The Christmas market in Chicago is an incredible experience for the whole family. There is an enormous Christmas tree at Daley Plaza where Christkindlmarket is located. You can sip on hot apple cider, and nibble on potato pancakes or strudel. Indulge in pears, bananas, strawberries and more dipped in rich chocolate.
Children will love the lantern parade, in which children each hold lovely lanterns to light up the market. The children also get an entertainment and goody bag. There are several vendors selling European toys and stuffed animals.
It's free to enter, but bring money to shop. The shopping is one of the best reasons to visit. You can find unique, hard-to-find gifts for family and friends, or wonderful Christmas decor for your own home. One vendor has a tremendous selection of hundreds of beautiful German Christmas ornaments. Shoppers can find handcrafted nutcrackers, nativity scenes and cuckoo clocks.
Visiting the Chicago Christmas Market
The Christkindlmarket runs from Nov. 23 through Christmas Eve. It's open Thanksgiving Day from11 a.m. to 4 p.m., then Mondays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It's open Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tips for visiting the Chicago Christmas Market
Hit the market on weekdays to avoid the crowds (which were so stifling last year on a weekend right before Christmas that it was hard to even enjoy the visit). Also, be sure you bundle up, as Chicago can be quite windy and cold this time of year. Wear gloves and bring a hat. Make sure children are well bundled. Most of the vendors accept credit cards or checks, and there is an ATM machine on site.
Getting to the Chicago Christmas Market
There are many flights, train rides and bus routes that go to Chicago. Once in Chicago, the market is located at Daley Plaza at the intersection of Washington and Dearborn (just a couple blocks west of Michigan Avenue). Here is a map of the Christkindlmarket, which includes the locations of several transportation stops.
Where to Stay near the Chicago Christmas Market
There are several hotels in the vicinity of the German market, including Hotel Burnham just a block away, Crowne Plaza Hotel Chicago about three blocks away, Hotel Chicago Monaco about three blocks away and Palmer House Hilton a five minute walk away.
Christmas Family Fun in Chicago
While you're there, Chicago has plenty of other Christmas activities for families. At Navy Pier, Santa and Mrs. Claus are on hand for visiting children, you can go ice skating and the retail center is decked for the holidays. Stroll along Michigan Avenue, where you can shop at the American Girl store or sip hot cocoa at the Ghiradhelli cafe.
Just a few steps from the Christmas market, you can visit Chicago's version of New York City's Macy's, the flagship Marshall Fields store. On the downside, the department store chain was bought by Macy's and this local landmark is becoming a Macy's as well, stirring much controversy with Chicagoans.
More on Christmas and Chicago: Official Christkindlmarket site | Hosting Children at Your Home over Christmas | Christmas Cruises | Indoor Water Parks in Winter | Ride the Polar Express to the "North Pole" | Flying with Christmas Presents | Christmas Gifts Banned in Carry-On Luggage | Chicago - Museums and the Magnificent Mile
Kelby Carr - Kelby Hartson Carr is an Asheville, N.C. mother of three, a seasoned travel writer, and has extensive experience traveling with children. ...
