Chicago's Christkindlmarket: A Shot of Holiday Spirit

Christkindlmarket in Chicago is a tradition for locals and visitors alike.

Bundling up on a cold near-winter day. Taking the train to Daley Plaza to join the thick crowd. Stand in line for your (sometimes) boot-shaped mug full of glühwein, spicy and warm red wine. Stand in line for latke and goulash. Some days pierogi and Raclette (melted cheese slathered on crusty bread). Get some flaky pastries to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Then it's time to circle the booths and check out the crafts from Dresden, Dusseldorf, Munich, and other German towns. They always have a couple of Peruvian vendors selling warm woolen goods. I love the fans driven by the candle fire and the intricate patterns on the cuckoo clock.

We circle two or three times to make sure we see everything through the crowd.

We might buy a wooden figurine or house. We always stop to get a bag of honey gummy bears and baked cheese.

Then we stand in line to go into the ornament hut. These pricy glass ornaments come in every shape imaginable. You want a barnyard theme for your tree? They have pigs, cows, and chickens. Is under the sea more your thing? They have crustaceans, fish, and mermaids. You just want a pickle to hide on your tree? You're in luck, they have a couple of options for you.

After we snake through the hut and admire the ornaments, if the line isn't too long, we may get a glühwein refill. But generally, we pack our sticky mug in a plastic bag and enjoy the city. We'll check out Macy's window displays and enjoy the lights downtown before the train ride home.

Now Christkindlmarket has booths set up in Wrigleyville and Naperville, but I'm sure nothing can beat the Chicago market! Try to get out there before the market wraps up. If you're not in the area, check to see if there is a Christkindlmarket bringing tradition, and glühwein, to your city.

Official Chicago Christkindlmarket Website