Few American markets can claim a direct lineage to Germany’s market traditions the way Christkindlmarket Chicago can. Running since 1996, it was one of the first to bring authentic Käthe Wohlfahrt ornaments, Lebkuchen, and proper Glühwein to a US audience, and the Daley Plaza setting beneath the Picasso sculpture gives it a distinctly Chicago edge.
Chicago Christmas Market 2026
Dates and Location
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Chicago dates: 20th November to 24th December 2026
Last checked: July 2026
Source: Christkindlmarket
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Location: Daley Plaza.
Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday: 11am to 8pm.
Friday and Saturday: 11am to 9pm.
Opening ceremony: 20th November: 5pm to 9pm.
Thanksgiving: 11am to 4pm.
Christmas Eve: 11am to 4pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Santa: Yes and Christkind.
Ice skating: Millennium Park. See here for more information.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but it may not be advisable during the busiest times.
Accessible: Yes.
Reason to visit: Gift giving by Christkind, Kinder Club and the Lanturn Parade.
Recommended tour: Chicago’s most popular tour.
Specialities: Gingerbread house kits, stuffed pretzels, German-style ossi grütze, currywurst, leberkäse, Austrian-style strudel, Swiss-style raclette and glühwein imported from Nuremberg.
Where to stay: Staypineapple is 2 minutes from the event.
Convenient Hotels
Daley Plaza is located opposite Washington Station. Chicago has loads of interesting neighbourhoods and fun areas to stay in, and with a great transit system, it doesn’t matter where you stay. But if you want to be within walking distance of Daley Plaza, Staypineapple is an excellent option that’s a 2-minute walk away. The hotel has great views of the city skyline, and the room designs are cool and unique.
Recommended Tours
If you’re a first-time visitor to Chicago or looking for something different to do, you might like to take one of Chicago’s most popular tours, an architecture tour from the river.
As an alternative, you might like to take this popular food tour to learn about the local culture through its cuisine.
Planning a wider trip? See the full guide to the best Christmas markets in the USA.
Event Location
What to Expect
Christkindlmarket in Chicago is inspired by Nuremberg’s traditional, historic German Christmas market. You can spot the influences in the red and white striped roofs of the timber chalets and images of Nuremberg’s Christmas Angel, Christkind. There are more than 50 gift stalls plus a huge range of food stalls. Enter at West Washington Street and walk in a loop to take everything in.
Some of the unique gifts available include:
- Bavarian beer glasses.
- Glass ornaments, including wildlife-themed ornaments.
- Traditional folk crafts from Eastern Europe.
- Cuckoo clocks from the Black Forest in Germany.
- Meinel tablecloths and doilies from Germany.
- Handcrafted figurines and carved wooden animals from Leipzig.
- Alpaca scarves, beanies and plush toys.
Food Specialties
- Sausages: You can find a variety of sausages, including the Chicago-style hot dog, which is a beef sausage in a bun, typically topped with mustard, chopped onions, pickle relish, tomato slices, peppers, and celery salt.
- Pretzels: Always popular.
- Stollen: Fruit bread from Dresden.
- Lebkuchen: Traditional German gingerbread cookies.
- Roasted Chestnuts: The aroma of chestnuts roasting is a signature scent of the holidays.
- Deep-Fried Candy Bars: Deep-fried candy bars are an interesting Chicago treat.
- Mulled Wine: A market favourite.
- Potato Pancakes: These crispy, golden-brown potato pancakes are a delicious savoury snack, often served with sour cream or apple sauce.
- Pączki: These Polish doughnuts are deep-fried pieces of dough filled with sweet fillings such as jam or custard and then dusted with powdered sugar.
What to Buy
- Glass Ornaments: Each piece is unique, showcasing intricate designs and vibrant colours that will stand out on your tree.
- Nutcrackers: A traditional German decoration that makes an excellent gift.
- Beer Steins: Decorative beer steins often feature intricate designs and a metal lid.
- Soaps and Candles: Pretty and practical gifts or souvenirs.
- Wooden Toys: Nostalgic charm and long-lasting toys.
- Gingerbread Houses: A sweet treat that’s also a festive decoration.
- Woollen Accessories: Keep warm with locally made woollen hats, scarves and mittens.
- Glühwein Mugs: Collectable mugs that have the market’s unique design for the year.
Winter Events in Chicago
- Winterland – Experience Christmas at Gallagher Way and Wrigley Field. Activities include ice skating, movies, Santa visits, and Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville.
- Chicago Botanical Garden – Lightscape is a Christmas light trail and installation.
- Lincoln Park Zoo – Visit the zoo in a festive environment during Zoo Lights.
- Museum of Science and Industry – The impressive Christmas tree is the highlight.
- Millennium Park – Chicago’s best ice skating.
- Navy Pier – Ice skating, children’s events and an indoor winter wonderland.
- Garfield Park – A snow-themed flower show.
Sustainability Tips
- Renewable Energy: Chicago is home to a growing number of eco-friendly hotels that are committed to sustainable practices and renewable energy sources.
- Food Waste: Being mindful of portion sizes when dining out can help reduce food waste.
- Ethical Consumption: Try to buy from local artisans and vendors who engage in ethical production practices. This will support the local economy and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods over long distances.
- Sustainable Diet: Go for plant-based or vegetarian meals whenever possible, as this helps reduce your diet’s environmental impact. Chicago has a wealth of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants and market stalls.
- Sustainable Transport: Chicago is ideal for walking or biking, with Divvy bikes readily available for rent throughout the city. The city also has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and the L train, which can take you almost anywhere in the city.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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