Two Chicago markets, one season
The Christkindlmarket opens Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, and marks its 30th anniversary. It is back at three locations this year: Chicago (Daley Plaza), Aurora and Wrigleyville. Admission is free at all of them.
If you are staying in the city, your choice is between Daley Plaza in the Loop and Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville. Daley Plaza sits downtown, in the Loop. Wrigleyville is on the North Side, beside Wrigley Field.
Daley Plaza or Wrigleyville
Pick Daley Plaza if you have time for only one market, or if you want to combine it with other Loop sights. It is at 50 W. Washington St., in the Loop.
Pick Wrigleyville if you want a market that runs later into the month. It is at Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St., and stays open through Dec. 31. Daley Plaza closes after Christmas Eve. Our plan suggests taking the Red Line to Addison, then walking about 2 minutes.
Many visitors do both: Daley Plaza on a Loop day, Wrigleyville on a separate North Side day.
Hours and the busiest times
Daley Plaza runs daily Nov. 20 to Dec. 24.
- Sunday to Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Thanksgiving (Nov. 26) and Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wrigleyville hours
Wrigleyville runs Nov. 20 to Dec. 31 and is closed Christmas Day.
- Monday to Thursday: 3 to 9 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 28-30: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Crowds, cash and the mug
Evenings and weekends are the busiest stretches at any downtown market. For a calmer visit, go at opening on a weekday, or arrive by noon on a Friday as we do in our plan. Wrigleyville's weekday hours start at 3 p.m., so it is an after-work stop rather than a lunch one.
Many vendors do not accept credit cards, so bring cash. Our plan suggests carrying $40 to $60 in cash per person for food, a drink and a small souvenir.
The souvenir mug is the market's tradition. Keep yours and bring it back for refills while you are there.
What else is nearby
Daley Plaza is an easy walk from Millennium Park, where the city Christmas tree stands beside Cloud Gate (the Bean). Go around golden hour for the best light, and walk under the Bean for the warped reflections. Our plan also has you skating on McCormick Tribune Plaza afterward.
Lincoln Park ZooLights runs Nov. 20, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027, from 4:30 to 9 p.m., with last entry at 8 p.m. It is closed Nov. 26, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 24 and 25. Everyone needs a ticket, including children.
Advance tickets run $7 to $12 depending on the date, and same-day tickets are $20. Flexible tickets are $20. Mondays are free with a required reservation, except Dec. 21 and 28.
- Daley PlazaThe original market, downtown and free to enter.
- Gallagher WayNorth Side market that stays open through Dec. 31.
- Cloud GateThe city tree stands next to the Bean, close to Daley Plaza.
- Lincoln Park ZooZooLights after dark; everyone needs a ticket.
Fitting it into a trip
Our day-by-day plan puts Daley Plaza on a Friday around noon, then moves on to the tree and skating, and saves Wrigleyville for a Sunday. For more on getting around the city, see our Chicago guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chicago Christkindlmarket free?
Yes. Admission to all Christkindlmarkets is free. You pay only for food, drinks, mugs and anything you buy from vendors.
When does the Christkindlmarket open in 2026?
Friday, Nov. 20, at all three locations. Daley Plaza closes Dec. 24, and Wrigleyville stays open through Dec. 31, closed Christmas Day.
Do Christkindlmarket vendors take credit cards?
Many do not, so bring cash. Budgeting $40 to $60 per person covers a snack, a drink and a small souvenir.
What are Daley Plaza's hours?
Sunday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve it is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Do kids need a ticket for ZooLights?
Yes. Every person, including children, needs a ticket. Advance tickets are $7 to $12 by date, and same-day tickets are $20.
