About

Since 1996, German American Events, LLC, a subsidiary of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest , has hosted the Christkindlmarket Chicago as a free event, featuring international and local vendors with various offerings for all ages.

The German-style outdoor market has become so popular that it expanded to several locations in Illinois and Wisconsin in the past. The unique shopping experience, cheerful live entertainment, and original food and beverages like the imported mulled wine from Germany, called Glühwein, make the Christkindlmarket a preferred and popular destination, mentioned by big media outlets like the Chicago Tribune, Choose Chicago, and Chicago Magazine. 

In 2025, the Christkindmarket Chicago has been officially recognized by Newsweek as one of the Best Christmas Markets of 2026.

In 2024, the market has been chosen as one of the 20 best Christmas markets across the U.S by Travel Magazine.

In 2023, the markets reached record visitor numbers of over 2 million combines at all three locations.

In 2022, the Christkindlmarket Chicago has been named one of the best Christmas Markets. It got ranked as the number three worldwide, and the number one outside of Europe by Big 7 Travel. 

 In 2022 and 2021, it has been nominated as one of the Top 10 Holiday Markets by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice.

In 2020, visitors were able to enjoy the tradition from the comfort and safety of their homes through the first-ever virtual Christkindlmarket “Home for the Holidays.”

Since 2021, the Christkindlmarket has been back in person, making sure to provide a safe outdoor event for the whole family.