Christkindlmarket Chicago

Eater Chicago’s Magical Guide to Christkindlmarket | Eater Chicago

"The Loop location is a festive, German-style holiday market running Nov. 22 through Dec. 24 (Sun–Thu 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–9 p.m.) that centers on hearty comfort food, sweets, and steaming mugs of mulled wine. The stall serving Original Sternthaler Glühwein (red) is a must-try, and there’s also an apple-cinnamon white-wine glühwein; both are $12 with a souvenir mug (refills $11), while an alcohol-free Kinderpunsch comes with its own nutcracker-themed mug. A variety of authentic German beers — including Bitburger, Kostritzer, Erdinger Brauhaus Helles, and Erdinger Weissbrau — are available ($12 solo; $25 with a 20 oz souvenir stein, $15 refills; stein $20, mugs $9 on their own). Food highlights include the German Brothers booth (currywurst $11, leberkaese $11, potato pancakes $9–$13), a Rollmops stand with pickled herring and fish rolls, a pretzel booth offering six styles from classic Bavarian to pizza- and cheesecake-inspired twists, and a southeast-corner raclette station serving traditional and Alpine (with brat) sandwiches — pungent-smelling but mild and gooey on the sandwich. Sweet options run from flaky fruit and cheese strudels to the Sweet Castle’s imported chocolates, alcohol-filled truffles, roasted nuts, and flavored popcorn, plus a dessert booth with chocolate-covered doughnuts, brownies, and cookies. Practical notes: some vendors are cash-only, each location has its own collectible mug (this year’s black, snowy-scene design), and guided “Culture & Cheer” weekend tours before opening include a German-speaking guide, a goodie bag, a free hot chocolate coupon, the official 2024 mug, and short German-translation lessons — a nice way to learn vendor stories and sample favorites without the crowds." - Tony Tran