Holiday Events and Music This November at the Chicago French Market

November 1 to November 17- Pie Tasting from Delightful Pastries

4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Complimentary

Taste and discover what pie you would like to serve for Thanksgiving, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. November 1-17.  Delightful Pastries will be sampling several pies including the traditional Pumpkin, Apple and Pecan to Apple Caramel, Cranberry Fudge and Key Lime Pie; just to name a few. Once you decide on your favorite, the friendly staff will be happy to place your order so this task can be checked off your holiday to-do list.    

November 8 & 28– Rush Hour Music with Patricia Spaeth

4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary

Patricia Spaeth, pianist, accordionist and more, comes to Chicago via Seattle and points in-between. She plays an encyclopedic array of styles from Contra-dance to Klezmer, Finnish to French, Broadway to Swing and Tango to Ragtime.  Dance students at the Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Chicago, Lou Conte Studios and Northwestern University get a few non-classical surprises when Spaeth plays their class. She returns to the Chicago French Market with her signature accordion, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. November 8, playing well-known French tunes. Spaeth will be back for a lunch time special, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. November 28.

November 9 - Vanille Patisserie Re-Grand Opening

7 p.m. to 7:30 pm

Vanille Patisserie is celebrating its Grand Re-Opening and its One Year Anniversary in its newly decorated space at the Chicago French Market. Throughout the day, receive free coffee with a purchase; enjoy samples of your favorite items or that special treat you’ve always wanted to taste. Also, Vanille will be sampling three amazing pies for Thanksgiving; Pumpkin with Cinnamon Whipped Cream, Apple with Coconut Streusel Topping and Pecan. Preorders are encouraged since the pies are a coveted seasonal item and are quick to sell. The 10 inch pies are $26 each or any two pies for $47. Vanille will be taking orders until Tuesday November 20. There will be games, activities and prizes to win! Don’t miss the fun!

November 10 - Vanille Patisserie Re-Grand Opening

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

10 p.m. to 1 pm Free Cookie Decorating and Face Painting for kids

11 a.m. Holiday Tart Demonstration

Vanille Patisserie continues the celebration of its Grand Re-Opening and its newly decorated space at the Chicago French Market. Throughout the day, receive free coffee with a purchase; enjoy samples of your favorite items or that special treat you’ve always wanted to taste. Also, Vanille will be sampling three amazing pies for Thanksgiving; Pumpkin with Cinnamon Whipped Cream, Apple with Coconut Streusel Topping and Pecan. Preorders are encouraged since the pies are a coveted seasonal item and are quick to sell.  The 10 inch pies are $26 each or any two pies for $47.  Vanille will be taking orders until Tuesday November 20. Plus, there will be free cookie decorating and face painting for kids from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a Holiday Tart Demonstration at 11 a.m. that you won’t want to miss. There will be games, activities and prizes to win! Don’t miss the fun!

November 14 –Lunch Hour Music with Erich McMann

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary

Erich McMann grew up locally from a musical family. After years of traveling and performing all across the country, with several bands and projects; McMann moved back to Chicago to work full-time as a musician. He has been playing with several local bands including The Shreds of Evidence, Slow Hand, Just Enuff, The Everly Hillbillies, The Rockets and an original Folk side project with his sister and a few old High School friends called Smith & McMann. As a songwriter Erich has had his material recorded and performed by emerging country artist Brian Clayton, The R&B Brothers and The Phil Angotti Band.  Come hear this talented musician during your lunch hour, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. November 14.

November 15 – Beaujolais Nouveau

5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Complimentary

It’s time to celebrate the Beaujolais Nouveau with a special wine tasting at the Chicago French Market.  This French tradition begins, midnight on the third Thursday in November. Beaujolais Nouveau is a young wine from the fields in France. The grapes used for this wine were on the vine in August, picked in September, in the barrel in October and in the bottle in November. While you taste this young wine, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. stroll through the market and experience 29 unique vendors’ specialties, with live music.

November 20 – Holiday Wine Tasting with Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine

4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Complimentary

If you have been put on wine duty this holiday season you are in luck. Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine is having a special Holiday Wine Tasting, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. November 20. At the event you can learn about and taste wines perfect for the holiday season, leaving you with a thorough knowledge of which wines to pick up.

November 22 – Chicago French Market is Closed Thanksgiving Day

  

November 26 to December 21 – Marche de Noel

8: a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Complimentary

A traditional French Christmas Market is coming back to the Chicago French Market. Marche de Noel will encompass rotating visiting artisans selling unique holiday gifts. They will display and sell their wares daily, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. November 22 through December 21st.

This special holiday feature provides an unique holiday atmosphere and shopping options, helping you cross everyone off your holiday list. Artists will sell jewelry, kid’s items, wall decor, photographs, toys and more gift options. The Chicago French Market vendors also will feature new holiday items, during this time.

The Marche de Noel is believed to have begun in Dresden, Germany in 1434 under the reign of Fredrick II of Saxony. The Marche de Noel first began in France in the city of Strasbourg where it is still held today. The holiday market has continued ever since in France and in many other cities throughout Europe.