Your Complete Guide to Chicago and Aurora’s 2025 Christkindlmarkets

For many Illinois families, Christmas doesn’t truly begin until that first sip of hot spiced wine, or hot chocolate, in a souvenir mug at Christkindlmarket. The beloved German-style holiday markets return this year to three locations: Chicago’s Daley Plaza, Aurora’s RiverEdge Park, and Wrigleyville’s Gallagher Way.

Daley Plaza Christkindlmarket (Downtown Chicago)

Dates: Nov. 21 – Dec. 24
Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Special Hours: Thanksgiving & Christmas Eve, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Expect classic ornaments, handmade gifts, and bratwursts sizzling next to twinkling lights—this is the most iconic (and busiest) of the three markets.

Aurora Christkindlmarket at RiverEdge Park

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Dates: Nov. 21 – Dec. 24
Hours: Thursday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Special Hours: Thanksgiving & Christmas Eve, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; Dec. 22–23, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

A slightly calmer spot for families who want all the charm with easier parking and shorter lines.

Wrigleyville Christkindlmarket at Gallagher Way

Dates: Nov. 23 – Dec. 31
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 3 p.m.–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Special Hours: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; Dec. 29–30, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Perfect for pairing with a Cubs selfie or a spin on the Gallagher Way ice rink.

Find More Illinois Holiday Fun

Admission is free at all Christkindlmarket locations, so plan a holiday road trip, or make it a festive weekend crawl. Find more Illinois holiday fun here, from light displays to winter festivals and cozy Christmas getaways.

All event information courtesy of NBC Chicago.

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