In-person Christkindlmarkets in Chicago, Milwaukee canceled due to COVID-19

Christkindlmarkets in Chicago and Milwaukee will not be held in person this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organizers made the announcement Thursday that the annual German-inspired Christmas markets will be held virtually this year, adding that customers will be able to shop “from the safety and comfort of their homes.”

The first-ever virtual market will feature over 35 vendors and items like ornaments, gifts, sweets and more from Germany and beyond.

A virtual daily Advent calendar prize drawing will take place on the event’s Facebook page from December 1 through December 24.

The virtual market will launch on November 1 on the Christkindlmarket’s website and will run through December 31. Special pre-order items  will be available starting October 1.