Christkindlmarket Chicago

From Nov. 16-Dec. 24, 2018, shop for Christmas gifts and then raise your beer steins at this popular seasonal German-themed market in the center of downtown Chicago. Pricey but beautiful ornaments, nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks and other unique crafts are for sale in the wooden huts lining Daley Plaza. Duck into the Grand Timber House and Festival Tent to warm up, take a load off your feet, and sample specialty sausages, potato pancakes, schnitzel, sweet Stollen and pretzels. Gluhwein, a spiced German wine, is a perennial favorite. Modeled after the original festival in Nuremberg, Germany, Christkindlmarket also has live music and performances like a roaming Alpine Brass band. Be prepared for crowds, cold weather but also lots of holiday spirit.