A Windy City holiday: Chicago’s 10 essential holiday activities
By Andi Ortiz
10. Christkindlmarket
If you’re only in Chicago for a single day during the holiday season, Christkindlmarket should be at the top of the to-do list.
Each year, the market returns to Daley Plaza with vendors selling handcrafted products, along with original gourmet food booths. For those with willpower, the market can be a quick venture, in and out within an hour. But for most, it’s easy to get lost in the gorgeous shops for hours at a time.
The market is inspired by the original 1500’s Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany. It beautifully highlights the city’s traditions and craftsmanship, while also incorporating local vendors. To keep guests warm, Christkindlmarket offers a hot, spiced wine in a souvenir mug. Both have become a staple of the season, and mug collections have never been better.
It’s also an easy way to get a picture with Santa. That said, pictures at the market are great, always inspiring a laugh or two, but it’s the products themselves that last. After several years of wear, the knit hat I picked up is still cozy as can be.
Depending on the day, the crowds can be pretty dense, but Christkindlmarket is a wonderful cultural experience, all without leaving the city.