By Katie Vazquez

Every year since 1996, Chicago has held the Christkindlmarket. A tradition that has increased in popular demand, now popping up in several locations such as Wrigleyville, Naperville, and Milwaukee. Its longest running location, is held at Chicago’s Daley Plaza since 1997. Keep in mind that some of the secondary locations might be missing a few vendors found at the original location.

The Market currently sells handmade German ornaments, decorations, cuisine, and alcoholic beverages. The ornament shop is a hands down place to stop and take a look around. Ornaments upon ornaments are sorted into various categories from colors, animals, and even food! Some crowd favorite foods include: apple strudel, potato pancakes, and hot chocolate served in a differently designed mug each year. This year, a popular mug being sold is shaped as a snowman. It wouldn’t be a German market without German beer wafting in the air! The Christkindlmarket serves imported beer from Germany for eight dollars a serving.

The Market is no doubt a special spot to go with friends, family, or a date, to get in the spirit of the holiday season and enjoy some delicious food. It is even a notable site to buy unique or sentimental gifts for Christmas. Transportation to the market is very simple. Just down Harlem is the green line that will go downtown with a very short walk to Daley Plaza. For Concordia commuters, there is also the Blue Line that will stop right on Washington, the same street as the Richard J. Daley Center. If neither of these options work, check out the stops on your nearest available CTA or Metra.