Christkindlmarket Chicago

One of my favorite Christmas traditions in Chicago is the Christkindlmarket. It’s a place I heard was a must visit the first year I lived in Chicago and it’s a place I have visited every year since. A little piece of Bavarian Christmas right in the heart of the city. As you wander from booth to booth, you can sip mulled cider or wine (be sure you get a souvenir mug, it’s tradition), smell chestnuts roasting and hear carolers singing. It’s basically like walking through a Christmas storybook.

Each year I have to stop by the DOM ornaments booth and get a new ornament. It was something I did that very first visit and it’s been fun to add a new one to my tree every year since. What I love about DOM is that they make Chicago themed ornaments. I have a CTA bus, a Marshall Field’s clock, the Navy Pier ferris wheel, and the list goes on. It’s a great way to carry my love of Chicago into the Christmas holiday. If you are looking for any ornament, you will be able to find it at the Christkindlmarket. They have other booths that have everything from pizza ornaments to angels. You can also buy handmade hats and gloves, wooden toys and beautiful jewelry. Like I said, whatever you want, you will find it here!

This year, there are two additional market locations you can visit. Originally held only in Daley Plaza, the market is now also held at The Park at Wrigley (where these photos were taken) and in downtown Naperville. If you haven’t stopped by yet, make sure you swing by one of the locations before Christmas! Whether it’s a yearly tradition for you too, or your first visit, it will put you in the best holiday mood.