The Christkindlmarket Naperville saw a major attendance increase for 2017.
More than 245,000 people headed to the market. That’s 37,000 more than last year’s attendance of 208,000.
Event organizers credit the increase to good weather, a new more spacious layout, and new vendors including three local stores. And they say the event benefited other local stores as well.
“I think the other thing that has been tremendous is the amount of foot traffic we see downtown. And that’s what retailors love, right? One of the best things they can have is foot traffic,” said Rena Tamayo-Calabrese, President and CEO of Naper Settlement.
Calabrese says local schools also benefited. Area schools charged $5 for parking and raised more than $50,000.
The Christkindlmarket is contracted to return to Naperville two more years.
Naperville News 17’s Beth Bria reports.
