Every winter, downtown Chicago transforms into a twinkling European-style village filled with the scent of roasted nuts, mulled wine, and holiday cheer. The Christkindlmarket Chicago is one of the city’s most beloved traditions — a festive mix of German culture, handcrafted gifts, and cozy winter treats right in the heart of the Loop.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this magical holiday market.

📍 Christkindlmarket Chicago 2025: Key Info

• Main location: Daley Plaza — 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL

• Dates: Mid-November through Christmas Eve (2025 dates TBA — typically runs ~Nov 15–Dec 24)

• Hours: Usually open daily, with extended evening hours on weekends

• Admission: Free! (Just bring your holiday spirit — and maybe a little cash for cocoa and ornaments)

👉 Check the official Christkindlmarket website for exact dates and updates.

🍷 What to Eat & Drink

The Christkindlmarket is as much about the food as it is about the festivities. Expect authentic German flavors, sweet treats, and the city’s most Instagram-worthy mugs of warm drinks.

🥨 Must-Try Eats

• Bratwurst & Schnitzel Sandwiches – hearty, flavorful, and perfect for chilly days

• Potato Pancakes (Reibekuchen) – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside

• Pretzels – giant, buttery, and freshly baked

🍪 Sweet Treats

• German gingerbread hearts (Lebkuchenherzen)

• Strudel and roasted nuts

• Chocolate-dipped everything

🍷 Drinks

• Glühwein (hot spiced wine) – the Christkindlmarket classic, served in a collectible souvenir mug each year

• Hot chocolate & cider for the non-wine crowd

• German beer for those keeping things festive

👉 Find more cozy dining and seasonal drink spots in Groupon Food & Drink Chicago.

🎁 What to Shop For

If you’re gift-hunting, the Christkindlmarket is a treasure trove of handmade and imported goods:

• Hand-painted ornaments and nutcrackers

• Wooden toys and crafts from Germany, Poland, and Austria

• Wool scarves, candles, and holiday décor

• Local artisan gifts unique to Chicago

Pro tip: Go early in the season for the best selection — many of the most popular ornaments sell out before mid-December.

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📸 Photo-Worthy Moments

The Christkindlmarket is one of Chicago’s most photogenic holiday spots.
Don’t miss snapping a few pics at:

• The giant Christmas tree at Daley Plaza

• The wooden vendor huts with twinkling lights

• The famous Glühwein mug (each year’s design is different!)

Tag your festive shots with #GrouponHolidays for a chance to be featured.

❄️ Other Christkindlmarket Locations

If you can’t make it downtown, smaller versions of the Christkindlmarket also pop up in:

• Wrigleyville (Gallagher Way) – next to Wrigley Field, featuring an ice rink and more family activities

• Aurora (RiverEdge Park) – a suburban version with easy parking and fewer crowds

Each market has its own layout, vendors, and food stands — making it fun to visit more than one if you’re feeling extra festive.

🎶 Make a Day of It

Pair your Christkindlmarket visit with other winter activities downtown:

• Ice skating at Maggie Daley Park or Millennium Park

• A holiday concert at Chicago Symphony Center

• A light stroll through Chicago’s holiday window displays on State Street

• A warm-up stop at a nearby café or bar — check Groupon Nightlife Deals Chicago for cozy seasonal spots

🎁 Final Thoughts

The Christkindlmarket Chicago is the ultimate holiday tradition — free to visit, full of festive spirit, and the perfect way to kick off the season. Whether you’re sipping hot Glühwein, browsing handmade gifts, or just taking in the twinkling lights, you’ll feel the magic that makes Chicago’s winter so special.

👉 Explore more holiday experiences, dining, and local events in Groupon Things to Do Chicago