The enchanting Christkindlmarket Chicago creates holiday magic and memories infused with the festive spirit of German Christmas Markets.
Christkindlmarket Chicago celebrates the holiday season in downtown Chicago, Illinois, and at other locations across the Chicago metropolitan area.
Now, let’s discover together the special charms of Christkindlmarket Chicago. Firstly, let’s learn a little about its historic origins.
Secondly, we’ll explore the enduring traditions and holiday experiences of Christkindlmarket Chicago.
You’ll also find essential information, including locations, opening and closing dates, and open hours of the Chicago Christmas markets.
This guide further includes our custom interactive map, firsthand observations, and hotel recommendations. As well as travel tips to plan your holiday market trip.
Traditional European-inspired Christmas markets are a meaningful and memorable part of our own holiday traditions. So we’re delighted to share the authentic Christkindlmarket Chicago with you.
Ready? Lass uns gehen, let’s go!
- Christkindlmarket Chicago Traditions
- Christkindlmarket Chicago Experience
- Christkindlmarket Dates, Hours, and Locations
- Tips to Visit Christmas Markets in Chicago
- Best Hotels Near Christkindlmarket Chicago
- Christmas Markets, Chicago, IL: Interactive Map
- Sources and Resources
- Check Out More Recommendations
- FAQs
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Christkindlmarket Chicago Traditions
Historic traditions of European Christmas Markets inspire and inform the modern-day Christmas Markets in Chicago.
The first German and Viennese Christmas markets date from the late 13th to 16th centuries. These Advent markets allowed local merchants to sell their goods directly to the community before Christmas Day.
Since opening in 1996, Christkindlmarket Chicago has achieved international fame for its German-inspired authenticity.
Indeed, Travel and Leisure Magazine names Chicago Christkindlmarket “one of the most authentic European-style Christmas Markets in North America.”
Just as you would in Dresden or Nuremberg, you’ll find both a Nativity scene and the Christkind here in Chicago.
In German, “Christkind” or “Christkindl” means the Christ Child, Jesus. Represented as an angelic figure, the Christkind traditionally appears with a message of peace and goodwill.
Peak-roofed wooden stalls evoke nostalgic ideals of mountain huts and chalets in the snow-covered Alps.
You’ll discover a wonderful array of one-of-a-kind gifts, toys, and ornaments. Classic German market menus and warm drinks. Christmas carols and special performances, as well.
Above all, Christkindlmarket holiday markets are free to enter for everyone: Solo shoppers, friends, couples, families with children. And, of course, travelers.
Christkindlmarket Chicago Experience
Since 1996, Christkindlmarket Chicago has been located in an important public square in the Chicago Loop, the city’s central business district.
Named for the late Richard J. Daley, Mayor of Chicago from 1955 to 1976, the Daley Center Plaza is the bustling modern heart of the Loop.
Impressive skyscrapers surround the square, and equally impressive public art centers the plaza.
When you arrive at Richard Daley Plaza, the spectacular steel sculpture Chicago Picasso, created in 1967 by Pablo Picasso, rises above the square.
A life-size Nativity scene and an illuminated entrance arch welcome you to the Christkindlmarket Chicago.
It’s an irresistible invitation to wander every aisle and explore everything!
Special Note: As mentioned previously, the Christkindlmarket Christmas Markets in Chicago are admission-free. However, staff monitor the visitor attendance numbers in accordance with capacity regulations.
Shopping
Now that you’ve entered the winter wonderland, it’s time to explore the holiday magic of these authentic German-style Christmas markets in Chicago.
You’ll meet international, regional, and local vendors presenting artisanal goods beautifully displayed in quaint Alpine huts and chalets.
Indeed, the first booth we visited was hosted by Fraternité Notre Dame, a French monastic order. Kindly nuns offer their own fine pastries and handicrafts.
The Christkindlmarket holiday shopping experience includes handcrafted toys, unique gifts, and exclusive items, for instance:
- Traditional wooden toys and nutcrackers
- European Christmas ornaments and decorations
- Elegant hand embroidery
- Colorful pottery, jewelry, and accessories
- Cozy sweaters, socks, hats, mittens, and gloves
- Charming souvenirs and stocking stuffers
Food and Drinks
Alongside the small family businesses and shops at Christkindlmarket Chicago, you’ll also find tasty food and beverages.
