Inspiring Life-long Learning for Over 25 Years
Saturday, December 5
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
📍 LOCATION: Da Vinci Waldorf School 150 W. Bonner Road, Wauconda, IL 60084
The Da Vinci Waldorf School Kindermarket is a magical holiday event—fun for all ages! Children, parents, and grandparents will enjoy story time, reindeer games, crafts, artisan vendors, Children’s Shoppe, plus warm beef stew, snacks, treats, refreshments, and live music.
Free admission; open to the public!
We’re still putting the finishing touches on Kindermarket 2026! Additional details about participating artisans, activities, and food pre-orders will be added as plans are finalized. Please check back for updates!
Explore the Events!
Kindermarket 12/5
Dine & Shop 12/4
For Both Events
Volunteer Opportunities
Kindermarket Activities
Story Time with Mr. Jim May: Enjoy two wonderful, spirited stories from legendary Master Storyteller, Mr. Jim May. BELOVED by kids of all ages and one of the most anticipated activities at our event! Stories at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.in the Wonder Garden classroom.
Reindeer Games: Climb, crawl, leap and balance while attempting to complete the Chill Thrill Obstacle Course that will be set up in the Circle of Stones. Step up for the wintery challenge!
Bonfire and S’mores: Grab your warm drink and come out to the bonfire for some community gathering and s’more making.
Little Elves Craft Shoppe: This year, the children will be making Beeswax Firestarters with nature’s gifts! An assortment of pine needles, red berries, pine cones and acorn tops will lend to making beautiful creations for some winter warmth. Elves will assist children with their crafting skills.
Children’s Shoppe: Elves will help children select and wrap lovely handmade gifts for family members and loved ones. Gifts range between 1 and 5 stars, with $1 = 1 star. Children can then embark on their own shopping excursion in this children-only activity. Children get to experience the spirit of giving, and they love to surprise you!
Winter Wonderland: While kids are shopping, parents can relax and enjoy their friends and family…featuring DaVinci Waldorf Parent Merchants as well as local artisan vendors sharing their talents and passion. Come and check it all out!
Kindermarket Food & Drink
Delicious lunch and snack options will be available:
- Visit “Mass-STEW-piece” for homemade beef stew, served out back under the gazebo.
- Freshly popped popcorn
- Rudolf’s Snack Shop with treats and warm drinks, served inside.
Kindermarket Musical Performances
No celebration is a true event without music! Music is one of the cornerstones of Waldorf education, and so it is with our Kindermarket. Our community members, alumni, and students never cease to surprise us with their passion and accomplishment in music. Enjoy snacks, desserts, and warm drinks from Rudolf’s Snack Shop while listening to live music!
Dine & Shop: 'Twas the Night Before Kindermarket
Friday, December 4
Early Bird Shopping: 6:00–8:30 p.m.
Dinner Served: 6:00 p.m. (Please arrive promptly!)
Join us for a cozy evening of good food, great, company, and community connection.
’Twas the night before Kindermarket, with lanterns aglow,
Good food, great company, and bright laughter flowed.
The grown-ups were joyous—now keenly aware
that the magic of Kindermarket was filling the air!
This adults-only night is an invitation to slow down, share a meal, and enjoy the sparkle of Kindermarket together—with dining, wining, artisan shopping, chair massages, live music, and holiday cheer.
Start lining up those babysitters now. Parents and friends are invited to enjoy a relaxed dinner while getting the first peek at our artisan vendors’ delightful creations—an ideal holiday date night or festive evening out with friends.
Mingle, unwind, and spend time with teachers, parents, and friends in a relaxed, festive setting. What a beautiful opportunity to celebrate the season and strengthen the bonds that make our school community so special.
💆♀️ Chair Massages by Amanda: $10 for 10 minutes
☕ We will be serving coffee drinks to keep you warm.
🍽️ Dinner by Elizabeth English, From Scratch*: Gather for a thoughtfully prepared organic dinner, complete with dessert and your choice of a glass of wine or a mocktail. Savor the warmth of good food and community before exploring the treasures of our artisan market. (Sorry; no take-home option this year.)
Pre-Purchase Your Dine-in Experience
>>>COMING SOON!<<<*Elizabeth English’s From Scratch Cafe will be donating a percentage of proceeds to our school!
Friday, December 4
Early Bird Shopping: 6:00–8:30 p.m.
Dinner Served: 6:00 p.m. (Please arrive promptly!)
Join us for a cozy evening of good food, great, company, and community connection.
’Twas the night before Kindermarket, with lanterns aglow,
Good food, great company, and bright laughter flowed.
The grown-ups were joyous—now keenly aware
that the magic of Kindermarket was filling the air!
This adults-only night is an invitation to slow down, share a meal, and enjoy the sparkle of Kindermarket together—with dining, wining, artisan shopping, chair massages, live music, and holiday cheer.
Start lining up those babysitters now. Parents and friends are invited to enjoy a relaxed dinner while getting the first peek at our artisan vendors’ delightful creations—an ideal holiday date night or festive evening out with friends.
Mingle, unwind, and spend time with teachers, parents, and friends in a relaxed, festive setting. What a beautiful opportunity to celebrate the season and strengthen the bonds that make our school community so special.
💆♀️ Chair Massages by Amanda: $10 for 10 minutes
☕ We will be serving coffee drinks to keep you warm.
🍽️ Dinner by Elizabeth English, From Scratch*: Gather for a thoughtfully prepared organic dinner, complete with dessert and your choice of a glass of wine or a mocktail. Savor the warmth of good food and community before exploring the treasures of our artisan market. (Sorry; no take-home option this year.)
Pre-Purchase Your Dine-in Experience
>>>COMING SOON!<<<🕯️ Meals will also be available at the door on event night—so come on out, even if it’s a last-minute decision!
*Elizabeth English’s From Scratch Cafe will be donating a percentage of proceeds to our school!
Parking—for both events
- 📍 Da Vinci Waldorf School 150 W. Bonner Road, Wauconda, IL 60084
Free parking available in our parking lot on a first-come basis. You are welcome to park on the open grassy area, weather permitting. - 📍 Stonecasters 1250 Henri Dr., Wauconda, IL 60084
Overflow parking is available directly across the street. - Please do NOT park in the circle drive.
Crafting for the Children's Shoppe
Kindermarket Crafting Days
Help Create Treasures for the Children’s Shoppe! All materials are provided, and all ages and skill levels are welcome.
- Sunday, October 25, 1–3 p.m.
- Saturday, November 14, 9–11 a.m.
Please RSVP here to help us plan, but drop-ins are always welcome.
Older children are welcome to help craft, while younger children may play nearby with parental supervision.
Prefer to craft at home?
You can help fill the Children’s Shoppe with handmade treasures from the comfort of home, too!
If you’re planning to craft at home, please let us know what you’ll be making and approximately how many, so we can coordinate everyone’s contributions and be sure there will plenty for the children to choose from.
Please Share Your Crafting Plans Here
Looking for inspiration? Explore these easy crafting ideas, with instructions.