Each winter, Chicago’s Daley Plaza transforms into a festive European-inspired Christmas village. The Christkindlmarket is a much-anticipated event that brings history, tradition, international food and drink, entertainment, seasonal merriment, and more to the city. If you’re looking to get in the holiday spirit, you must visit this Christmas village in Illinois.
Christkindlmarket Chicago is an annual Christmas village held in Daley Plaza. It started here in 1995 and its origins were inspired by the outdoor Christkindlmarket first held in Nuremberg, Germany during the 16th century.
Christkindlmarket Chicago/Facebook
Christmas magic fills the air here at Christkindlmarket! This popular event draws thousands of people to the city to celebrate the season, go shopping, try some European and German specialties like Glühwein, and marvel at the twinkling lights and Christmas tree.
Christkindlmarket Chicago/Facebook
Free to attend, this festive outdoor event features dozens of vendors selling everything from German, local, and international food, drinks, and desserts to ornaments and unique gifts. It’s quite the extravaganza for foodies and for those who love to shop!
Christkindlmarket Chicago/Facebook
The Christkindlmarket festivities kick off with a visit from the Christkind, a fairy-like being dressed in white and gold with a crown atop her head. On one specific day during the season, she leads families in the annual Lantern Festival during which everyone strolls around with lanterns and sings Christmas carols.
Christkindlmarket Chicago/Facebook
The folklore surrounding Christkind started in Nuremberg back in the 1500s. She delivers gifts to children on Christmas Eve in Germanic countries.
Christkindlmarket Chicago/Facebook
Each year, many attendees purchase a collectible mug from Christkindlmarket which offers different unique designs each year. A collectible ornament is another souvenir item you can pick up while you’re here!
Christkindlmarket Chicago/Facebook
Christkindlmarket Chicago starts in mid-November and ends on December 24th. The hours are Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. On the last day, Christmas Eve, the market will close at 4 p.m.
Christkindlmarket Chicago/Facebook
Christkindlmarket Chicago/Facebook
Will you visit this Christmas village in Illinois this year? What is your favorite place to visit during the holiday season? Let us know in the comments. To learn more, visit the Christkindlmarket Chicago website and Facebook page.
You can also visit these enchanting Illinois Christmas towns to get into the holiday spirit.
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Address: Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
