The holiday festivities are about to kick off, with Chicago's downtown Christkindlmarket set to open this week.
The popular winter festival, known as the largest open-air Christmas festival in the city, will begin Friday and continue through Christmas Eve in Daley Plaza.
Making things even better this year, shoppers will be able to enjoy their hot chocolate and glühwein in an iconic boot-shaped mug - the first time the event has brough back its staple mug since 2015.
Christkindlmarket's Milwaukee location will also open on Friday, but the Wrigleyville location will open on Nov. 22 and will run through New Year’s Eve.
The festival, now in its 24th year in Chicago, is inspired by the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, organizers said. It "brings a cherished German and European tradition with international flair and local charm to Chicago."
Adding to the holiday fun, ice skating at Millennium Park also opens Friday for the season. The rink, which is free and open to the public, will remain open through March 8.
