The annual outdoor holiday market returns November 17
Photo Credit: Christkindlmarket Chicago
Running from November 17 through December 24, 2017 is the annual Christkindlmarket, Chicago’s largest outdoor Christmas festival and a German American-inspired tradition that features various specialty gift, food, and beverage vendors.
Operating during the holidays in Daley Plaza since 1997, this event has become one of the most popular of the year, attracting both locals and tourists. It’s the perfect setting to bring family and friends, grab a warm beverage, and take in the holiday spirit and cheer.
Photo Credit: Christkindlmarket Chicago
The merch:
- Clothing
- Jewelry
- Hand-blown ornaments
- Beer steins
- Wooden handicrafts (such as toys, cuckoo clocks & nutcrackers)
The flavors:
- Gluhwein (hot spiced wine mentioned above)
- Schnitzel
- Pretzels
- Baked cheeses
- Baked apples
- Imported chocolate & candy
- Sweet cakes & potato pancakes
- Roasted nuts
The boot mugs:
It may seem trivial to some, but the boot-shaped mugs are kind of a big deal…
Inspired by the open-air Christmas markets of Germany, the Christkindlmarket brings back the cherished tradition of shaping the mug like a boot to get an authentic experience right here in the city.
Special features
Special programming is arranged throughout the duration of the market, including pop-up booths on select days. There will also be live performances on select days, such as a Barefoot Hawaiian Dance Performance on December 15 from 2pm – 3pm. For anyone looking to kick things off early, a private preview party, called ‘Twas the Night Before Christkindlmarket, will be held on November 16 from 5pm – 9pm. General admission attendees can enjoy entree, dessert, and beverage coupons, while VIP attendees can enjoy a private three-course meal, an open bar, and special gifts. A limited number of tickets are still available and they can be purchased here.
Catered experiences are also available. The Stammtische is a cabin-like den area that serves as a place to enjoy the market without waiting in lines. It comes with a table that seats eight, souvenir mugs, and varied food and drink packages. For more information and to reserve a table, click here.
Photo Credit: Christkindlmarket Chicago
Suburban Expansion
Now in its second year, Christkindlmarket will set up its suburban location in Naperville.
The event will be located at Naper Settlement in the downtown area, and will feature some of the same vendors as the one in Chicago, also offering specialty gifts, food, and beverages, with live music entertainment. This location opens on November 24.
Hours
Christkindlmarket Chicago
Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 8pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am – 9pm
Thanksgiving, November 24: 11am – 4pm
Christmas Eve, December 24: 11am – 4pm
Christkindlmarket Naperville
Thursday: 11am – 7pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am – 9pm
Sunday: 11am – 6pm
Monday, December 18 – Thursday, December 21: 11am – 8pm
Christmas Eve, December 24: 11am – 4pm
