Iconic Chicago Christkindlmarkets announce dates, locations for 2026 holiday season

Sure, Christmas is still more than 120 days away, but the iconic Christkindlmarket has already started planning its run for the 2026 holiday season.

The famous Chicago area Christmas market will reopen at its three popular locations in Aurora, Wrigleyville and Daley Plaza for 2026 the week before Thanksgiving, according to a Thursday announcement. The season, which kicks off Friday, Nov. 20 at all locations, marks the famous event’s 30th anniversary.

“This season marks an especially meaningful milestone as the Christkindlmarket Chicago celebrates its 30th
anniversary, commemorating three decades of bringing the sights, flavors, and traditions of an
authentic German holiday market to the hear,” the release said.

All three markets will officially open for the season Friday, Nov. 20. The Aurora and Chicago markets will remain open through Thursday, Dec. 24, and the Wrigleyville market at Gallagher Way will run through Thursday, Dec. 31.

According to the release, the Aurora location at RiverEdge Park, will be the largest location.

The markets are free to visit, with local and international vendors selling a variety of German food and beverages along with handcrafted toys, gifts and more. In years past, organizers have encouraged visitors to bring cash for vendors, as many of them do not accept credit cards.

Here’s a breakdown of dates, locations and more for each:

Chirstkindlmarket Chicago: Daley Plaza

Located at 50 W Washington St., the Daley Plaza location will be open will be open daily from Nov. 20 through Dec. 24. Hours are below:

• Sundays through Thursdays: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Fridays and Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Special Hours: Thanksgiving (Nov. 26) and Christmas Eve (Dec. 24): 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville: Gallagher Way

Located at 3635 N Clark St., the market, part of Winterland at Gallagher Way, will be open daily
from November 20 through December 31 with 28 vendors on site. Hours are below:

• Mondays through Thursdays: 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Fridays and Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sundays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Special Hours:
  • Thanksgiving (Nov. 26), Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31): 11 a.m.
    to 4 p.m.
    o Monday, Dec. 21 through Wednesday, Dec. 23: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    o Monday, Dec. 28 through Wednesday, Dec. 30: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    o Closed on Christmas Day

Christkindlmarket Aurora: RiverEdge Park

Located at 360 N Broadway., the market will open on Friday, November 20 and run Thursdays through Sundays through December 24. with more than 60 vendors. Hours are below:

• Thursdays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Fridays and Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sundays: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Special Hours:
  o Wednesday, Nov. 25: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  o Thanksgiving (Nov. 26) and Christmas Eve (Dec. 24): 11 a.m. to 4 p