Chicago’s Christmas Markets Bring Traditional German foods, trinkets, and Handmade Products but is it Worth the Packed Crowds?
Christmas in Chicago is a wonderful time of year to visit…if you can stand the cold! Other than the giant Christmas themed tree at the Walnut Room or Christmas lighting display at the Botanical Garden (or even the zoo!), downtown during the holidays has lots to do and see. This includes the official Chicago Christmas tree in Millenium Park, and a nearby Christmas market known as Christkindl.
What exactly is Christkindl Market Chicago (and why is spelled like that)?
Christkindl are inspired by the German markets at Christmastime, hence the spelling. These are wooden markets that stand side by side, each operating independently. As cute as these little counters are, visiting a night is a bit more vibrant with lighting. Christmas markets are a great thing to do for the holidays in Chicago.
Per Christkindl website, German merchants sell their authentic, handmade products. These are usually German Christmas trinkets, decorations, and ornaments. But I’ve also seen honey products, candles, paper light fixtures, scarves, and embroidered handkerchiefs, amongst other things.
Be sure to bring cash as some stalls won’t accept cards.
Chicago Architecture At Full View at Christkindl Market
Tucked in between buildings in downtown Chicago, it’s a fun experience seeing skyscrapers towering over you. Christkindl Christmas Market will be at 50 W. Washington Street, which is at the Daley Center in the loop. So in between people watching, shopping, or while in line food, you can also take a bit of sightseeing and enjoy city architecture.
The Cook County Administration Building across the street is massive with a row of columns. It’s my favorite to zoom in on the sculpted details while visiting. The downtown location is also a short bus ride, or a good walk, from the Magnificent Mile where you can find even more touristy things to do in the Windy City.
It’s also close to Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago, which makes this location very popular.
Upon arriving you’ll be waiting in a very long line, which may even be turning a corner. In my experience, these move quickly so you won’t be in line for too long. And when arriving at night, a brightly lit entrance will welcome you.
You grab a mug of German hot chocolate or warm mulled wine as you shop.
Traditional German Culture is Alive and Well at Christkindl
A festive counter to visit would be the German Beer Steins. These vary in size and fun to see in a massive group. German steins are a massive cup with a triangular top and you lift with your thumb. But the most interesting part is the cup itself with intricate carving and painted images. They make me think of medieval style cups. They’re expensive but authentic German steins. Enjoy the German craftmanship.
Keep an eye out for Krankus, the German half-demon half-goat (for some reason) creature that punishes naughty children during the Christmas season. I spotted masks being sold and even a person dressed up, which was fun to see.
Traditional German foods are also a must at Christkindl. From bratwursts to stuffed pretzels to hot chocolate to a delicious sandwich you can smell as you pass the massive line for it. This is the Raclette sandwich, the basic being a French bread and Raclette cheese. You can add different kinds of deli meats. It’s incredibly popular, it’s tucked into a corner to give the stand enough space to maneuver the masses.
What’s the Long Line for at Chicago Christkindl?
Should you ever visit Chicago’s Christkindl Market, do yourself a favor and head straight for the Raclette line first thing. I made the mistake of walking a round of two to see what’s available and waited just under 30 minutes (I checked my photo timestamps).
There will be a single long line that turns into four short lines. You’ll see the menu as near once you’re in the smaller line. As the sandwiches are being made, you can see the raclette cheese wheel halved and sitting under a heat lamp. A quick tilt, and melted Raclette cheese is spread over the bread and prepped as ordered.
This smelly cheese is pretty good and worth a try.
However, my favorite is always the stuffed pretzels (cheesecake being my favorite!). Although be careful, some counters (like the pretzels) are cash only.
Festive Keepsakes: Boot Mugs and Holiday Designs
If you are visiting the food and beverage counters, you’ll notice the souvenir cups. There are a few kinds every year and will be stationed at multiple counters. Not all shops will have all varieties and popular styles will run out. A boot shaped cup is particularly popular, but you’ll also see a traditional cup with a design for that year. When you order drinks, you have the option of taking it in a souvenir cup instead of a paper cup to save a bit of money.
If you have your heart set on a particular style, I’d check a few stalls, especially if they’re empty for a quick check. When I went, I noticed some stalls had long lines and others were completely empty since the crowds will have their favorites.
But…Is It worth the Packed Crowds?
However, the convenience of downtown location brings other issues: overcrowding. I’ve visited in both day and night on separate years, and Chicago Christkindl Christmas Market were crowded and difficult to navigate whether at opening or halfway through the evening.
The problem goes beyond long lines for both entry and individual counters. Overcrowding at Chicago Christkindl Market makes it hard to enjoy the experience of shopping, maneuvering, and even taking in the sights. I’ve found it difficult to even find a spot to stand as I’m enjoying snacks or figuring out the next market to look through. With people shoulder to shoulder, every move feels like a hindrance to others. Lines can be long and confusing. Difficult to spot if people are waiting just to walk through or are actually waiting in a line.
Solution to the Crowds?
Downtown Chicago is the most popular naturally, with Christmas decorations brightening up the streets. Also, all of the Cultural and Arts and performances at Chicago Theatres keeps a steady flow of the masses.
But I strongly advise visiting other locations, which I’ll be doing this year. Wrigleyville (far north Chicago) and suburban Aurora will be hosting Christkindl Christmas Market. I’ll be visiting these locations this year after two years of the very crowded downtown Chicago visits. These will hopefully have more room to roam.
Since I’ve been enjoying downtown Chicago for the last few Christmases, a change is due. I’ll still check out the Christmas tree in the loop and watch ice skating in Millennium Park of course. But I’m curious to find Christmas in Chicago beyond downtown.
Christkindl is now open through December 24th. Will you be visiting?
Update 11/29/2025: The City of Chicago has implemented a capacity limit of 1,500 people attending Christkindl, which is highly unusual. This has increased waiting times to get into the event, so expect longer wait times. The only other time a limit was added was in 2020 during the pandemic. Although this should increase quality of the experience as a shopper, the vendors are complaining it is negatively impacting them and may even discourage future attendance.
