Christkindlmarket is here! One of the top holiday markets in Chicago, the market is open today through December 24 at Daley Plaza. We hit the market first thing this morning to scope out the 50-plus booths to find the best things to eat, drink and buy. Our picks:
The Gluhwein-filled boot ($7 with mug, $6 refill) is back! The warming wine, found at booths #1 and #28, is a must for those freezing market days.
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Christmas pyramid with choir singers ($106) from Käthe Wohlfahrt, booth #8: The Christmas pyramids spin when their candles are lit, mesmerizing us all.
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
German Leberkaese with sauerkraut ($7) from Traditional German Food (booth #17) is a beef and pork loaf that comes nestled in a bun with piquant sauerkraut. It’s hearty and satisfying.
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Alpaca gloves ($45) from Winterbourne Alpaca, booth #50: Soft and sassy, just like our furry friend.
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
The wiener schnitzel sandwich ($7) at the Schnitzelhaus (booth #29) features tender meat and a bit of sauerkraut.
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Hand-painted candleholder ($25) from Glaszauber Lauscha, booth #14: Light up your loved one’s home.
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
A trio of potato pancakes ($7) at Traditional German Food (booth #17) come with apple sauce or sour cream.
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Make a tea set with this creamer ($37), teapot ($50) and plate ($48) from Polish Handcrafts–Eva’s Collection, booth #49: Spot of tea, anyone?
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Apple walnut strudel ($4) from Dinkel’s Stollen Bar (booth #3) is a sweet way to end your market trip.
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Hand-painted glass Bean ornament ($29.95) from Wildlife Ornaments, booth #18: After all, the Christmas tree did move to Millennium Park this year.
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Snow balls ($5) from German Grill Company, booth #6: If you enjoy the taste of freshly fried dough, you’ll love these crispy morsels coated with powdered sugar.
Photograph: Martha Williams
Germknödel ($10) from German Grill Company, booth #13: You’ll need to bring a friend to help you eat this giant, doughy plum dumpling doused in a sweet, creamy sauce and topped with sugar and poppy seeds.
Photograph: Martha Williams
Currywurst ($8) from DönerMen, booth #10: Local food truck DönerMen provides the finest version of this popular German dish, featuring pork sausage topped with tangy curry ketchup alongside fries coated in curry powder.
Photograph: Martha Williams
Wooden ornament ($28) from Hoffman Company, booth #36: Everyone needs one of these happy little fellows.
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Kilometer sausage with sauerkraut ($8) from German Grill Company, booth #12: The German version of a footlong hot dog sports a snappy casing and a spicy filling—it’s kind of like a giant Slim Jim covered in kraut.
Photograph: Martha Williams