The Christkindlmarket is a beloved holiday tradition in Chicagoland. Find tasty German-inspired food, warm beverages and, of course, plenty of holiday decor and gifts from unique vendors at these festive open-air markets.
A trip to the Christkindlmarket has been a tradition for my family since I was a little girl. Every year, my family would take the trip downtown to enjoy warm pretzels and hot cocoa before picking out a glass blown ornament for our tree. As a teenager, I enjoyed sneaking away to purchase an ornament as a Christmas gift for my parents. I’ve visited both the downtown and Wrigleyville locations, and this year I can’t wait to visit the Aurora market!
Chicagoland families can visit two Christkindlmarket locations this year — Aurora and downtown Chicago — for holiday cheer and merrymaking. Here is all you need to know to start making cherished family memories this holiday season at the Christkindlmarket.
Happy holidays!
This article was recently updated on Nov. 4, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on the 20204 Christkindlmarket season. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@chicagoparent.com.
Find a Christkindlmarket location near you
Visit the Christkindlmarket location closest to your family, or venture to a market that’s further out and make new holiday memories and traditions. Each location has its own unique history and winter activities for families to enjoy.
Christkindlmarket Chicago
- Address: Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago
- Dates: Nov. 22-Dec. 24, 2024
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Parking: Find discounted parking with SpotHero, or park at a discounted rate at Millennium Garages. You must purchase parking online to take advantage of the discount.
Since 1996, the downtown Chicago Christkindlmarket has been one of the city’s most popular winter attractions. Check out this map of Christkindlmarket to start planning your holiday adventure.
Holiday pro tip: Beat the crowds and visit this location on weekends from 10:15-11 a.m. for a Cheer and Culture tour. These festive tours offer families an informative and fun journey through the market before it opens. Be sure to secure your spot online!
Christkindlmarket Aurora
- Address: RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora
- Dates: Nov. 22-Dec. 24, 2024
- Hours: Thursday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Parking: Find free street parking at Lot W, 309 N. River Street. Parking at the Aurora Transportation Center Main Parking Lot is $10. Find more information on parking at Christkindlmarket Aurora.
Returning for its second year, the newest Christkindlmarket in Chicagoland is at RiverEdge Park in downtown Aurora. This year’s market includes 65 holiday vendors, a photo booth and plenty of festive photo opportunities, outdoor seating, a heated food and drink tent and much more. Use this handy map of the market to plan your family’s holiday outing.
Holiday pro tip: If your family is looking to avoid crowds, this suburban market is a great option! For extra family fun, plan your visit around a family-friendly event, like the Children’s Lantern Parade or a kid-friendly glass blowing workshop.
Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville
The Gallagher Way location is closed this year, but will return in 2025.
2024 Christkindlmarket mugs
Chicagoans can’t get enough of the Christkindlmarket mugs — literally! Each year, the market releases a new lineup of festive mugs for the season. Some are unique to each market, and they often sell out quickly.
The 2024 mug lineup boasts the return of some popular mugs, including the Boot Mug and the Beer Stein Mug. New this year is the adorable Nutcracker Mug.
Tips for families visiting the Christkindlmarket
- Give your child a Kinder Club passport to keep them focused and entertained. The activity passport has riddles, on-site activities and more for each Christkindlmarket location.
- Plan your visit around a family-friendly event. Stay tuned to see what the market has in store for families this season!
- These bustling holiday markets can be overwhelming, even for adults! If your child has sensory needs or is easily overwhelmed by crowds and noises, make sure you explain the environment to them beforehand and have an exit strategy if you need to take a break.
- Big crowds make it easier for kids to get separated from their parents. Make sure your child knows your phone number or has some kind of identification so they can quickly be reunited with mom and dad in the event they get lost.
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