Chicago Christmas Market is by far the most festive and entertaining winter event in the country. I know that’s a bold statement, but it really is well-loved and deservedly so. Known locally as Christkindlmarket, the timber Christmas chalets have lined Daley Plaza since the event’s beginnings back in 1996. But in 2022, it’s bigger and more festive than ever.
Christkindlmarket Chicago is inspired by Nuremberg’s traditional, historic Christmas market. You can spot the influences in the timber chalets’ red and white striped roofs and images of Nuremberg’s unique Christmas angel, Christkind.
Chicago Christmas Market 2022
There are more than 50 stalls at the Christmas markets in Chicago, plus a huge range of food stalls. Enter at West Washington Street and walk in a loop to take in everything on offer.
Some great unique gifts available include:
- Bavarian beer glasses.
- Glass ornaments, including wildlife-themed ornaments.
- Traditional folk crafts from Eastern Europe.
- Cuckoo clocks from the Black Forest in Germany.
- Meinel tablecloths and doilies from Germany.
- Handcrafted figurines and carved wooden animals from Leipzig.
- Alpaca scarves, beanies and plush toys.
Dates and Location
Chicago Christmas Market dates: 18th November to 24th December 2022.
Opening times: 11am to 8pm (closes at 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays).
Christmas Day: Closed.
Location: Daley Plaza.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Pet-friendly: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Reason to visit: Gift giving by Christkind, Kinder Club and the Lanturn Parade.
Recommended tour: Take Chicago’s most popular tour; exploring the unique architecture on a family-friendly boat ride.
Specialities: Gingerbread house kits, stuffed pretzels, German-style Ossi Grütze, Currywurst, Leberkäse, Austrian-style strudel, Swiss-style raclette and Glühwein imported from Nuremberg.
Where to stay: Staypineapple is a unique hotel, 2 minutes from the Christmas market.
Hotels near Chicago Christmas Market
There are loads of interesting neighbourhoods and fun areas to stay in Chicago. It doesn’t matter too much where you stay as the city has a great subway system to help you get around. Daley Plaza is located opposite Washington Station.
But if you want to be within walking distance of Daley Plaza, I suggest staying at Staypineapple, as it’s a 2-minute walk away. The hotel has great views of the city skyline and the rooms and cool and unique.
Location of Chicago Christmas Market
Visit another Christmas market this year and plant your Christmas vacation with my guide to the best Christmas markets in the US. Discover where to go, things to do and the best ways to experience local Christmas food, history and culture.
Choose Chicago is a great resource for those visiting the city, especially for first-time visitors. They have the latest information regarding events and the best ways to experience Chicago at Christmas. Chicago is full of lights and decorations this time of year, so it’s worth planning to get the most out of your vacation.
Winter Events in Chicago
- Winterland – Experience Christmas at Gallagher Way and Wrigley Field. Includes ice skating, movies, Santa visits and Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville.
- Chicago Botanical Garden – Lightscape is a Christmas light trail and installation.
- Lincoln Park Zoo – Visit the zoo in a festive environment during Zoo Lights.
- Museum of Science and Industry – The impressive Christmas tree is the highlight.
- Millenium Park – Chicago’s best ice skating.
- Navy Pier – Ice skating, children’s events and an indoor winter wonderland.
- Garfield Park – A snow-themed flower show.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Many of us are increasingly concerned about climate change and sustainability. I’ve listed some small actions we can take to help lower our impact at this event.
- Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you really need.
- Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
- Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic.
- Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
- Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
- Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
- Support the arts and attend local events.
- If possible, avoid flying to your destination.
FAQ
The Christmas markets in Chicago are held at Daley Plaza.
Chicago Christmas Market starts on 18th November and ends on 24th December.
The Christmas markets open at 11am.
The Christmas markets close at 8pm except on Fridays and Saturdays when it closes at 9pm.
If you would like to leave a review of Chicago Xmas Market, feel free to comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Chicago, United States. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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