigger and better every year, and this year’s lineup seems to align with that thought. Food vendors include* Watson’s Shack & Rail, F & T Desserts, and CK Almonds. Some of the vendors you will find are Mack Glass, Norden/Pipapo, Farm to Wick, Grant Street Woodworks and Delight Flower Farm.
*Vendors vary from day to day and specific time slots. Please check the schedule before heading out if you want to catch a specific vendor.
Must Know Info
Get detailed info on the Riggs Beer Company website.
When: Four weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Opening Friday, Nov. 24
- Thursdays and Fridays, 5-8 p.m.
- Saturdays and Sundays, noon-7 p.m.
Where: Riggs Beer Company, 1901 S. High Cross Road, Urbana
How much: There is no fee to get in – “just come and be merry,” they say.
Follow Riggs Taproom on Facebook for more announcements about the German Christmas Market.
Looking for more? Subscribe to our Home for the Holidays Newsletter. Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Event Calendar.
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