Christkindlmarket Chicago
Christmas market · Loop ·
German holiday market with European crafts, food, and glühwein
German holiday market with European crafts, food, and glühwein
"Since 1995, Christkindlmarket Chicago has translated the Old World spirit of Nuremberg, Germany’s open-air Christmas market to the United States. Locals and travelers alike are treated to European holiday traditions, from artisan stalls to vendors selling strudel, pretzels, and Glühwein. Now a well-oiled machine, expect a touch of everything at this beloved destination in the heart of the Chicago Loop." - Nicole Kliest
"This German-inspired holiday market has been drawing crowds to Daley Plaza for decades for festive shopping and eats. Now featuring more than 50 vendors from around the world, Christkindlmarket takes place from Nov. 21 through Dec. 24. I love taking in the charm of the red and white striped booths, and when hunger strikes, deciding between several market favorites: Helmut's Original Austrian Strudel, German Brothers potato pancakes, and Baked Cheese Haus Alpine-style raclette. Be sure to try the German hot spiced wine — beyond the market’s two heated structures, it’s the fastest way to warm up — and comes in the market’s colorful, keepsake mugs." - Nicole Schnitzler
"Folded into Chicago’s Thanksgiving stretch, this market is a great place to try German delicacies and drinks, typically opening in late November; it’s an easy favorite for sampling new foods and festive sips while celebrating local arts." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"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
"Even if your only experience with Christmas in Chicago was a layover at O’hare, you probably already know about Christkindlmarket. But it was canceled last year, so we consider it our duty to remind you about the European holiday market at Daley Plaza in the Loop. It’s full of food stands, unbearably cute ornaments, all sorts of decorations, music, spiced wine, and roasted nuts. In case you forgot, there’s another Christkindlmarket in Wrigleyville. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation
