Chicago Has Its Very Own German Christmas Market And You’ll Want To Visit
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published November 29, 2017
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
Chicago’s very own German holiday market is a tradition that locals have kept alive for decades. For many, it doesn’t feel like the holidays until they’ve shopped authentic trinkets and had delicious old world treats.
Celebrate this festive time of year while embracing a historic culture. Keep scrolling for more details about Chicago’s best Christmas market.
Bundle up for Chicago's Christkindlmarket, which takes place each holiday season and draws from the traditions of the Nuremberg market, originating back to 16th-century Germany. It is the best outdoor shopping event you'll ever find in the city.
This year, there will be three locations for the shopping event in and around Chicago. The one at Daley Plaza is open November 17 to December 24, 2017, while the one next door to Wrigley Field is open November 24 to December 31. There will also be in one in Naperville this year from November 24 to December 24.
Dozens of vendors from around the world set up in candy cane-striped and authentic-looking tiny shops that are lined up in rows and arranged to create aisles. You'll find everything from gifts to good eats no matter which location you visit.
By way of delicious food and drink, patrons enjoy hot cocoa, wine, cheeses, fresh pastries, candies, gourmet pretzels, and many more sweet and savory treats that will remind you of Germany.
There are also many authentic goods to buy, including hand-painted steins, Delft, Russian stacking dolls, ornaments, hand-carved decorations, and much much more.
There is so much to feast your eyes on at this German holiday market. Each year also comes with events like live music, theatrical performances, and visits from the Christkind, a fairy-like being dressed in gold robes with a golden crown and golden hair.
Open daily, the market is available from 11 a.m. until late evening (typically between 6 and 9 p.m.) It is free to enter the market, so even if you aren't interested in spending money, you can still have a wonderful time walking around and marveling at the lights and unique creations.
Chicago's first German holiday market was held in 1996, and it still stands as the most popular Christmas event in the city. Packed with culture, hand-made delights, and fabulous food, this is the event of the year.
Christkindlemarket takes place at Daley Plaza at 50 W Washington Street in Chicago, and you can get more information on its Facebook page or website. Have you ever been to this German holiday market? Share your experiences and unique finds with us in the comments below.
