Christkindlmarket is held every year at Daley Plaza in Chicago. Two other locations include Gallagher Way (Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville) and RiverEdge Park (Christkindlmarket Aurora). This joyful holiday festival attracts about 1 million visitors every season. The history of Christkindlmarket dates back to 1996 when the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest first held this festival on Pioneer Court. The inspiration came from Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, which has been known since 1545.
The Market's highlight used to be the city's largest Christmas tree and a small nativity scene. But some time ago, the official Chicago Christmas tree was moved to Millenium Park. The market still has a smaller one.
The fair hosts Christmas choirs, folk dance groups, and live bands. There is also a Santa house and plenty of vendors selling toys, holiday ornaments, and Christmas decor. Vendors sell goods and foods from Germany, Ukraine, and Austria. Christkindlmarket is loved for its souvenir mugs and German food like sausages, sauerkraut, and potato pancakes.
Christkindlmarket is famous for European traditions and international flair. The Chicago Loop's outdoor market is a family tradition for many Chicagoans who could not imagine Christmas without it.
