Chicago's Most Vibrant Christmas Market Is A Delightful Tradition With German Charm

Each Christmas, the Windy City thrums with a decades-old holiday tradition: The pop-up Christkindlmarket Chicago. A sprawling, outdoor, German-style holiday market nestled beneath the modern skyscrapers, it draws such massive crowds that the market has expanded. The main hub remains at the Loop's Daley Plaza, with satellite markets in Wrigleyville and in suburban Aurora. Christkindlmarket infuses Chi-Town with Old World Christmas charm and provides a significant economic boost. It's widely considered one of the most authentic and festive Christmas markets in the Midwest, comparable to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, hosting millions of visitors annually and shattering attendance records.

Candy-cane-striped wooden huts draped in evergreen garlands and twinkle lights line the plaza, selling baked goods, handcrafted gifts, imported woodwork from cuckoo clocks to Räuchermänner (little carved incense burners that resemble smoking men), ornaments, and classic German holiday fare like bratwurst, raclette, stollen (a buttery, spiced fruitcake dusted in sugar), and, arguably the most important item at any German Christmas market, steaming cups of glühwein. The hot mulled wine, often served in boot-shaped mugs, warms visitors as they peruse the booths. In Chicago, you'll need it — December temperatures peak in the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit, not counting the lakefront wind chill. Throughout the season, visitors can enjoy special events including nativity scenes, live music, carolers, and even a visit from the Christkind, a traditional gift-giving angel-fairy of German Christmas lore. Regular admission is free.

Christkindlmarket has become a beloved holiday tradition for both visitors and residents. "I have some quality things I've bought here and just festive stuff too, and always enjoy talking to the vendors (in the many years I have been going). They like Chicagoans' friendliness," wrote one attendee on Reddit.

Founded in 1996 by the German-American Chambers of Commerce of the Midwest, the Christkindlmarket Chicago was created to promote trade with Germany and introduce the magic of European Christmas markets — especially German traditions rooted in medieval Nuremberg and Dresden — to Chicagoland. Pioneer Court hosted the first, with just 13 vendors selling food, handicrafts, and, of course, glühwein. Despite its small footprint, it reportedly drew 350,000 visitors, and the following year, it moved to Daley Plaza, where the main location remains.

Christkindlmarket has become a centerpiece of Chicago's holiday season, alongside the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo. Its popularity also sparked expansions: In 2017, it added a pop-up in Wrigleyville next to iconic Wrigley Field, and in 2022, an outpost debuted in Aurora, a laid-back, riverfront suburb known as the "City of Lights." Aurora quickly broke Christkindlmarket attendance records in 2024, whereas Wrigleyville took a brief hiatus, returning in 2025.

With growth has come crowding. Between Daley Plaza and Aurora, visitors consumed 950 gallons of glühwein in 2024, a number reflecting the market's popularity and the patience required to attend. In 2023, organizers tested fast passes to help with congestion, but ultimately discontinued them. "Waited 65 minutes for a raclette sandwich," one Reddit user reported. "Probably because of the absolutely gigantic line to get in," said another. One fan claimed crowds are part of the experience. "I've been a loyal attendee of the Christkindlmarket for YEARS," they wrote on Tripadvisor. "If you expect something different, you're coming to the wrong place. The Christkindlmarket is popular for locals and tourists alike. It's easy to see why."

Chicago gets cold and dark in the winter, so Christkindlmarket offers a welcome way to lift spirits and stave off the winter blues, at least for a few hours. That said, dress accordingly! The market is outdoors, and if you're waiting an hour just to get in, the warmth of the crowds and heaters inside may not offer much relief. Try to visit mid-week or in the mornings before crowds build up. Some visitors also suggest bringing cash, though some vendors now accept credit cards. It's also important to note that each of the three Christkindlmarkets operates on its own schedule and varies by day of the week; visitors should double-check hours before heading out. The Daley Plaza and Aurora markets traditionally remain open through Christmas Eve, closing early at 4 p.m. for the season. The Wrigleyville market also closes at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, remains closed on Christmas Day, and typically reopens December 26 through December 31 for anyone looking to kick the "Post-Christmas Letdown." 

If you're driving in the city, parking can get expensive. Try to arrive early for the best parking options, and consider booking ahead using apps like SpotHero, which can help compare rates. If possible, take public transportation. There are multiple stations close to Daley Plaza, and it's easy to plan your route using the CTA website. From O'Hare, you can take the Blue Line to Washington/Dearborn, or from the South Loop, access Christkindlmarket via Lake.

If you're making it a downtown weekend, you have plenty of overnight options. Staypineapple, an Iconic Hotel, is a modern yet affordable boutique in the Loop. For something upscale and reliable, theWit Chicago, a Hilton hotel, sits a block away and includes a full-service spa.