Christkindlmarket Opens Friday at Daley Plaza

Boot shaped mugs, hot spiced wine, and strudel have all returned for the 20th annual Christkindlmarket in downtown Chicago

It’s a tradition that helps mark the beginning of the holiday season in Chicago. The Christkindlmarket officially opens Friday at Daley Plaza.

The Christkindlmarket in Chicago is inspired by the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany. Chicago hosted its first Christkindlmarket in 1996 on Pioneer Court, according to the market’s website.

Visitors can shop for one-of-a-kind trinkets like hand-blown ornaments and wooden crafts.

The Christkindlmarket also has a vast list of vendors selling delectable treats, like strudel, sausages, and glühwein, a hot spiced wine that comes in the beloved souvenir cup shaped like a boot. [[351967271, C]]

The highly-anticipated tradition has also moved west. Suburban Oakbrook will kick off its second annual Christkindlmarket on Nov. 27 at Oakbrook Center.

On Thursday night, visitors got a sneak peek into the Christkindlmarket in downtown Chicago during a special first look event featuring select vendors.

The entire Christkindlmarket opens Friday at 11 a.m. and continues through Dec. 24.

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