From mulled wine to artisan gifts, uncover what makes this a holiday must-see.
Every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Chicagoans and visitors can experience a European holiday tradition in the middle of Downtown Chicago. This free admission event offers a variety of wooden booths where visitors can purchase fun gifts and enjoy tasty treats.
The Chirstkindlmarket is held at Daley Park, in the heart of downtown Chicago. Surrounded by the city’s iconic skyscrapers and just steps away from bustling Michigan Avenue, this central location makes the market easily accessible while adding a unique urban background to its old-world charm.
The spacious plaza accommodates the market’s charming wooden stalls, festive decor, and crowds of visitors while retaining a cozy, village-like atmosphere. The towering Picasso sculpture, a known Chicago landmark, adds an artistic flair, blending the city’s modernity with the market’s European traditions.
The Chirstkindlmarket welcomes, on average, more than 1 million visitors each year. With its growing popularity, this year’s attendance will be well over 1 million.
Weekends tend to be the busiest at the market, while weekdays offer a more relaxed experience. Arriving early or choosing a weekday allows visitors to enjoy the magic of this festive atmosphere without the crowds.
One of the Christkindlmarket’s standout booths is the Baked Cheese Haus stand. Famous for its gooey, melty cheese scraped fresh onto warm bread, this booth serves a traditional German-inspired Raclette sandwich that has become a market favorite.
Located in Mineral Point, a small town in Wisconsin, Baked Cheese Haus brings a European-inspired food experience to the Midwest. Known for its artisanal baked cheese, this stand offers a taste of Europe in the heart of Chicago.
Making a Raclette starts with a wheel of Raclette cheese, heated to perfection using a specific grill that melts the top layer into golden, bubbly goodness. Once the cheese is perfectly gooey, it’s scraped straight onto a slice of crunchy French bread.
On the Traditionnelle option, the cheese is paired with fresh spring onions, baby gherkins, and a smear of Dijon mustard to complete the sandwich. They also offer sandwich options that include a variety of meats, such as salami, cured beef, and even bratwurst.
Alongside the iconic Raclette sandwiches, visitors can enjoy a variety of European traditional foods that meet every craving. The market offers various options, from stuffed gourmet pretzels and flaky, fruit-filled strudels to hearty pierogies.
The Festive mugs are more than just a cup – they are cherished keepsakes of this holiday experience. Each year, the market offers a variety of beautifully designed mugs perfect for enjoying traditional drinks like hot chocolate or hot apple cider. They can be purchased and used throughout the market. For those looking to warm things up with something stronger, the market also serves gluhwein, a spiced red wine heated and flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.
Traditionally used in German celebrations, handcrafted paper star lanterns are a beautiful decoration that helps embody the joy of the holiday season. Visitors can buy these stunning pieces throughout the market, perfect for brightening their homes or gatherings.
As visitors stroll through the market, they encounter many booths selling ornaments of various designs. Colorful handmade glass ornaments range from popular holiday characters to different festive shapes.
Woodcraft is on display at booths selling handmade wooden figurines. These figurines mainly depict people from traditional Christian nativity scenes. They also offer a variety of wooden ornaments, crosses, and candle holders.
The Chicago skyline is on display at a booth selling mouth-blown glass, intricately hand-painted by skilled artisans, and even imported from Poland.
Although the ornaments may look similar, no two ornaments are the same. A variety of ornaments display different Chicago tourist spots, which make a perfect souvenir for visitors.
With its unique location, festive spirit, and variety of experiences, The Chicago Christkindlmarket has become a modern holiday tradition for the entire family.