Kick off the holiday season by immersing yourself in the festive wonder of the Christkindlmarket. It’s a cherished tradition that will once again grace our city, starting November 17 and extending through December.
This year, Christkindlmarket will be spreading joy and celebrating its 27th season downtown, at Daley Plaza. Christkindlmarket also opens for its 5th season at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville (right next to Wrigley Field), and for the second year running, Christkindlmarket will also visit the suburbs, kicking off Season’s Greetings at Aurora's RiverEdge Park.
These enchanting open-air holiday markets are a timeless celebration of German traditions. Wander past stalls of international and local vendors, each brimming with handcrafted ornaments, toys, and unique holiday treasures. You will smell the delightful scents of traditional bratwursts, sauerkraut and other German foods. Discover time-honored sweets and the smell of festive beverages wafting through the air, offering a culinary journey for your senses.
But it's not just about shopping and indulging your taste buds, the Christkindlmarket is a tapestry of cultural richness. Throughout its run, you'll find special events, live entertainment, and activities that promise holiday fun for the entire family.
We hope you enjoy Chicago Star’s all-encompassing guide to each market, discover the fresh and thrilling additions for 2023, and immerse yourself in the delight and traditions of this extraordinary, one-of-a-kind holiday spectacle.
History
- The first Christkindlmarket took place in 1996, and featured just 13 vendors to further transatlantic trade between Germany and the United States. It has grown and expanded to 55 vendors in 2023.
- The Christkindlmarket Chicago debuted in Pioneer Court and moved to its current location of Daley Plaza in 1997.
2023 Highlights
Chicago Daley Plaza
Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
- New this year is the Fast Entry Pass, every Sat. & Sun. – some morning slots are already sold out. A very limited number of tickets for each slot is available.
- Annual Preview Party, ‘Twas the Night Before Christkindlmarket,” returns Nov. 16, 5 p.m. – 8p.m. The event will feature a first-look at the Daley Plaza market, live performances and an appearance by the market’s mascot, the Christkind. Market goers will also have an opportunity to take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tickets are $85 and are available on Eventbrite. Each ticket includes one souvenir mug, two drink vouchers, one entrée and one dessert.
- Stammtisch tables are available in the heated Timber Haus. Reservations can be made for up to 8 people per table.
- Pick from specially curated German food and beverage packages
- No waiting in line, food served family-style to your table
- Cozy atmosphere, festive decorations
- Available Thursdays - Sundays
- Receptions can be booked for bigger groups of up to 100 people.
Reservations include:- Pick your favorite - either the heated Timber Haus or Timber Tent
- Available Mondays - Wednesdays
- Option to add on German buffet-style food packages
- Fully serviced bar available on-site
- The Christkind, the face of the market and the gift-giver to children in German-speaking countries (sort of like Santa Claus), will make regular visits. Every Wednesday in Chicago from 2 – 4pm.
- Check the market’s website for a full live entertainment schedule and on-site activities.
- Over 50 vendors at Daley Plaza including Kaethe Wohlfahrt, Frank’s Ornament Haus, Raclette (baked cheese), Sweet Castle, and more.
- Enjoy a variety of entertainment including the Alpine Brass Band, carolers, and more.
Wrigleyville
Wrigleyville at Gallagher Way, 3635 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
- Extended to 40+ vendors this year.
- This market is part of the Winterland experience at Gallagher Way.
- Enjoy a variety of entertainment throughout the season including traditional music, dance groups, carolers, and so much more.
- The Christkindlmarket at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville will offer many fun holiday activities inside the stadium. Outside the stadium is admission-free, inside the stadium there will be a small entrance fee.
Aurora
RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505
- The suburban Aurora location is easy to get to by metro and also has nearby parking available.
- Enjoy plenty of new vendors and many new European foods like Dutch Poffertjes, French-filled croissants, goulash, sausage variations, and much more.
- There will also be a festively decorated warming tent available to the public where you can purchase food and beverages from vendors and bring them inside.
- “Twinkly Thursdays,” will return to entertain the whole family.
- Check out the new decorations and interactive photo ops this year with glassblowing demos, typewriting poetry, reindeer-themed scavenger hunts, face-painting, beer-stein holding contests, and more.
- Check the full event calendar at christkindlmarket.com/events
- The Children’s Lantern Parade with the Christkind will take place, only at the Aurora location Nov. 26 at 5 p.m and Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. More information on Eventbrite.
- See the Christkindlemarket’s mascot, the Christkind, every Saturday from 2-4 p.m.
