Dozens of Pioneer  German language students packed onto buses for their annual trip to Chicago’s Christkindlmarket on Friday, Dec. 12, to experience traditional German food, culture, and craftsmanship.

After the five-hour ride into downtown Chicago, many were eager to try this Christmas market’s pretzels, bratwurst, döner (think gyros), and $16 hot chocolate. The prices at the market run high, but at least thirsty shoppers got to keep the mug.

Students then explored much more of Chicago than just the Christkindlmarket. Some ice skated at Millenium Park. Others took pictures with “the Bean.” Some even roamed the halls of Water Tower Place, the giant supermall.

The German program at Pioneer, run by Frau Anna Craigmile, takes students on this cultural pilgrimage every year, and every year Christkindlmarket day is full of bread, cheese, and unforgettable memories.

The Christkindlmarket was packed with tourists looking through the stalls of European crafts and cuisine. Photo credit: Marina Yatabe-Ioshida.

Junior Yasmin Kopelman poses with a Chicago art instalation. Photo credit: Marina Yatabe-Ioshida.

Juniors Maddy Buza and Alastair Hilbert almost take a tumble by the Millennium Park Ice Rink. Photo credit: Maddy Buza.

Seniors Ivo Saran, Avery Samford, Arthur Lopatin, and Oleksander Gladunin find the Bean in Millennium Park. Photo credit: Dean Bezold.