I went to Chicago for the Thanksgiving holiday to visit my daughter and family and after our big dinner on Thursday we wanted to get out in the sunshine and do a little sightseeing. Every year from the day before Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve Chicago puts on one of the most authentic German Christmas Markets outside of Germany. I was able to visit this market a few years ago so knew what fun was in store for us as we made our way downtown to Daley Plaza. The weather was perfect, cold and sunny with little wind, so we expected the market to be crowded, but we had no idea!!!! It was difficult to move from one spot to another and getting decent photos was a real challenge. The pictures I did take give you an idea of what the market is like and how fun and festive it is. A giant sculpture by Picaso overlooks the Plaza and all the market stalls. The Chicago Picasso, an unpainted, three-dimensional, cubist sculpture stands 50 feet tall and weighs 162 tons.
It was so crowded when we arrived that the only pictures I could take were looking up.
Beautiful old buildings are reflected in the glass exteriors of new ones.
If you are a stein collector you would love this booth.
A dozen of my nut booths at my farmers’ market would fit into this one that sells roasted nuts and lebkuchen.
There are as many kinds of lebkuchen as there are varieties of sugar cookies. This lebkuchen is dense and spicy.
Bees wax candles, lotions and ornaments
The famous Nuremberg sausages, as big around as your finger and about a foot long. Sauerkraut and mustard are the usual toppings.
KathĂ© Wohlfahrt’s shop – rows of wall to wall ornaments, pyramids, tree toppers and gift items.
Lighted paper stars
After we had our fill of shopping we headed to Millenium Park and Navy Pier. This photo of “The Bean” was taken from the ice skating rink lower level. It looks like a giant space ship rising out of the trees.
I had never been to Navy Pier before and can understand why it is such a popular place in nice weather.
I hope you enjoyed this little look at Chicago’s Christkindlmarket. If you live nearby or have the opportunity to visit the city during the holiday season this is an event you don’t want to miss.
Cathy, we were there 10 years ago. Enjoyed it so much!!! I could eat a Nurnberger sausage right now!!!!
Susan recently posted..My favorite German cookie….Wiesbader Brot
Beautiful pictures, Cathy and some kinda market!
Karen recently posted..Jalapeno-Cream Cheese Swirls
Beautiful photos, Cathy! I want to visit Chicago. I bet this gingerbread is extra delicious. xo
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I went to Chicago many years ago. But all I got to see was the hotel.
Wow! Luv this.
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Great photos, but I was looking for a nutcracker booth!! Daley Plaza is a fav spot, during St. Pat’s is a crowded mess also. Love Chicago during Christmas, the decorations are amazing. Now that my sis moved to Dallas I probably won’t get into Chicago much but I will have to remember to possibly get there at Thanksgiving. Looks like you had a wonderful visit!
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What great pictures, Mom!!! Looks wonderful!
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Looks like a wonderful place to visit and I wish I had one of the sausage sandwiches now… the ice cold beer wouldn’t be bad either:@)
What a wonderful place! No wonder it is so crowded with all of that wonderful fare available. Chicago is so much fun! I am glad it’s only a 90 minute drive for us. I remember taking our girls to Navy Pier shortly after it opened. It was nothing compared to what it is now.
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Cathy, I’m so happy you enjoyed it! We go to Christkindlmarket every year since we live just NW of the city, it’s great and pretty at night with all the Christmas lights. Lots of good food, I love the potato pancakes and sausages. Lots of fun things to do in Chicago and if you’re ever here in the summer, I highly recommend the Architectural Boat Tour. Love Navy Pier too, fireworks and all. And all the concerts! The Bean is definitely unique!
I love those Christmas markets – they so remind me of places I’ve been to – or want to go to – in Europe. Chicago is such a great town!
ciaochowlinda recently posted..Baccala Mantecato and Lidia’s Holiday Special
Wow! Picasso’s sculpture really caught my eye! I’ve never seen its photo. “The Bean” is fascinating. Your visit was filled with many fun trips.
~Judy
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That looks amazing! So many wonderful places here in the US!
Kathleen recently posted..Hope you get a BOOT out of This~Lunch with Santa
I enjoyed that little tour very much! I’d love to have a chance to wander around a Christmas market again – just to smell the gluhwein and candied almonds.
Love your blog! Nice finding you! Visit me at: my-greek-cooking.blogspot.com
What a great post; you should send it to the Chicago Tourism Bureau; I am sure they would be impressed. Like I said before, I have never been, but you sure making it very inviting.
Rita
Great photos, hope I could visit one of these days:) Happy holidays to you Cathy:)
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Beautiful, all of it is just beautiful! That sculpture is amazing! And ooh love old-fashioned, authentic Christmas markets – ours in Nantes is fake and full of junk, nothing good and no food. What a fun experience you had!
Jamie recently posted..GARLIC HERB BRAID: Homebaked Bread for the Holidays
This market looks fabulous Cathy! I’ve never seen those lighted stars and love them. My suitcase would have hosted a couple of those on the trip home. 🙂
Lea Ann recently posted..Curry Roasted Chicken
WOW!!!! What great photo’s. You captured the essence of the market perfectly. Seeing this makes me proud to say I live in Chicago. I can’t wait for your next visit!!!!
This is the first time in three years that we have not been in Germany and Austria for Christmas and I’m really missing it. Chicago’s market does look like the ones you see in Germany.
Karen (Back Road Journal) recently posted..Smoked Trout With A Spinach, Orange and Red Onion Salad
Oh, gosh, Cathy, I need to time my next trip to Chicago to hit after Thanksgiving instead of before. What fun you had!
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What a fantastic place to visit! So much going on there! I’d love one of those sausages, looks so good.
Merry Christmas, Cathy, to you and your family.
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Oh what fun you had, no passport needed! We love Germany and would be in heaven. I had no idea there was a German market in Chicago or a Kathé Wohlfahrt’s shop. Thanks for a terrific post and have a happy one Cathy.
renee recently posted..Stellar Holiday Sides
Now this is a market I would enjoy. Those hot dogs look wonderful, actually everything looks delicious.
Marilyn recently posted..Pomeroy Farm
WOW! I’ve only visited Chicago once, but I feel in love with that city! This festival looked so wonderful, even if it were so crowded. I’d love to attend it one year in the future
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