Crowds turn out in force for last Sunday of Christkindlmarket in downtown Chicago
CHICAGO (CBS) -- For anyone who hasn't made it to the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza downtown, the clock is ticking.
The market will close its doors on the night before Christmas. The bustling shoulder-to-shoulder crowds that have been pouring into the German Christmas market snow or shine will be gone, and not a creature will be stirring. Not even a mouse.
But that's not the case yet. On Sunday, the lines just to enter Christkindlmarket were wrapped around Daley Plaza.
Patrons and employees all said Christkindlmarket has been a lot more crowded overall this year than any year in the past. This is likely in part because the Wrigleyville Christkindlmarket was not held this year, and thus, Daley Plaza was the only option in the city.
Alyssa Wright and her family were among many people who decided to drop by despite a noticeable chill in the air Sunday.
"We just left Block 37, and we just decided to come over here," Wright said.
They joined hundreds in line for this final Sunday of the market.
"It's been pretty, I mean, smooth. It's been pretty good," said Demi Ventura of Chicago, "and I think it's not that cold as soon as you get used to it."
Not everyone was on board with that sentiment. Many ran from the cold to find the hot chocolate or hot toddy.
Maddy Fisher and Murphy Jones decided to do just that—only to find themselves unable to figure out where the line ended or began.
"It's unsure whether people are just filing in or if they're in the hot chocolate line, so we're just going to go with the flow and see if we're in the line or not," Jones said.
Once they got their hands on that hot chocolate, there was one more mission.
"And grilled cheese," Fisher said.
Ryan Aaronson of the north suburbs got his hands on some hot chocolate too—creating new memories with loved ones.
"This is my second time being here. The last time I was here, I was very, very young. But I was a great memory," Aaronson said. "I wanted to come back. I have my family and my girlfriend here. It's a great experience."
Not only was it a great experience for the customers, but also for employees like Evan Herrington at the Sweet Swabian nut roastery.
"The weekends have been very busy," Herrington said. "Weekday have been pretty average, but it's been pretty busy on the weekends."
This Sunday was Herrington's final day at the market—serving up the Chicago mix of roasted nuts.
"It's cinnamon sugar on pecans, almonds, and cashews," he said.
But what Herrington will miss most are the people, as the market prepares to close and hibernate until November 2025.
"Everyone is so friendly," said Herrington. "It's the holiday season. I just love talking to people. It's great."
Christkindlmarket remains open Monday and Tuesday. The gates close at 8 p.m. both nights.