The boot is back, baby. We haven’t toasted our glühwein in the signature German-style boot mug since 2012, but thankfully, Christkindlmarket had no intentions of letting us down this year, especially as the beloved market celebrates its 20th anniversary.
The transformation of Daley Plaza into Christkindlmarket began this week as the wooden huts started going up, but you have to wait until November 20 to enjoy Chicago’s largest open-air market, complete with authentic German goodies like cuckoo clocks, hand-blown ornaments and, of course, authentic German-style food and drink. The mug itself has become a favorite tradition for locals and tourists alike who collect them each year (and got a little spoiled by having it come in the form of an adorable boot from 2005 to 2012).
This year’s festivities will include nearly 60 vendors plus live entertainment like the Alpine Brass Band, the Children’s Lantern Parade and theater day. Christkindlmarket Oakbrook also returns for its second year at the Oakbrook Center. For a complete vendor lineup and other details, get the schedule here.
Christkindlmarket Chicago is open November 20 through December 24. It’s free, it’s fun and, let’s be honest, we’re counting down the days until we can shop and eat and drink.