Chicago's Christkindlmarket returns to Daley Plaza for its 30th year, open daily from November 20 to December 24, 2026. Listed hours are 11am to 8pm Sunday to Thursday and 11am to 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, with shorter hours on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.
Last year the Daley Plaza market ran from November 21 to December 24, 2025. The organiser also runs markets at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville and at RiverEdge Park in Aurora.
Selling at a German-style holiday market
The Christkindlmarket is built around a German Christmas market: wooden huts, ornaments, crafts, mulled wine and food. Vendors apply through the official site. If you make gifts, prepare before you apply:
- Photos of your products and your booth, plus a short description. See our product photo checklist.
- Your numbers. A five-week market is a serious investment in fees, staff and stock. Know what you take at a typical market before you commit.
- A way for people to buy after the market. A QR code on your booth that opens your catalogue with prices keeps sales going in January.
Smaller holiday markets and craft fairs run across Chicagoland every December. To find them for the month you choose, try the Mercader market finder.