The popular Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza will open for the season on Friday, and the official Chicago Christmas tree will also soon glow bright at night in Millennium Park.

Some vendors were already preparing for the teeming crowds to come.

Andreas Kroschke loves mechanical, functionally working puzzles. Kroschke is from Germany, but for the past five years, he has come to Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza to sell the puzzles.

Kroschke’s booth is called Wacky Wonderworks.

“The puzzles that we carry are imported from all over the world—Ukraine, Poland, Belarus—and also Asia, some puzzles,” he said.

Kroschke is one of 55 vendors who have been setting up to welcome thousands of people for the opening of the German-style Christmas market.

Daniel Korger is the co-owner of the German Brothers booth, and said he has been preparing for this for months.

“Usually, we start even in February to order things, because it takes a lot of time—obviously for the beer steins, because they’re all handmade.”

Pia Schulenderg is also from Germany, and was setting up Gift and Candle Palace Wednesday. She said she is ready for the large crowds.

“I really like when it’s super crowded,” Schulenderg said. “Everybody’s in a good mood enjoying this event really. It’s really fun.”

The City of Chicago’s Christmas tree in Millennium Park will be lit Friday for the 2024 season. Crews were putting the finishing touches on the massive tree late Wednesday.

After the tree lighting, people typically make their way to the Christmas market.

“It’s just the atmosphere. It’s amazing. I mean, there’s so many people coming out. Everybody’s here having a good time, eating, drinking, shopping,” Kroschke said. “It’s just really a fun experience.”