Christkindlmarket Souvenir Mug 2023- Chicago
Annual Souvenir Mug - (No online store this year so mugs/merch need to be purchased at locations)
- For Souvenir lovers each location has its own unique mug to collect. Christkindlmarket 2023 mugs will be sold as a pack of three for $25, or singly at $8 per mug at each location.
- The Chicago Souvenir Mug is mint green and wine red to represent the festive holiday season. It features a nice round base and tapered top to keep your Gluhwein drink hot. The Chicago skyline adds the perfect backdrop for a keepsake gift. The design includes the iconic diamond-shaped Crain Communications Building building, the Picasso sculpture and City Hall Building.
Christkindlmarket 2023 Non-Alcoholic Souvenir Mug- Reindeer
Reindeer Non-Alcoholic Mug
- The Christkindlmarket’s Non-Alcoholic Beverage Reindeer Mug, is available at all locations. Design features a whimsical reindeer standing in front of a decorated Christmas tree branch and, on the back, an exuberant ice-skating scene set against the Chicago skyline.
Christkindlmarket Aurora Souvenir Mug 2023
Aurora Souvenir Mug
- The mint green and dark green colored mug will be a perfect souvenir for every family to takhome. Designs on the mug feature the Paramount Theatre, flanked by a pedestrian bridge, an Alpine horn player, and bald eagles that can be found along the Fox River, and more.
Wrigleyville Souvenir Mug 2023
Wrigleyville Souvenir Mug
- The mint green and gray mug matches the modern vibe of the Wrigleyville market. Design elements feature the Hotel Zachary, the Carousel, the intersection sign at Clark & Addison, and the Christmas tree.
New in 2023 is a ceramic Christkindlmarket Beer Stein. Available in Aurora and Chicago (with beer), in Wrigleyville only as a retail item at the Christkindlmarket information booth for $20.
New 2023 Merchandise
- Besides this year’s mugs, shop exclusive beer steins, annual ornaments (shown below) and other new items, also offered are a Tree Growing Kit, winter scarves, hats, and more.
- New in 2023 is a ceramic Christkindlmarket Beer Stein. Available in Aurora and Chicago (with beer), in Wrigleyville only as a retail item at the Christkindlmarket information booth for $20.
Back for its 3rd year, the official annual ornament, hand-made and painted in Europe.
All Christkindlmarkets are admission free. Weekday visits are recommended for a “less bustling” experience.
Christkindlmarket Chicago at Daley Plaza (Nov. 17 through Dec. 24)
Regular Hours
Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Special Hours
Thanksgiving (Nov. 23): 11a.m. – 4 p.m.
Christmas Eve (Dec. 24): 11 a.m – 4 p.m.
Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville at Gallagher Way (Nov. 17 - Dec. 31)
Regular Hours
Monday–Thursday: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 11a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday: 11a.m. – 7 p.m.
Special Hours
Thanksgiving (Nov. 23), Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31): 11a.m. – 4 p.m. Christmas Day (Dec. 25): Closed
Tuesday (Dec. 26)- Thurs. (Dec. 28): 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
More than 40 vendors, including staples like Sweet Castle
Christkindlmarket Aurora at RiverEdge Park (Nov. 17 - Dec. 24)
Regular Hours: Thursday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday, Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Special Hours:
Monday (Dec. 18) through Wednesday (Dec. 20): 11 a.m. –7 p.m. Thanksgiving (Nov. 23) & Christmas Eve (Dec. 24): 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
More than 50 vendors
Website: christkindlmarket.com
Facebook: facebook.com/christkindlmarket
Facebook: facebook.com/christkindlmarket.wrigleyville
Facebook: facebook.com/christkindlmarket.aurora
(For more information about RiverEdge Park, visit paramountaurora.com/riveredge/
And for more information about Paramount Theatre, visit paramountaurora.com/)
(More information on this season’s Winterland activities at Gallagher Way will be available at www.gallagherway.com)
German American Events LLC, a subsidiary of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that plans and executes the Christkindlmarket Chicago, Wrigleyville, and Aurora. All locations are modeled after the classic German holiday market in Nuremberg, Germany, with traditional candy cane striped huts. (gaccmidwest.org)
Chicago Star Media, the official mug launch sponsor for Christkindlmarket 2023, is a media company dedicated to connecting people to resources and creating meaningful and impactful content. Clients include local organizations and Fortune 500 companies who harness CSM’s creativity and highly engaged audience to increase their brand recognition and drive revenue. (chicagostarmedia.com)
(Compiled by Candace Jordan for Chicago Star Media | Photography by Troy Mairs)
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