Christkindlmarket, Christmas market in Chicago, United States.
The Christkindlmarket is a Christmas market in Chicago, Illinois, United States, with several locations including Daley Plaza and RiverEdge Park. Rows of timber huts sell handmade crafts, ornaments, toys, and traditional German goods.
The market began in 1996 as an initiative by the German American Chamber of Commerce to bring European Christmas market traditions to Chicago. Over the years, it grew into an established part of the city's holiday season.
The name comes from a traditional German Christmas figure who brings gifts to children. Visitors walk between wooden huts, sample grilled sausages, and carry steaming cups through the winter air.
Entry is free at all locations, and the market typically opens from mid-November through late December. It is best visited in the early evening when lights are switched on and crowds are thinner around the stalls.
Each year brings a new mug design featuring patterns inspired by German Christmas motifs. Many guests collect mugs from different years and bring them back on future visits to refill with hot drinks.
Location: Illinois
Inception: 1996
GPS coordinates: 41.88390,-87.63020
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29
This collection gathers destinations that embody Christmas traditions around the world. It explores winter celebrations from the Arctic Circle to European historic centers, passing through major American cities. Each location offers its own interpretation of year-end festivities. The selection...
Chicago Picasso
37 m
Chase Tower
263 m
Richard J. Daley Center
0 m
Nederlander Theatre
160 m
Reliance Building
236 m
Chicago City Hall
116 m
Goodman Theatre
103 m
Cadillac Palace Theatre
191 m
Morrison Hotel
256 m
First United Methodist Church of Chicago
95 m
Chicago Building
286 m
Miró's Chicago
94 m
Chicago Temple Building
106 m
Crosby's Opera House
140 m
One North LaSalle
244 m
Chicago Title and Trust Center
96 m
One South Dearborn
281 m
Chicago Opera House
135 m
Three First National Plaza
181 m
Tacoma Building
261 m
Loop Retail Historic District
267 m
Chicago Design Museum
144 m
Cook County Government
106 m
Burnham Center
158 m
30 North LaSalle
255 m
120 North LaSalle
217 m
Delaware Building
130 m
Oliver Building
118 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes