Forget Europe: This German-Style Market In Chicago Was Voted The Best In The World For Holiday Cheer And Festive Food
You don’t have to travel all the way to Edinburgh , Strasbourg, or Munich to experience a traditional European Christmas market. Just a few blocks away from the Bean, you’ll find rustic wooden stalls lining the crowded Daley Plaza , offering classic European dishes, handcrafted Christmas decorations, glass ornaments, and more. Every year, locals and visitors flock to Christkindlmarket—a festive holiday tradition that happens to be one of the best Christmas markets in the world. You’ll be greeted by the sweet scents of roasted nuts, one-of-a-kind mugs filled with steamy glühwein, and a lineup of booths serving European foods . The air feels alive with Christmas spirit, and for a moment, it’s easy to believe you’ve left Chicago altogether. You can try fresh pierogies or taste c urrywurst , a favorite from post–World War II Berlin. Sip Belgian hot chocolate, bite into a crispy Schnitzel sandwich, or dip a potato pancake into sour cream and applesauce . A few of our favorite bites at Christkindlmarket ------------------------------------------------ * DönerMen — the currywurst is incredibly tasty, and the kebab is juicy, completed perfectly by tzatziki * Stuffed Gourmet Pretzels — the cheese pizza pretzel is a must-try * Pierogi House — be sure to order the potato-and-cheese dumplings, topped with bacon bits, sauteed onions, and a dollop of sour cream * Baked Cheese Haus — Alpine-style raclette is so good, it will make you forget how long you stood in line for * Schnitzel House – the Schnitzel fulfills all your fried pork cutlet cravings. However, make sure you top it with mustard * Sweet Swabian — get the Chicago mix with almonds, pecans, and cashews. Do be warned, you’ll probably be going back for seconds. * Helmut’s Original Austrian Strudel — the flaky strudel pastry topped with sugar is probably the best dessert at the market * German Grill – we know everyone gravitates toward the bratwurst, but let us say, don’t sleep on the potato pancakes. Source: https://secretchicago.com/christkindlmarket-best-christmas-market-chicago-2025/
