The annual outdoor holiday market returns November 18
Photo Credit: Christkindlmarket Chicago
Running from November 18 through December 24, 2016 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.
Here’s the merchandise you can expect to see:
- Clothing
- Jewelry
- Hand-blown ornaments
- Beer steins
- Wooden handicrafts (such as toys, cuckoo clocks & nutcrackers)
Special programming is arranged throughout the duration of the market. Some of these include pop-up booths on select days, such as an eco-friendly gift wrapping session and a German language course. There will also be live music on select days by choirs, carolers, and other singers. For anyone looking to kick things off early, a private preview party, called ‘Twas the Night Before Christkindlmarket, will be held on November 17 from 5:30pm – 10pm. 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.
Suburban Expansion
It was recently announced that Christkindlmarket will set up shop in a second suburban location this year, moving from Oakbrook to Naperville.
The event will be located at Naper Settlement in the downtown area, and is said to have twice the amount of space as the former location in Oakbrook. The market 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 25.
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 19 – Friday, December 23: 11am – 9pm
Christmas Eve, December 24: 11am – 4pm
