Chicago, IL

These days Daley Plaza looks less like a courthouse square and more like a German market, thanks to the annual Christkindlmarket event taking place now through December 24th. The event features a wide-variety of booths selling German food, Christmas ornaments, jewelry, and more.

Here are some photos to give you an idea of what kinds of things to expect at the event:

This photo shows one of the rare times that there is not a long line for German potato pancakes.

While you are at Daley Plaza, you can also visit Santa, check out the giant Christmas tree (actually made out of many smaller trees), and check out an interesting children’s book display where you can follow the characters as they visit different parts of the city of Chicago.

One of several displays which follow Percy Penguin and Barry Polar Bear around the city. Here they are looking at their reflections in “cloud gate,” also known as “the bean.”

I think that is a great event and I try to stop by every year. Children will love the event because there is a lot to see and do and eat. It is also a great opportunity to teach them about German culture and allow them to sample food that they might not be used to.

I also think that the market is a good place to get a unique Christmas gift. Their ornament selection is great and I have purchased more than one over the years. They also have a wide variety of other gift items, so stop by if you are having trouble finding that special something for someone who has everything.

Daley Plaza is located on Washington Street between Clark and Dearborn. The hours for this event are:
Sunday-Thursday: 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

For more details visit the official site.

This post is part of the 12 days of Chicago series, which brings you 12 fun and interesting things that you can do for the holidays in Chicago. In conjunction with the series, this blog is sponsoring a holiday contest, which you can read about here

Chicago, Christkindlmarket, German, Germany, Christmas