Running from November 15 through December 24 is the annual Christkindlmarket, Chicago’s largest outdoor holiday festival and a German American-inspired tradition that features various specialty gifts, food, and beverage vendors.
Operating during the holidays in Daley Plaza since 1997, the Chicago Christkindlmarket has become one of the most popular events of the year, attracting both locals and tourists. It’s the perfect setting to bring family and friends, grab a warm beverage, and take in the holiday spirit and cheer.
The Merch:
- Clothing
- Jewelry
- Hand-blown ornaments
- Beer Steins
- Wooden handicrafts (such as toys, cuckoo clocks & nutcrackers)
The Flavors:
- Gluhwein (hot spiced wine)
- Schnitzel
- Pretzels
- Baked cheeses
- Baked apples
- Imported chocolate & candy
- Sweetcakes & potato pancakes
- Roasted nuts
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The Boot-Shaped Mugs are BACK:
It may seem trivial to some, but these specialty mugs are a big deal to anyone that attends Christkindlmarket in Chicago. Inspired by the open-air Christmas markets of Germany, the Christkindlmarket brings back Chicago’s cherished tradition of shaping the mug like a boot to make this holiday season the best one yet!
Special programming is arranged throughout the Christkindlmarket in Chicago, including pop-up booths on select days. For anyone looking to kick things off early, a private preview party called ‘Twas the Night Before Christkindlmarket, will be held on November 14 from 5 pm – 8:30 pm in Daley Plaza only. General admission attendees will love the entrees, desserts, and beverage coupons, while VIP attendees can enjoy a private three-course meal, an open bar, and special gifts. A limited number of tickets are still available to and they can be purchased online.
Catered experiences are also available. The Stammtisch is a cabin-like den area that serves as a place to enjoy this Chicago Christmas market without waiting in lines. It comes with a table that seats eight, souvenir mugs, and varied food and drink packages. For more information and to reserve a table, check out the Stammtisch page on the Christkindlmarket Chicago website.
Christkindlmarket Chicago Hours
Christkindlmarket Chicago (Daley Plaza)
Sunday – Thursday: 11 am – 8 pm
Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm
Thanksgiving, November 28: 11 am – 4 pm
Christmas Eve, December 24: 11 am – 4 pm
Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville (Gallagher Way)
Monday – Thursday: 3 pm – 9 pm
Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 10 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm
Thanksgiving, November 28: 11 am – 4 pm
Christmas Eve, December 24: 11 am – 4 pm
Christkindlmarket Milwaukee (Entertainment Plaza)
Sunday – Thursday: 11 am – 8 pm
Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm
Thanksgiving, November 28: 11 am – 4 pm
Christmas Eve, December 24: 11 am – 4 pm
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Featured Image Credit: Christkindlmarket
