READ TIME 4 MINS – The holiday season is fast approaching, and soon Michigan Avenue will sparkle with lights, the air will be filled with joyful carols, and the renowned Christkindlmarket will open its doors for the 28th year of traditional German celebrations. This beloved holiday festival will be spreading cheer across Chicagoland with two exciting locations this winter.
Join us for free admission events in Chicago at Daley Plaza and in Downtown Aurora at RiverEdge Park. At both locations, visitors can shop for unique souvenir mugs, delightful merchandise, and savor a wide array of international and local foods.
“The time for Christkindlmarket” will start the week before Thanksgiving on November 22, 2024. While the Christkindlmarket Chicago will be open daily, the Christkindlmarket Aurora will welcome visitors Thursdays through Sundays, with extended hours as we approach the week before Christmas. Be sure to visit our locations page for detailed hours, the event calendar, and special offers from our hotel and parking partners.
We are thrilled to return to RiverEdge Park in downtown Aurora for a third year of winter festivities. Take the train out to Aurora, get out and be greeted by scenic river views, live music, plenty of fun photo ops, a scavenger hunt and more family-friendly activities, this year’s Christkindlmarket in Aurora promises to be a holiday paradise.
The Christkindlmarket Aurora is easy to reach, whether you’re coming by train or car. The market is conveniently located just a short walk from the Aurora Transportation Center, making it a breeze to arrive by train. For those driving, ample parking is available nearby, ensuring a hassle-free visit. Enjoy the festive atmosphere without the stress of parking or transit—both options are just a few steps away from the holiday magic!
Our expanded market at our Aurora location will be featuring over 55 vendors in 2024 —the most ever at this site! Expect a delightful mix of beloved favorites and new booths, with local Chicago staple vendors like Chiya Chai, Bearhands & Buddies, and Syrin joining the holiday fun.
This year, we’re introducing several new events to kick off your holiday season with joy. Enjoy tastings throughout November and December, leading up to Christmas Eve. Our Timber Tent will host special receptions every Thursday and Friday until December 13th, with additional receptions every Monday starting December 16th.
Don’t miss the festive Children’s Lantern Parade, themed around St. Nikolaus, on December 6th—an event perfect for the entire family. Every week, we will be offering new events at our RiverEdge location. Stay tuned for our Special Events Announcement in September for more details!
Make your trip to the suburbs even more magical by combining your visit to the Christkindlmarket with a show at the Paramount Theatre. Just a short 15-minute walk away, you can enjoy the enchanting “Frozen” performance. 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 activities. Sign up for our newsletter to receive all the latest updates straight to your inbox!
No holiday season in Chicago is complete without the Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza. Celebrating its 28th year at this iconic location, the market will offer a delightful experience with pretzels, beer, downtown sightseeing, and German holiday traditions. With over 50 vendors in our signature red and white striped booths, you’ll find an extensive selection of food and gifts from Chicago, Germany, and beyond!
Getting to the Christkindlmarket Chicago is straightforward with a variety of public transportation options and convenient parking arrangements. If you’re taking the train, the CTA Red Line and Blue Line Stations are just a short walk from the market. For those driving, we’ve partnered with local parking facilities to offer convenient and discounted parking options near the market. Visit our locations page for information on our parking sponsors and their special rates for 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 Christkindlmarket visitors.
Join us for the grand opening at Daley Plaza with our ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Preview Event on November 21st from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. This special preview is a fantastic opportunity to experience the market before it opens to the public. For the latest updates and ticket information, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
Refreshments will be plentiful at the market as always. We are pleased to welcome back Bitburger and Koestritzer as our Official Beer Sponsors 2024, and are excited to introduce Weihenstephaner as a new addition.
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