2019 Christkindlmarket mugs revealed — the boot is back

The 2019 Christkindlmarket mugs feature decorative details from Chicago, Wrigleyville or Milwaukee marketplaces. | Courtesy German American Events, LLC

For many, they’re the reason for the Christkindlmarket season.

And on Tuesday, the 2019 incarnations of those adorable, keepsake purveyors of your favorite beverage at Chicago’s Christkindlmarket locations were revealed — and the boot is back!

This year’s trio of boot-shaped mugs — one for each of the area’s three Christkindlmarkets (including one in Milwaukee) under the auspices of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest — focuses on the celebration of German-American friendship. Each mug features a different interior color, each representing a segment of the German flag: The interior of the “Chicago” mug is black; the “Wrigleyville” mug is red, while the “Milwaukee” mug is yellow.

The 2019 “Chicago” Christkindlmarket mug features a black interior and is decorated with a scene from the popular German marketplace held in Daley Plaza throughout the holiday season.

Mugs can be purchased in a $20 three-pack at all market locations; individual mugs are only available at their respective locations, while supplies last. Christkindlmarket has produced at least one keepsake mug each year since 1996. The much sought-after boot-shape mugs went away in 2013, but returned in 2015 after a social media uproar. In 2017, however, the mugs were “punch kettle” in shape, while in 2018 they were heart-shaped.

In addition, the newest addition to The Kinder Club kids’ line of Christkindlmarket souvenir mugs was also revealed: Penguin Peppermint. The mug is available with the purchase of a non-alcoholic beverage of choice or sans drink at the markets’ information booths.

“Penguin Peppermint” is this year’s Kinder Club boot mug available at Christkindlmarkets.

For more information on the markets, visit christkindlmarket.com.

Here’s the rundown on this year’s three area market locations where visitors can shop and savor holiday fare including hand-crafted ornaments, toys and unique holiday gifts, traditional German foods, sweets and beverages:

Christkindlmarket Chicago at Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington, Nov. 15 – Dec. 24)

Regular Hours:

• Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Special Hours: Nov. 28, Dec. 24: 11 a.m .– 4 p.m. Closed Dec. 25

The 2019 “Wrigleyville” Christkindlmarket boot mug.

Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville at Gallagher Way (3635 N. Clark, Nov. 22 – Dec. 31)

Regular Hours:

• Monday – Thursday: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Sunday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Special hours: Nov. 28, Dec. 24, Dec. 31: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Closed Dec. 25.

The 2019 Milwaukee” Christkindlmarket mug.

Christkindlmarket Milwaukee in the Deer District (1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave., Nov. 15 – Dec. 24)

Regular Hours:

• Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Special Hours: Nov. 28, Dec. 24: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Closed Dec. 25.