Food vendors serve savory European and local favorites, for example, sausages, schnitzels, pierogis, pretzels, and raclette.
Tempt your taste buds with decadent sweet treats, such as strudels, cookies, and chocolates.
The classic Christmas market drink is traditional Glühwein, a spiced, mulled hot wine. Hot chocolate, tea, and coffee are additionally available.
One particularly big and cozy place at Christkindlmarket Chicago is the Timber Haus. This enclosed, heated chalet serves Glühwein and beer to visitors ages 21 and over.
Oh yes, and if you wish, you can choose to have your beverage in a keepsake ceramic mug.
The adorable designs change each year, so the souvenir mugs are quite collectible. And also, quite instagrammable!
Activities
Speaking of photographs, you’ll surely be inspired by the Insta-worthy opportunities . Make sure to stop by the official photo booth and snap a selfie.
Each of the Christkindlmarket Christmas Markets in Chicago is admission-free and community-focused.
During the season, each holiday market hosts different entertainment and family-friendly activities.
These may include the Christkindl appearances, live music and cultural performances, glassblowing, and crafts demonstrations. Likewise, ticketed hands-on workshops, such as ornament making, are popular.
The Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville location even features an outdoor ice skating rink.
Come, experience the Christmas magic and create holiday memories at all the Christkindlmarket locations!
Special Note: The Christkindlmarket outdoor event sites are step-free and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Christkindlmarket Dates, Hours, and Locations
Special Note: Please be aware that Christkindlmarket Chicago, Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, and Christkindlmarket Aurora each have different dates, opening hours, and locations.
These Christmas markets in Chicago are outdoor holiday events. Dates and hours of operations at Christkindlmarket Chicago, Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, and/or Christkindlmarket Aurora may change without notice, due to prevailing weather or other conditions.
Christkindlmarket Chicago Dates, Hours, Address
Christkindlmarket Chicago in Daley Plaza opens for the 2025 holiday season on November 21st, 2025.
Then, Christkindlmarket Chicago closes for the 2025 holiday season on December 24th, 2025.
The market opens daily, weather and other conditions permitting, for regularly scheduled opening hours:
- Sundays through Thursdays from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm (11:00 to 20:00)
- Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm (11:00 to 21:00)
Additionally, Christkindlmarket Chicago offers special opening hours on the following days:
- Preview Event on November 20th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm (17:00 to 21:00). The Preview Event is a ticketed special event.
- Thanksgiving Day, November 27th, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (11:00 to 16:00)
- December 19th and December 20th from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm (11:00 to 22:00)
- December 22nd and December 23rd from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm (11:00 to 21:00)
- Closing Day on Christmas Eve, December 24th, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (11:00 to 16:00)
Address: Christkindlmarket Chicago | Daley Plaza, 50 West Washington Street | Chicago, IL 60602
Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville Dates, Hours, Address
Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville opens for the 2025 season on November 23rd, 2025.
Next, Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville runs through December 24th, is closed on December 25th, and then re-opens on December 26th, 2025.
Lastly, Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville closes for the 2025 season on December 31st, 2025.
Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville opens daily, weather and other conditions permitting, for regularly scheduled opening hours:
- Mondays through Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm (15:00 to 21:00)
- Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm (11:00 to 22:00)
- Sundays from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm (11:00 to 19:00)
Additionally, Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville offers special opening hours on the following days:
- Thanksgiving Day, November 27th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (11:00 to 16:00)
- December 22nd through December 23rd from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm (11:00 to 21:00)
- Christmas Eve, December 24th, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (11:00 to 16:00)
- Christmas Day, December 25th, the market is closed
- December 26th and December 27th from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm (11:00 to 22:00)
- December 28th from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm (11:00 to 19:00)
- December 29th and December 30th from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm (11:00 to 21:00)
- New Year’s Eve, December 31st, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (11:00 to 16:00)
Address: Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville | Gallagher Way, 3635 North Clark Street | Chicago, IL 60613
Christkindlmarket Aurora Dates, Hours, Address
Christkindlmarket Aurora opens for the 2025 season on November 21st, 2025.
