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This is the only Christkindlmarket in Chicago still open for the season

Don't bid farewell to holiday cheer until you absolutely have to!

Written by
Mark Peikert
christkindlmarket
Photograph: Jeffy Mai for Time Out
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Chicago holiday lovers, don’t pack away your seasonal plans just yet! While two of the city’s three Christkindlmarket locations have closed for the year, one is still serving up glühwein, German goodies and holiday cheer through the final days of 2025.

After opening at Daley Plaza, Gallagher Way and in suburban Aurora this season, the Christkindlmarkets at Daley Plaza and in Aurora have wrapped up on Christmas Eve, signaling the end of their traditional seasonal runs.

But there’s good news for anyone still craving that old-world market vibe. The Christkindlmarket at Gallagher Way remains open through 4pm on New Year’s Eve, giving Chicagoans and visitors one last chance to experience the city’s holiday tradition before winter truly settles in. (Especially if you were steering clear after the city imposed a capacity limit earlier in the season.)

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At Gallagher Way, the market keeps the festive spirit alive with seasonal crafts, international treats and warm drinks like steins of traditional glühwein that are perfect for combating the start of the post-holiday blues. The outdoor market’s extended run makes it a great stop if you missed the earlier holiday rush or want to squeeze in one more dose of cheer before 2026 arrives.

The Wrigleyville location will be open December 30 from 11am to 9pm and December 31 from 11am to 4pm. It’s nestled right by the ice skating and Winterland attractions at Gallagher Way, so you can make a full winter's treat of it with friends or family.

The remaining market serves as a reminder of how much the Christkindlmarket tradition has become woven into Chicago’s winter calendar since its return in late November. From handcrafted ornaments and specialty foods to cultural performances and seasonal drinks, it’s one of the few places where holiday nostalgia meets local community energy as the year winds down.

If you’re still planning a last-minute winter outing, this extended Christkindlmarket run is worth penciling in, whether to wander through vendor stalls, sip something warm or capture a snowy market snap before the holiday lights come down for good.

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