Hotels near Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
The Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza has been the heart of Christmas in the Loop since 1996, and 2026 marks its 30th anniversary. Modelled on the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, it fills the plaza beneath the giant Picasso sculpture with red-and-white wooden huts selling German and international crafts, ornaments and food. The 2026 market runs from 20 November to 24 December.
Food stalls serve bratwurst, potato pancakes, pretzels, roasted nuts and Lebkuchen, and the hot spiced wine comes in a collectible boot-shaped mug that changes design each year. Entry is free.
It is the largest and busiest Chicago Christmas market location, and weekday lunchtimes fill up with office workers from the surrounding Loop towers.
Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday mid-afternoon to avoid the lunchtime and weekend crowds. Buy the 2026 anniversary mug early; collectors snap up special editions, and popular designs can sell out.
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