Then, Christkindlmarket Aurora closes for the 2025 season on December 24th, 2025.
Christkindlmarket Aurora opens four days a week, weather and other conditions permitting, for regularly scheduled opening hours:
- Thursdays from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm (11:00 to 19:00)
- Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm (11:00 to 21:00)
- Sundays from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm (11:00 to 18:00)
Additionally, Christkindlmarket Aurora offers special opening hours on the following days:
- Thanksgiving Day, November 27th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (11:00 to 16:00)
- December 22nd and December 23rd from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm (11:00 to 19:00)
- Christmas Eve, December 24th, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (11:00 to 16:00)
Address: Christkindlmarket Aurora | RiverEdge Park, 360 North Broadway | Aurora, IL 60505
Tips to Visit Christmas Markets in Chicago
Best Time to Visit Christmas Markets in Chicago
Late afternoon and evening are the most magical times during the festive season. Because everything glows with holiday cheer and sparkles with fairy-tale lights.
Thus, the late afternoon and evening are considered the most popular times to visit Christkindlmarket Chicago, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
If your schedule allows you to visit during the opening hour, then you may see slightly fewer crowds.
Regardless, pack a little patience. Bring a spirit of goodwill. And embrace a perspective of “the more, the merrier!”
What to Wear to Christmas Markets in Chicago
Chicago in late November and December is basically cold, rainy or snowy, and reliably windy. After all, Chicago is called the “Windy City” for good reason.
So let’s reiterate, these Christmas markets in Chicago are outdoor events.
Although there are a few enclosed, heated chalets, you should expect to be outside in weather ranging from chilly winds to frigid cold.
Essential holiday travel safety tips include planning, packing, and dressing for winter weather outside and warmth inside.
The key to comfortable winter travel is warm, layered clothing. Natural fabrics such as fine merino, wool, and cashmere layers deliver seasonal warmth without overheating.
First, start with lightweight base layers, like thermal or silk tops and leggings. Secondly, a long-sleeve tee or turtleneck.
Thirdly, add a sweater, cardigan, or hoodie. Fourthly, warm socks and waterproof shoes or winter boots.
Finally, complete your outer layer with a warm winter coat or parka, gloves or mittens, and a scarf, toque, or hat. Or cute winter accessories like earwarmers or earmuffs.
How to Say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in German
Germany has an ancient culture and a rich, complex language. Accordingly, German has both formal and informal greetings for a joyous holiday season.
However, let’s keep things simple with the following friendly German phrases:
“Frohe Weichnachten” is “Merry Christmas” in German.
“Frohe Feiertage” means “Happy Holidays” in German.
To wish someone “Happy New Year” in German, say “Frohes neues Jahr.”
Or try the phrase “Guten Rusch,” which translates to “Have a good slide” into the new year.
Best Hotels Near Christkindlmarket Chicago
There’s certainly no shortage of hotels and hotel brands in Chicago. We’ve stayed at many different hotels downtown and throughout Chicagoland.
During the holiday season, downtown Chicago is dynamic and in demand due to its lively vibes and lovely Christmas decorations.
When you stay in the Chicago Loop, you’re a few minutes’ walk from popular restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. Plus, Richard Daley Plaza and the Christkindlmarket Chicago.
In addition, it’s a short walk to top attractions including State Street, Union Station, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Millennium Park. Plus, the beloved Bean and the magnificent City of Chicago Christmas Tree.
Also within walking distance or a short ride, depending on the weather, are Navy Pier, the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, and Soldier Field. Plus, Maggie Daley Park and the seasonal outdoor Ice Skating Ribbon.
Magnificent Mile is an iconic downtown destination with world-renowned shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Not to mention, some of the best coffee shops in Chicago.
Famous stores and fabulous decorations make Michigan Avenue’s “Mag Mile” and the upscale surrounding streets an excellent choice, as well.
Kimpton Gray Hotel
The Kimpton Gray Hotel is a historic landmark redesigned for modern lifestyles. The Kimpton luxury boutique hotel opened in 2016.
Built in 1894 as the New York Life Insurance Building, the 4-diamond, 4-star hotel reflects Gilded Age grandeur in its marble-clad architecture and staircases.
The hotel lobby, lounges, bars, and restaurants, as well as guest rooms and suites, are chic and contemporary in design.
