Among the many holiday traditions, the Christkindlmarket in Chicago is one of my favorites. It’s always a surprise to turn the corner into Daley Plaza and find this traditional market hiding amidst the urban hustle and bustle of Chicago.
This traditional German market brings warmth, cheer, and a touch of Old World magic to locals and visitors every winter starting before Thanksgiving. From its captivating history to the array of delectable treats, this enchanting market makes a fun tradition anytime you visit Chicago.
The Chicago Christkindlmarket has for years been ranked among the top Christmas markets in the world by USA Today and others. It has been called the top-ranked market outside of Europe by Big Seven Travel, and I can see why.
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What Is the Christkindlmarket?
The Chicago Christkindlmarket is a traditional Christmas fair modeled after the Christmas markets in Germany. In the most adorable booths, you’ll find more than 50 vendors selling food, beverages, and handcrafted holiday gifts.
The open-air market’s booths have red and white striped awnings decorating traditional wooden stalls, reminding you that you’re in another world. There is no admission fee to visit the market, but each vendor has items for sale and there are some ticketed events.
Where Is Christkindlmarket?
Beginning in 1996, the Chicago Christkindlmarket has been held in downtown Chicago’s Daley Plaza. However, in recent years, the Christmas market has expanded to additional locations in Wrigleyville and Aurora.
The locations do change slightly from year to year based on availability and other considerations, but the main market is always in Daley Plaza. You can check the website as it gets closer to the season to see the upcoming locations.
You can find the Aurora location in RiversEdge Park. This location is similar to the original in terms of the offerings but is more accessible to Chicago suburbanites – especially with easier parking.
The Wrigleyville location is at Gallagher Way, adjacent to Wrigley Field. While slightly smaller than the other two locations, it also includes a more modern Christmas market twist with more international fare for sale in addition to the traditional European food and drink found at the other locations.
The Wrigleyville Christkindlmarket coincides with Winterland at Gallagher Way with family-friendly activities and interactive experiences, including the ice rink available for skating inside Wrigley Field.
When Is the Market?
The Chicago Christkindlmarket takes place during the heart of the holiday season, spanning from mid-November through the end of December. I love to go the week of Thanksgiving before it gets fully cold and as crowded to kick off my Christmas celebrations.
In Daley Plaza, the original Chicago Christkindlmarket runs seven days a week during the season. It is open from 11 am to 8 pm Sunday through Thursday and from 11 am until 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. It is open on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve from 11 am to 4 pm.
Wrigleyville’s location is also open seven days a week. Hours are Monday to Thursday from 3 to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm.
The Aurora location runs Thursdays through Sundays. It is open from 11 am to 7 pm on Thursday, from 11 am to 9 pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday. The week before Christmas, it is open with extended hours.
What Do They Sell There?
Come hungry and thirsty, as there are plenty of traditional foods and drinks to enjoy, as well as handcrafted items to purchase. Kids and adults alike will love the Christmas cookies, and there are some special treats for adults, too.
You’ll find hand-carved wooden ornaments, each a miniature work of art that are my favorite to collect each year. Delicate glass baubles, carefully blown and painted, make a unique gift for loved ones.
And of course, the market offers a selection of cozy knitwear, such as warm scarves and mittens. There are also some less traditional items at some booths that don’t have as strong a connection to a traditional European holiday market, but I generally pass them by.
You’ll find stuffed animals, freshly roasted nuts, and all sorts of treats from winter festivals around the world. I love seeing some of my favorites year after year, but there are always a few new vendors and some new items to explore, too.
What Are the Best Foods and Drinks at Christkindlmarket?
You will find traditional European fare, especially German specialties, since the Christmas market is based on the one in Nuremberg, Germany. We generally pick items that we can eat as we wander, like authentic German bratwurst or soft, doughy pretzels.
If you can brave the line, definitely stop by the raclette stand, as it’s something you can’t find in many places in Chicago. It’s an absolutely delicious way to enjoy melted cheese, and I promise the line moves more quickly than you expect.
For the adults, you want to order a cup of steaming mulled wine known as “glühwein,” infused with traditional spices. It has a rich aroma of cloves and cinnamon that warms you up from the inside out.
You can order it in a standard disposable cup, but most people order it in the traditional mug whose design changes each year. It’s so fun and makes a great collectible, but it sells out every year, so plan to visit earlier in the season if you want one.
You can get traditional hot cider in the mug if you prefer or are visiting with minors. Multiple vendors throughout the market sell them, so it makes it easy to get either tasty choice whenever you need a warmup.
On the sweet side, try lebkuchen, intricately decorated gingerbread cookies that are as gorgeous as they are tasty. They are not the same traditional Christmas cookies you likely make at home, which is even more reason to indulge.
If you’ve never had it, this is the place to try the almond-based sweetness of marzipan, which gets molded into various shapes and sizes for a treat that’s so gorgeous you may not want to bite into it. The subtle nutty flavor combines with the soft texture to create a European classic that most Americans don’t fully appreciate.
What Forms of Payment Do Vendors Accept?
Vendors at the Christkindlmarket used to only accept cash, but that has changed in recent years. The majority of vendors now accept credit and debit cards and tap to pay, but it is a good idea to carry cash for those vendors who still require it.
What Annual Collectibles Are Available?
Obviously, you can find a favorite booth and select an item from that booth each year if you choose. I have one friend who gets a unique wooden ornament every year and another friend who collects little houses from vendors who return year after year.
The most common one is the glühwein (or apple cider) mug that comes in different shapes and designs each year. You cannot purchase the mug by itself, so it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy.
Suggestions For Your Best Visit
Christkindlmarket is popular for a reason. No surprise, it gets crowded, so plan to go earlier in the day and earlier in the week on a weekday to make it easier to navigate.
I also suggest going earlier in the season. As fun as it is to go just before Christmas, it gets more crowded as the market goes on, and if you want that special mug, it’s more likely to sell out.
This is also Chicago, so dress for the weather. There aren’t great places to hang out indoors at the Christkindlmarket for the most part, so wear layers, boots, hats, mittens, and consider bringing hand warmers.
Don’t Miss This Chicago Tradition
Every year, the Christkindlmarket becomes a captivating warren of holiday magic. Steeped in tradition and brimming with festive spirit, this market offers a glimpse into the heartwarming customs of Germany and reminds me of the Frankfurt Christmas market.
Whether you’re seeking the perfect holiday gift, culinary delights, or simply a dose of enchantment, the Christkindlmarket is a must-visit for both Chicago natives and visitors year after year.
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