8 Magical Christmas Markets In Chicago 2024

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by visiting a magical Christmas market in Chicago? The city is transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and of course, magical Christmas markets.

From traditional German-style markets to modern and trendy pop-ups, Chicago has a Christmas market to suit every taste and interest. Here are 8 magical Christmas markets in Chicago to add to your holiday itinerary:

Christkindlmarket

The Christkindlmarket is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Chicago, attracting over 1 million visitors each year. Located in Daley Plaza, this traditional German-style market offers a wide range of festive goods, including handmade ornaments, nutcrackers, and intricate wooden toys. You can also enjoy traditional German cuisine, such as bratwurst and stollen, and wash it down with a mug of glühwein.

When and Where:

The Christkindlmarket takes place from late November to Christmas Eve, in Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602.

The Polar Express Christkindlmarket

The Polar Express Christkindlmarket is a unique and fun twist on the traditional Christmas market. Located at the Chicago Union Station, this market offers a range of festive goods and activities, including a Polar Express-themed train ride, ice skating, and a visit from Santa Claus. You can also enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while browsing the market stalls.

When and Where:

The Polar Express Christkindlmarket takes place from late November to Christmas Eve, at the Chicago Union Station, 210 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606.

One of a Kind Holiday Show

The One of a Kind Holiday Show is a modern and trendy Christmas market that takes place at the Merchandise Mart. This market features over 600 artists and makers selling unique and handmade gifts, decorations, and treats. You can also enjoy live music, food, and drinks while browsing the market stalls.

When and Where:

The One of a Kind Holiday Show takes place from early December to late December, at the Merchandise Mart, 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654.

Lincoln Park ZooLights

The Lincoln Park ZooLights is a magical and festive Christmas market that takes place at the Lincoln Park Zoo. This market features over 2 million lights, as well as festive decorations, ice skating, and a visit from Santa Claus. You can also enjoy live music, food, and drinks while browsing the market stalls.

When and Where:

The Lincoln Park ZooLights takes place from late November to early January, at the Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614.

Christkindlmarket Naperville

The Christkindlmarket Naperville is a traditional German-style Christmas market located in the western suburbs of Chicago. This market features a range of festive goods, including handmade ornaments, nutcrackers, and intricate wooden toys. You can also enjoy traditional German cuisine, such as bratwurst and stollen, and wash it down with a mug of glühwein.

When and Where:

The Christkindlmarket Naperville takes place from late November to Christmas Eve, in the Naperville Jaycees Park, 445 Aurora Ave, Naperville, IL 60540.

Northbrook Court Christmas Market

The Northbrook Court Christmas Market is a modern and trendy Christmas market located in the northern suburbs of Chicago. This market features a range of festive goods, including unique gifts, decorations, and treats. You can also enjoy live music, food, and drinks while browsing the market stalls.

When and Where:

The Northbrook Court Christmas Market takes place from early December to late December, at the Northbrook Court, 2171 Northbrook Ct, Northbrook, IL 60062.

The Chicago French Market

The Chicago French Market is a charming and festive Christmas market located in the West Loop. This market features a range of French-inspired goods, including artisanal cheeses, breads, and pastries. You can also enjoy live music, food, and drinks while browsing the market stalls.

When and Where:

The Chicago French Market takes place from early December to late December, at the Chicago French Market, 131 N Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60661.

The Skokie Festival of Lights

The Skokie Festival of Lights is a magical and festive Christmas market located in the northern suburbs of Chicago. This market features over 100,000 lights, as well as festive decorations, ice skating, and a visit from Santa Claus. You can also enjoy live music, food, and drinks while browsing the market stalls.

When and Where:

The Skokie Festival of Lights takes place from late November to early January, at the Skokie Festival of Lights, 4900 Oakton St, Skokie, IL 60076.

What are the best Christmas markets in Chicago?

The best Christmas markets in Chicago include Christkindlmarket, The Polar Express Christkindlmarket, One of a Kind Holiday Show, Lincoln Park ZooLights, Christkindlmarket Naperville, Northbrook Court Christmas Market, The Chicago French Market, and The Skokie Festival of Lights.

When do the Christmas markets in Chicago take place?

The Christmas markets in Chicago typically take place from late November to early January, with some markets starting as early as mid-November and others ending as late as mid-January.

What can I expect to find at the Christmas markets in Chicago?

You can expect to find a wide range of festive goods, including handmade ornaments, decorations, gifts, and treats. Many markets also offer traditional German cuisine, live music, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Whether you're looking for a traditional German-style market or a modern and trendy pop-up, Chicago has a Christmas market to suit every taste and interest. So why not get into the festive spirit and visit one of these magical Christmas markets in Chicago?