Cups, cocoa and cuckoo clocks at Christkindlmarket

Christmas in Chicago is quite possibly the only thing that makes the bitter-cold winters bearable. Whether you skate a few laps at the ice rink in Millennium Park or you take a stroll down State Street to see the Macy's holiday window displays, there are a great deal of ways to get in the holiday spirit.

The German-American Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza is a must. In the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Loop, it manages to bring a feeling of culture and tradition to Chicago — but it sure is busy!

The shopping vendors are unlike any other on the Mag Mile. Christkindlmarket offers unique pieces, handmade trinkets and classic German products including nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks and beer steins that come straight from — you guessed it — Germany. The hand-blown and painted ornaments are simply stunning and can be a perfect gift for anyone on your list, or the start of a holiday tradition. 

These German vendors also bring another huge draw to the small outdoor festival downtown — food and drinks! The Strudel, the potatoe pancakes, the pretzels… are you hungry yet? Christkindlmarket offers souvenirs with your cup of hot cocoa or spiced wine. There are two options for this year's mug! For $8, you can get hot chocolate in one of these two cups, and refills for $1.


The Christkindlmarket Chicago is open now through December 24, 2016.