Christkindlmarket Chicago 2026: Dates, Hours & 3 Locations

2026-11-05 · The Hanaduul team

Christkindlmarket opens on November 20, 2026, and this year the German-style Christmas market marks its 30th year at Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago. You can also find it at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville and at RiverEdge Park in Aurora. Here are the dates, hours and practical tips for all three locations so you can plan a cozy outing with friends or a date.

At a glance

All three markets open on the same day, but each one closes on a different schedule. Save this list before you go.

• Opening day: November 20, 2026 (all three locations)
• Daley Plaza (50 W Washington St): through December 24; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun-Thu, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri-Sat
• Daley Plaza on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Gallagher Way, Wrigleyville (3635 N. Clark St): through December 31; closed Christmas Day
• RiverEdge Park, Aurora (360 N. Broadway): through December 24, Thursday-Sunday plus select weekdays
• Daley Plaza entry: free

Daley Plaza: the 30th year downtown

Daley Plaza is the original downtown location, and 2026 is its 30th year. It runs daily from November 20 to December 24, open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. On Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, it closes early at 4 p.m.

Getting there is easy without a car. Take the CTA Blue Line to Washington or Clark/Lake, or the Red Line to Lake. Expect German treats like bratwurst, and bring some cash, since many vendors don't take cards.

• Photo tip: weekday afternoons are calmer than Friday and Saturday evenings
• Arrive about an hour before sunset to get both daylight photos and the market lights after dark

Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville: open through New Year's Eve

If your holiday plans fill up fast, Gallagher Way gives you the longest window. It runs from November 20 all the way to December 31, closing only on Christmas Day.

Hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, so weekday visits work best after class or work.

• Photo tip: the week between Christmas and New Year's is a fun time to go for a last holiday photo of the year

RiverEdge Park in Aurora: a suburban option

The Aurora market at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, runs from November 20 to December 24. It opens Thursday through Sunday plus some select weekday dates, with hours from 11 a.m. to 7 or 9 p.m. depending on the day.

It's a good pick if you live in the western suburbs or want a change from the downtown crowds.

• Photo tip: plan a Thursday or Sunday visit, since the market isn't open every weekday

What to wear for cold-weather market photos

Chicago evenings in late November get cold quickly, so dress in layers you won't mind seeing in photos. A red, cream or plaid scarf and a knit beanie add instant holiday color and keep you warm.

Gloves with touchscreen fingertips make it easier to snap photos without freezing your hands. Keep your phone in an inside pocket so the battery lasts longer in the cold.

• One bold color piece (scarf, hat or mittens) ties photos together
• Bring a portable charger
• Cash for vendors

Turn your market day into a 4-cut photo strip

After the market, warm up at a cafe or at home and make a photo strip to remember the day. With Hanaduul, tap [Shoot solo], choose a background and set the timer, and it takes four shots in a row. Prop your phone up and your hands are free to hold the treats or ornaments you picked up.

Have a friend who couldn't make it? Tap [Shoot together] to get a room code, and have your friend enter it to join from their own phone so you can both be in the same photo strip while you talk through the poses. For the background, try [My BGs] and type something like 'outdoor Christmas market at night, string lights and a big tree, warm red and gold tones'. The formula is simple: place + time or weather + mood and colors.

• Finish with [Layout], [Frame] and [Border]
• Hanaduul is iPhone only for now