Wintertime is here, and with it comes a staple of Chicago: the Christkindlmarket. If you’re looking for a place to relish the Christmas spirit, or just somewhere fun to go during this season, you might want to give it a try.
The Christkindlmarket is a German market held in Daley Plaza every year in Chicago, starting this year November 17th, and ending on Christmas Eve, December 24th. It debuted in 1996, moving to its current location the following year. In it, you can find German foods and snacks, ornaments, warm beverages, and more.
In general, most people that have been to the market greatly enjoy it. Even if you’re not looking to spend money, it’s a great place to enjoy with friends just for its ambience. However, if you’re willing to put some cash down, there are a couple items worth purchasing. A popular item is the mug, an item you can keep by spending a little extra item on your hot chocolate or apple cider. “The mug is my favorite part of the market. They’re different every year, so you can collect them and actually use them,” Lisari Edirisinghe, senior, explains. One of the best snacks to purchase are the glazed nuts. “You can smell them as soon as you enter the market,” Sydney Choi, class of ’24 reminisces. There are many nuts to choose from, including peanuts, cashews, or mixed, but many enjoy the pecans.
However, some people have issues. “There are just too many people,” Adam Abiade, senior, explains. “I don’t really care for the holiday atmosphere, and everything is really expensive.” This is a common grievance with the market. It’s a tourist attraction, so many items are a bit expensive for the average students income. To many, these prices are worth the trip, and if you have some time, this might be a fun place to visit with friends or family!
Christkindlmarket Chicago is a free event that runs for about 5 weeks at 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602. You can wait in line to enter, or pay $25 for a fast entry here.