Christkindlmarket Kicks Off In Chicago

CHICAGO — It's time to make room in your cupboard for some more festive mugs, because the 23rd Annual Christkindlmarket has begun in Chicago's Daley Plaza. Plenty of vendors are back selling classic German ornaments, toys, beer steins, jewelry, clothing and handicrafts.

And Christkindlmarket wouldn't be complete without its Glühwein, a traditional German holiday hot spiced wine on tap, which of course is served in the market's signature mugs. There can be lineups for the popular drink during peak hours, but most will tell you it's worth the wait.

For more than two decades, the market has offered at least one souvenir mug design each year. This year's design features a traditional German gingerbread heart.

Vendors will also offer roasted nuts, sweet cakes and pastries, German chocolates and other treats.

Christkindlmarket in Naperville kicks off on Nov. 23. Both markets will wrap up Dec. 24.

Admission to all markets is always free.

In 2017, the market opened in Wrigleyville's Gallagher Way, however it won't be open there in 2018 due to construction, organizers said.

Inspired by the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, which began in 1545, the Chicago market brings international flair and local charm to the city's Daley Plaza. Chicago's largest open-air Christmas festival was first held on Pioneer Court in 1996.

Photo by True Shot Studios; courtesy of Christkindlmarket.