Christkindlmarket, Chicago, Illinois
The 16th-century version of the same name in Nuremberg, Germany, inspires Christkindlmarket Chicago every year.
With dozens of decorated wooden booths scattered across Daley Plaza, steaming glühwein mugs, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic, and sweet and savory German snacks, it’s a highlight of Chicago’s famously cold winter.
Similar European-style Christmas markets take place in Wrigleyville, a couple of “L” stops away, and Aurora and all have family-friendly activities for kids and musical performances.
If you do happen to be traveling with the littles in tow, be sure to grab some free Kinder Club passports, which contain riddles to educate children about German tradition and culture. The markets are open from the middle of November through Christmas Eve.
Denver Christkindlmarket, Denver, Colorado
The Denver Christkindlmarket brings together local and European food and drinks, live music, schuhplattler and polka performances, and those famous wooden market huts to Civic Center Park.
You’ll be able to shop for local and internationally-made presents with a steaming cup of glühwein or a Bavarian-style beer to warm up your hands.
As for the food, you absolutely can NOT leave without first trying a soft pretzel, roasted nuts, knödel, or an artisan s’more. This European-style Christmas market is open daily from the middle of November through December 23rd.
