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Christkindlmarket has been a holiday tradition in Chicago since 1996. Modeled after the 16th-century holiday markets in Germany, the free-admission outdoor bazaar in downtown Daley Plaza is a hub for traditional German fare, delightful warm beverages, and a charming holiday atmosphere that the entire family can enjoy.
Your guide to Christkindlmarket 2025
Here’s a rundown of what to eat, drink, and do at the 29th annual Christkindlmarket Chicago, which runs every day from Nov. 21 to Dec. 24, 2025.
Just north of downtown, don’t miss the return of the family-friendly Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, open through New Year’s Eve. Also in the Chicagoland area, Christkindlmarket Aurora will be held in RiverEdge Park from Thursday to Sunday throughout the holiday season.
Here are some of the can’t-miss experiences at Christkindlmarket Chicago 2025:
Get a hot drink in a souvenir glass
Christkindlmarket’s annual souvenir mugs are a must-have for keeping your hands warm as you stroll through the wintry market. The mug has taken many different forms in recent years, and this year’s is just as charming and collectible.
The official 2025 Christkindlmarket mug is a heart-shaped cup with a red exterior and white interior, featuring local landmarks and a miniature Christmas market scene.
The mug is typically filled with glühwein (traditional hot spiced wine). Other glassware options include the adorable gingerbread mug for non-alcoholic drinks and a traditional ceramic stein to be filled with imported German beer.
Fill your mug of choice with these must-try sips at Christkindlmarket 2025:
- Imported German hot spiced wine from Original Nürnberger Glühwein
- Pumpkin spice chai from Chiya Chai
- Hot chocolate with homemade whipped cream from Bob’s Belgian Hot Chocolate
- Hot cider from Stuffed Gourmet Pretzels
- Imported German beer from Timber Haus
Enjoy traditional German food
You don’t need to go to Germany to sample the local fare. At Christkindlmarket, you’ll find tons of tasty German street food, from traditional plates to fusion cuisine. Try a variety of authentic European dishes like sausages, potato pancakes, schnitzel (thin, breaded, and fried meat), and goulash (meat and vegetable stew).
@choosechicagoIt’s almost time! @thechristkindlmarket opens 11/21! Here’s a quick guide to the sips and eats at Chicago’s beloved free outdoor German-style holiday market. 📍 Daley Plaza 📅 11/21-12/24 🔗 Tap the link below for more info! https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/dining/what-to-eat-and-drink-at-christkindlmarket/ #NeverOutdoneChi
Here are just a few of the top bites from Germany and beyond not to miss this year:
- Currywurst and kebabs from DönerMen
- Bread rolls with fish and sour pickled herring from Rollmops
- Giant pretzels from German Pretzels
- Potato and cheese pierogi from Pierogi House
- Alpine-style raclette from Baked Cheese Haus
- Frankfurter sausages and potato pancakes from German Grill
- Schnitzel and goulash soup from Schnitzel House
Explore all the delicious food and drink options at Christkindlmarket.
Try something sweet
On the sweeter side, stock up on morsels of chocolate, candy, cookies, stroopwafels, and traditional strudels. Or follow the rich warm scent of the holiday season to the classic sugar-coated roasted nuts and freshly made gingerbread treats.
Here are just a few ways to indulge your sweet tooth at Christkindlmarket:
- Gingerbread and German cookies at Sweet Castle
- Chocolate-covered fruit from Chocolate Covered Treats
- Hot roasted nuts and gingerbread at Sweet Swabian
- Made-from-scratch pastries from La Boulangerie & Co.
Shop handmade gifts and holiday decor
Get a jump-start on your holiday gift shopping with a wide variety of perfect-for-winter items at many Christkindlmarket stalls. Find a unique holiday present, souvenir, or something to round out your seasonal décor.
- Cozy Peruvian sweaters, gloves, stuffed animals, and more at Winterborn Alpaca
- Woven scarves and shawls directly from artisans in India at Resham’s
- Cuckoo clocks from the Black Forest from Fehrenbach Black Forest Clocks
- Handcrafted animal figurines from Wooden Treasures
- Bells, nativity scenes, and more at Bavarian Pewter
- Handblown and hand-painted ornaments from Glaszauber Lauscha
- Traditional lace tablecloths from Meinel Embroidery
- Leather purses and bags at Otavalao Inka
Check out a full list of this year’s artisan Christkindlmarket vendors.
If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir, don’t miss the official Christkindlmarket 2025 ornament. The fifth annual ornament is glass-blown and handmade in Europe. Shaped like a traditional German “lebkuchenherz” (gingerbread heart), this keepsake matches the heart-shaped mug.
Join special Christkindlmarket events
Kick off the season with the annual ‘Twas the Night Before Christkindlmarket Preview Party on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. This highly anticipated preview event opens the market for a limited group of ticket holders before officially launching to the general public, making it a perfect opportunity to enjoy the festivities in a more intimate setting.
For the first time ever, the market will host a special one-day-only Krampus event. On Sunday, Dec. 14, Haus of Krampus will fill the heated Timber Haus tent with eerie decor and themed photo stations — guests can even meet the mischievous Krampus himself.
Throughout the season, join in on Culture & Cheer Tours where guests can dive into the rich history of the market, learn about the vendors, and discover German holiday traditions and language. Tours are held on weekend mornings and include a goodie bag filled with a variety of Christkindlmarket treats, including one of the souvenir mugs and a hot chocolate voucher.
Explore Christkindlmarket in Wrigleyville
Can’t get enough of Christkindlmarket? In the Lakeview neighborhood, Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville includes all the market favorites — freshly roasted nuts, hot spiced wine, and tons of holiday charm — all in the shadow of iconic Wrigley Field. You’ll also find fun holiday events and activities throughout Winterland at Gallagher Way, including ice skating, ice bumper cars, festive events, and more.
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