German Christmas Market in Chicago

The Chicago Magnificent Mile holiday lights were illuminated on Michigan Avenue on Saturday, November 21, 2009, kicking off the festive Christmas season in the Windy City. During the week of Thanksgiving the holiday spirit intensifies, with the tree lighting and the German Christmas Market (Christkindlmarkt) at Daley Plaza.

The official tree lighting ceremony will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 4:00 PM. Chicago native Bonnie Hunt will join the city officials for the lighting of the Holiday Tree at Daley Plaza. The ceremony is a favorite Chicago tradition, with a crowd gathering to sing carols and enjoy the festive ambiance. The German Christkindlmarkt is offering a sneak peek of the market from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM on the day before Thanksgiving.

The official opening of the Christkindlmarkt is on Friday after Thanksgiving, but the market will be open on Thanksgiving Day, November 26 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The market is a great stop for people to stop for a bite to eat and some holiday spirit after the McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade in downtown Chicago. The Thanksgiving Day Parade runs from 8:30 AM until 11:00 AM.

The official opening of the Christkindlmark will be on Friday, November 27, 2009, at 4:00 PM. The Christkindl (German Christmas fairy) travels from Nurnburg to attend the kick-off of the market.

The Christkindlmarkt in Chicago is an authentic open air, outdoor market. German vendors from the popular Christmas market in Nurnberg, Germany travel to Chicago every year to share their holiday traditions.

There are Germany Christmas Markets held throughout Germany during the weeks before Christmas. Villages and tons hold the markets, which feature local vendors, handmade arts and crafts, food, drinks and treats. The market also offers coffee cakes, cookies and chocolates from Germany. Musical acts from the Chicago area perform at the market on several of the days it is open.

The German Market in Chicago is a terrific place to find unique gifts for the holidays. While browsing through the booths, you can visit the food stands to purchase German sausages, spiced warm wine (glug) beer, candy and other treats. The market has a fair-like quality, as people enjoy the outdoors, the fragrance of the food and the atmosphere.

Since the market is outdoors it is a very good idea to dress warmly and remember to wear a hat and gloves. Bring a bag or tote to hold your purchases.

There is no admission fee into the market. The market runs daily from November 25 - December 24, 2009. The market hours are Monday through Friday from 11:00 PM to 8:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Daley Plaza is located between Washington, Clark and Dearborn Street in Chicago.

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