READ TIME 3 MINS – The holiday season is just around the corner, and soon Chicago’s Michigan Avenue will be aglow with twinkling lights, festive music will echo through the city, and the renowned Christkindlmarket will kick off its 29th year of traditional German celebrations. This beloved holiday festival will be spreading joy across Chicagoland with three exciting locations this winter.
Join us for free admission to the Christkindlmarket Chicago at Daley Plaza, Downtown Aurora at RiverEdge Park, and Wrigleyville at Gallagher Way. Each location offers a cozy holiday escape with collectible mugs, festive merchandise, and a delicious mix of international and local treats.
The festivities begin just before Thanksgiving. The Christkindlmarket Chicago will be open daily from November 21 through December 24, with evening hours and special holiday hours on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. The Christkindlmarket Aurora welcomes guests Thursdays through Sundays from November 21 to December 24, plus additional days closer to Christmas. The Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville will be open daily, beginning Sunday, November 23 through Wednesday, December 31.
Celebrating its 29th year, the Christkindlmarket Chicago at Daley Plaza remains a must-visit destination. With over 55 vendors in its signature red and white booths, guests can enjoy pretzels, beer, and gifts from Chicago, Germany, and beyond, all in the heart of downtown.
The market is easily accessible with nearby CTA Red Line and Blue Line stations and discounted parking from local partners. Visit our locations page for information on our parking sponsors and their special rates for the Christkindlmarket attendees. Whether you’re arriving by train or car, we’ve got you covered for a seamless holiday experience!
Looking for a cozy place to stay near the market? Our hotel partner, Staypineapple, offers convenient accommodations. Check out our Chicago Hotel Partners page for details and special deals for the Christkindlmarket visitors.
We will kick off the season with the exclusive Chicago “’Twas the Night Before Christkindlmarket” Opening Night Party on November 20 from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The tickets will go on sale within the next couple of weeks. You can receive the news straight to your inbox through our Christkindlmarket newsletter. This special preview is a fantastic opportunity to experience the market before it opens to the public. Refreshments will be plentiful, with returning beer sponsors Benediktiner, Köstritzer, and König.
Returning for its fourth year, the Christkindlmarket Aurora will be bigger than ever with over 60 vendors, including local favorites such as Käthe Wohlfahrt, Bob’s Belgian Hot Chocolate, and Baked Cheese Haus. New seasonal bites like s’mores and sautéed mushrooms will add fresh flavor to the festive lineup.
The Christkindlmarket in Aurora is located at RiverEdge Park in downtown Aurora, the market is easy to reach whether you’re traveling by train or car. Just a short walk from the Aurora Transportation Center, it’s a breeze for train riders. Drivers can enjoy ample nearby parking for a hassle-free visit. No matter how you arrive, the festive atmosphere is just steps away from the holiday magic.
Special events that will take place at RiverEdge Park throughout November and December will be announced soon. Make sure to sign up for our newsletter to be one of the first to get the news straight to your inbox! After visiting our outdoor market, head to downtown Aurora’s historic Paramount Theatre, where the beloved holiday classic musical “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” will be warming hearts and bringing generations together in celebration of the season’s magic. The Second City will be performing their annual holiday revue in Paramount’s Copley Theatre, and Million Dollar Quartet is still rockin’ Paramount’s Stolp Island Theatre through the end of the year. All of Downtown Aurora will be beautifully decorated for the season, and if you visit on the first Friday in December, you’ll have the chance to participate in a variety of special holiday activities.
This year, guests may notice construction at RiverEdge Park, allowing for an even bigger and better event space in the future. The market will continue to offer the same cherished traditions, festive atmosphere, and magical holiday experience visitors know and love.
The Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville is back and more magical than ever with more than 25 vendors! Returning beloved vendors like Puffy Houzz, Sweet Castle, and The Austrian Lodge will bring their signature flavors. The Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville is located in the heart of Winterland at Gallagher Way and more details on that event will be shared soon via
gallagherway.com
This convenient location in the vibrant Wrigleyville neighborhood offers a modern twist on the traditional holiday market. The Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville is easily accessible by public transportation, located right next to the Addison CTA Stop, and gives visitors the opportunity to explore one of the most festive neighborhoods in Chicago with holiday-themed bars like Mistletoe at Mordecai and restaurants like Big Star, Smoke Daddy, Alma at Hotel Zachary and many more.
Want to stay super close to the market and even see it from your hotel room? Check out Hotel Zachary right across the street!
The Winterland at Gallagher Way Tree lighting ceremony will be announced soon, adding sparkle to the season. To learn more about Gallagher Way and Winterland at Gallagher Way, please visit www.gallagherway.com or follow @gallagherwaychi.
Subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about our different locations and be one of the first to receive alerts!
Share:
