Where can you go to enjoy the flair of a German Christmas festival with products from all across the world and local charm, located in downtown Chicago? If you guessed the Christkindlmarket you would be correct.

The Christkindlmarket, located in Daley Plaza, is inspired by the original festival that began in Nuremberg, Germany, in 1545. The original festival consisted of mostly German things, but now the Christkindlmarket is filled with various foods, drink, and oddities from across the globe.

Christkindlmarket’s website boasts “It’s no longer a German tradition, but a Chicago institution.” The festival is Chicago’s largest open-air Christmas festival, and was first held in 1996 in the old Pioneer Court on Michigan Avenue. The hours for the festival are Sunday through Thursday from 11-8, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11-9. The best part though, admission is free!

Once you walk into the festival you are greeted with the sweet aroma of the various foods and drink of different countries from around the world. If you are  hungry or thirsty. here are 18 different vendors from which to choose.  You can dive into a German brat, or experience the spicy sensation that is Indian curry. Whatever your taste, there is something for you.

You don’t want anything to eat or drink? Not a problem.  There are 23 different vendors selling everything from ornaments to hats from places as widespread as Bavaria, Eastern Europe, the Himalayas, Ireland, and Poland.

While to some the Christkindlmarket is a small unknown festival, for others its become an annual tradition.  It is definitely worth checking out and experiencing this wonderful Christmas time event. It is also a great way to experience the variety of languages represented.  The festival runs through Christmas Eve, when it will be open 11 AM to 4 PM.