Distinctive touches such as original art, yoga mats, and refillable aluminum water bottles evince the eclectic Kimpton aesthetic.
As a full-service hotel, the Kimpton Gray serves corporate meetings, special events, and weddings. Since we work while traveling, we appreciated the fast, free WiFi throughout the property.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Kimpton Gray Hotel and look forward to our next stay.
The walking distance between the Kimpton Gray Hotel and Christkindlmarket Chicago is approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km).
Check the available dates and best prices, then book your stay:
Address: Kimpton Gray Hotel | 122 West Monroe Street | Chicago, IL 60603
LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection
The LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection is a 4-star hotel from Marriott Bonvoy. Opened in 2022, it’s become one of the top-rated hotels in the Chicago Loop.
Elegant refinement resonates throughout this luxury hotel located on the upper floors of a 1914 landmark. Architect Daniel Burnham designed the Continental and Commercial National Bank Building.
The LaSalle Chicago features 232 posh guest rooms and suites, lounges, a steakhouse, and other amenities. In addition, the full-service hotel hosts business meetings and social events.
The walking distance from the LaSalle Chicago and Christkindlmarket Chicago is approximately 0.4 miles (0.6 km).
Check the available dates and best prices, then book your stay:
Address: The LaSalle Chicago | 208 South LaSalle Street | Chicago, IL 60604
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile is the luxury 5-star hotel flagship of InterContinental Hotels and Resorts.
Anchoring the southern end of “Mag Mile,” the InterContinental Hotel blends Chicago’s past and present in two adjoining buildings.
The historic South Tower opened in 1929 as the Medinah Athletic Club, and the northern Grand Tower in 1961.
Original 1920s flourishes have since been restored in the historic hotel. Highlights include the golden Moorish rooftop dome, the Grand Ballroom with an immense Baccarat crystal chandelier, and, in particular, the glamorous indoor swimming pool.
In 2023, the hotel renovated and refreshed the 477 guest rooms and suites in the Executive Tower.
We’ve stayed at the InterContinental Chicago many times over the years. This busy full-service hotel is a favorite for its prime location, steps from high-end shops and the DuSable Bridge over the Chicago River.
The walking distance between InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile and Christkindlmarket Chicago is approximately 0.8 miles (1 km).
Check the available dates and best prices, then book your stay:
Address: InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile | 505 North Michigan Avenue | Chicago, IL 60611
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Christkindlmarket in Chicago Map
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Sources and Resources
Brothers Grimm, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, et al. A Very German Christmas: The Greatest Austrian, Swiss, and German Holiday Stories of All Time. New Vessel Press, 2020.
Djinis, Elizabeth, “A Brief History of Christmas Markets.” Smithsonian Magazine, December 19, 2022.
Kummerow, Marion. German Christmas Traditions. Self-published, 2021.
Thiruvengadam, Meena. “This Midwest City Hosts One of the Most Authentic European Christmas Markets in the U.S.” Travel and Leisure, November 25, 2025.
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FAQs
What is Christkindlmarket Chicago?
Christkindlmarket Chicago are authentic German-inspired Christmas markets in Chicago, Illinois. Local vendors and small family businesses sell handmade toys, gifts, and ornaments in Alpine-style wooden market stalls. Classic food and drinks like hot chocolate and Glûhwein, a mulled wine, are also available for purchase. Admission is free for everyone.
Where is Christkindlmarket Chicago?
The Christkindlmarket locations are as follows: Christkindlmarket Chicago is located in the Chicago Loop at Daley Plaza, 50 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602. Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville is located at Gallagher Way, 3635 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60613. Christkindlmarket Aurora is located at RiverEdge Park, 360 North Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505
When does Christkindlmarket Chicago open?
Both Christkindlmarket Chicago and Christkindlmarket Aurora open on November 21, 2025, and close on December 24, 2025. Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville opens on November 23, 2025, and closes on December 31, 2025. These holiday markets are outdoor events, so weather or other conditions may vary the opening dates and hours.
How do I say Merry Christmas in German?
A simple, friendly way to say “Merry Christmas” in German is “Frohe Weichnachten” (pronounced FROH-eh VI-nak-ten).
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