Christkindlmarket, one of the best holiday markets in the city, opened today in Daley Plaza, and we were among the first to explore the charming Bavarian booths. A few tips: 1) DönerMen, new to the market this year, has a curry wurst that you must eat, but the booth is tucked away near the corner of Dearborn and Randolph. Make it your mission to find it. 2) Some booths are cash-only, so hit the ATM before you go. 3) Go on a weekday when the market opens at 11am and you won't have to fight the crowds.
We checked out all 60 booths at the market to find the best things to eat and buy. Our list:
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
Teapot ($62) from Polish Handcrafts—Eva’s Collection, booth #42: Your grandma would adore this lovely thing.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
Bean ornament ($20) from Wildlife Ornaments, booth #18: For your friend who moved away from Chicago but regrets it every day.Photograph: Martha Williams
Curry wurst ($8) from DönerMen, booth #57: 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
Beer stein ($74.50) from Original German Beer Steins and Glasses, booth #20: Ideal for someone who wants both a stein and a weapon. Photograph: Martha Williams
Mixed fruit dipped in semi-sweet chocolate ($6) from Chocolate Covered Treats, booth #20: Need something sweet to go with your mug of Glühwein? We recommend strawberries and slices of orange, apple and banana dipped in chocolate.Photograph: Martha Williams
Glühwein mug ($7, includes wine) at the Timberhouse, booth #1: The official drink of Christkindlmarket comes in these commemorative mugs. Refills are $6.Photograph: Martha Williams
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
Knit headband ($33) from Irish Sisters, booth #45: Keep warm without messing up your hair. Photograph: Martha Williams
Gorilla ornament ($25) from Wildlife Ornaments, booth #18: Sure to terrify every child in your family.Photograph: Martha Williams