Christkindlmarket
A German-style open-air Christmas market in Daley Plaza — the city's winter signature.
The call
Worth it if you are traveling with kids and you are traveling as a couple.
Why
- 01
The single best reason to brave a Chicago December: a genuine German Christmas market with glühwein, the collectible boot mug, ornaments, and crowds in good spirits.
Our read - 02
The honest catch is that it's freezing, elbow-to-elbow packed on weekends, and the food is pricey — go on a weekday evening if you can.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Go if
You are traveling with kids
With kids, Christkindlmarket works.
You are traveling as a couple
As a couple, Christkindlmarket works.
You are traveling solo
Solo, Christkindlmarket works.
Think twice if
You are watching the budget
On a budget, weigh it — Christkindlmarket isn't cheap for what it is.
You only have one day
Christkindlmarket is a real time commitment — fit it in only if it's a priority.
History and culture matter to you
For history & culture, Christkindlmarket is hit or miss.
Food is a reason to travel
For food & drink, Christkindlmarket is hit or miss.
Plan it well
- Cost
- Free entry; food/drink extra
- Timing
- November–December, weekday evenings to dodge the weekend crush.
- Allow
- 1–2 hours
- Accessibility
- Flat plaza; accessible but tight when crowded.
- Getting there
- Daley Plaza in the Loop; Blue Line Washington and Clark/Lake 'L' stops nearby.