Chicago Christmas Markets? Have you visited them? Which 1 do you prefer? (buy, restaurant)

[countrylv22]

Hello Chicago!

Wishing you all a Happy Holiday Season! Merry Christmas & a Very Happy New Year 2022!

Have any of you visited the 2 different Christmas Markets in the Chicago area?
Which 1 is larger? Are they expensive? Are they worth spending time there?

The Christkindlmarket in Wrigleyville is supposed to be opened until New Years Eve. Which booths do you like the most there?
Is this one too far from Mag Mile? Can you walk there from Mag Mile?

Thanks in advance!

Wishing everyone a great Holiday Season!
Cheers!

[quigboto]

Originally Posted by countrylv22

Hello Chicago!

Wishing you all a Happy Holiday Season! Merry Christmas & a Very Happy New Year 2022!

Have any of you visited the 2 different Christmas Markets in the Chicago area?
Which 1 is larger? Are they expensive? Are they worth spending time there?

The Christkindlmarket in Wrigleyville is supposed to be opened until New Years Eve. Which booths do you like the most there?
Is this one too far from Mag Mile? Can you walk there from Mag Mile?

Thanks in advance!

Wishing everyone a great Holiday Season!
Cheers!

The Christkindlmarket at Wrigley is about 5 miles from the Mag Mile. It would take approx an hour and a half to walk there.
The market at Daley Center is considerably larger in terms of vendors.
My favorite booth is the one where you can buy raclette sandwiches.

[countrylv22]

Originally Posted by quigboto

The Christkindlmarket at Wrigley is about 5 miles from the Mag Mile. It would take approx an hour and a half to walk there.
The market at Daley Center is considerably larger in terms of vendors.
My favorite booth is the one where you can buy raclette sandwiches.

Thank you for your post & tips!
If I am able to go there, I will definitely try to get the raclette sandwiches!

Merry Christmas & a Happy 2022!

[personone]

The Christkindle market downtown was really nice, at least in pre-pandemic times.

I haven't been since the pandemic, but it always had great food, great ambience, and was a good all around time. The first time I ever went years ago, there was a nice light snow, which set the mood.

I didn't know it was still around after Christmas. I always liked it as a pre-Christmas December event to get me in the mood for the holidays.

I have heard about the one near Wrigley, but have never been. Maybe (hopefully) if we are back to "normal" next year, I'll try to check it out.

[Ms_Rae]

I’ve been going to Christkindlmarket in the Loop for years and it’s always a good time (but crowded so I prefer to go during off-peak times). I’ve been to the Wrigley one twice and it’s nice and a bit less crowded but it’s definitely smaller. I like going to the one in the Loop to peruse the multiple vendor booths and they have an actual restaurant where you can sit and eat/drink (although this year, it required reservations ahead of time and if you do not have one, they will not let you in). There is a warming tent this year for those who are fine standing and warming up before going back out again. As for pricing, bring enough money for $7/8 gluhweins and holiday gifts. I won’t say it’s cheap but it’s also not super pricey. Just expect to spend a decent amount of money if you’re there for a while. The one in Wrigley is accessible via the red line and if you’re coming from the Mag Mile, you can walk to the one in the Loop (unless you’re not much of a walker, then I would suggest taking a bus or the train). Hope you enjoy and happy new year! ☃️

[Manigault]

I had an office near the Daley Center for years. The market there is great and I loved the hot spiced cider!

[countrylv22]

Originally Posted by personone

The Christkindle market downtown was really nice, at least in pre-pandemic times.

I haven't been since the pandemic, but it always had great food, great ambience, and was a good all around time. The first time I ever went years ago, there was a nice light snow, which set the mood.

I didn't know it was still around after Christmas. I always liked it as a pre-Christmas December event to get me in the mood for the holidays.

I have heard about the one near Wrigley, but have never been. Maybe (hopefully) if we are back to "normal" next year, I'll try to check it out.

Thanks for your post!

If I am not mistaken, the one in Wrigleyville, will be there until 12-31-21.

I wish that they would keep both of them open until right after New Years. It seems that they have a lot of tasty foods, drinks, etc. Especially at least through this weekend. It seems to be a lot of fun!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, everyone!

[countrylv22]

Originally Posted by Ms_Rae

I’ve been going to Christkindlmarket in the Loop for years and it’s always a good time (but crowded so I prefer to go during off-peak times). I’ve been to the Wrigley one twice and it’s nice and a bit less crowded but it’s definitely smaller. I like going to the one in the Loop to peruse the multiple vendor booths and they have an actual restaurant where you can sit and eat/drink (although this year, it required reservations ahead of time and if you do not have one, they will not let you in). There is a warming tent this year for those who are fine standing and warming up before going back out again. As for pricing, bring enough money for $7/8 gluhweins and holiday gifts. I won’t say it’s cheap but it’s also not super pricey. Just expect to spend a decent amount of money if you’re there for a while. The one in Wrigley is accessible via the red line and if you’re coming from the Mag Mile, you can walk to the one in the Loop (unless you’re not much of a walker, then I would suggest taking a bus or the train). Hope you enjoy and happy new year! ☃️

Hello Ms Rae,

Thanks for the information & tips!

If I am not mistaken, the larger one in the Loop, might already be closed which is sad. But I am not sure.
All I do know is that the Wrigley one is still open.

And you are right about the money

Do you or anyone else here know, where do most of the vendors come from? Are they all from overseas?
Are they from Germany?

Are there some local vendors?

Thank you for your good wishes! A Happy New Year 2022, to you as well! Cheers!

Reputation points for everyone in this thread!

[Don Cuccino]

Originally Posted by countrylv22

Hello Chicago!

Wishing you all a Happy Holiday Season! Merry Christmas & a Very Happy New Year 2022!

Have any of you visited the 2 different Christmas Markets in the Chicago area?
Which 1 is larger? Are they expensive? Are they worth spending time there?

The Christkindlmarket in Wrigleyville is supposed to be opened until New Years Eve. Which booths do you like the most there?
Is this one too far from Mag Mile? Can you walk there from Mag Mile?

Thanks in advance!

Wishing everyone a great Holiday Season!
Cheers!

As others have already said, Wrigleyville one is much smaller. Downtown one is much better IMO.

[Ms_Rae]

Originally Posted by countrylv22

Hello Ms Rae,

Thanks for the information & tips!

If I am not mistaken, the larger one in the Loop, might already be closed which is sad. But I am not sure.
All I do know is that the Wrigley one is still open.

And you are right about the money

Do you or anyone else here know, where do most of the vendors come from? Are they all from overseas?
Are they from Germany?

Are there some local vendors?

Thank you for your good wishes! A Happy New Year 2022, to you as well! Cheers!

Reputation points for everyone in this thread!

Oh wow, I didn’t know that the Wrigley one stayed open longer! Good to know. You know, I never knew where the vendors came from but I do know that some of them have genuine German items (made there as well) as I’ve bought a few. I’m thinking there just be a few local ones as well. You got my curiosity piqued so I went to the website to check and found this link: https://www.christkindlmarket.com/chicago-vendors/

Hope it’s helpful! And you are very welcome! Thanks for the rep.