by Chicago, Illinois — As the holiday season winds down across the city, fans of traditional German-style Christmas markets may think their chances are slipping away. While two Chicago-area Christkindlmarkets have officially closed for the season, there is still one location welcoming visitors through New Year’s Eve, offering a final chance to soak in the festive atmosphere, seasonal treats, and handcrafted gifts.
For now, the iconic holiday experience remains alive — but only for a limited time.
Which Christkindlmarkets have closed
This year, Christkindlmarket Chicago returned with three locations: Daley Plaza, Gallagher Way, and Aurora. As planned, both the Daley Plaza market and the Aurora market closed on Christmas Eve, bringing their 2025 seasons to an end.
These closures follow the traditional holiday schedule and mark the conclusion of festivities for downtown Chicago and the western suburbs. For many visitors, Daley Plaza in particular has long served as the centerpiece of the Christkindlmarket experience, drawing thousands daily during peak holiday weeks.
The one Christkindlmarket still open in Chicago
While two locations have shut their doors, the Gallagher Way Christkindlmarket in Wrigleyville is still operating — and will continue to do so until New Year’s Eve.
Located next to Wrigley Field, the Gallagher Way market offers the same beloved features visitors expect, including German food, seasonal merchandise, and the signature hot spiced wine (Glühwein) served in collectible mugs.
The remaining 2025 operating hours for the Gallagher Way location are:
- Dec. 29–30: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31): 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For those hoping to squeeze in one last festive outing before the calendar flips, these dates represent the final opportunity to experience a Christkindlmarket in the Chicago area this season.
Why Christkindlmarkets are so popular
Over the years, Christkindlmarkets have become one of the most cherished holiday traditions in the Chicago region. Modeled after traditional German Christmas markets, the events are known for their cozy atmosphere, wooden vendor stalls, and a mix of European-inspired food and handcrafted goods.
Visitors typically flock to the markets for items such as ornaments, nutcrackers, candles, and winter accessories, alongside classic menu staples like bratwurst, pretzels, potato pancakes, and warm beverages designed to fend off the winter chill.
The markets’ blend of culture, food, and festive ambiance has helped them grow into major seasonal attractions, drawing locals, tourists, and families year after year.
Capacity limits sparked controversy at Daley Plaza
This season, the Daley Plaza Christkindlmarket drew national attention for reasons beyond holiday cheer. The City of Chicago imposed new capacity limits, restricting attendance to about 1,000 people at a time, compared with roughly 5,000 visitors on a typical day in previous years, according to reporting from the Chicago Tribune.
City officials said the restrictions were introduced for crowd management and safety, citing concerns about congestion and pedestrian flow in the busy downtown area.
However, organizers pushed back strongly against the changes.
The newly imposed capacity measures “for crowd management and safety” pose an “existential threat” to the future of the popular holiday event, organizers said in late November.
The comments quickly sparked backlash from market supporters and visitors who argued the limits undercut the festive spirit and accessibility of one of Chicago’s most iconic seasonal events.
City responds by raising capacity limits
Following public criticism, city officials adjusted their approach. On Dec. 1, the City of Chicago increased the capacity limit to 2,500 visitors at the Daley Plaza market — more than double the original restriction, though still well below pre-pandemic levels.
The move was seen as a compromise, aiming to balance safety concerns with public demand. Even so, the debate has raised broader questions about crowd control, event planning, and the long-term future of large-scale holiday markets in dense urban settings.
While Daley Plaza has now closed for the season, the capacity controversy is expected to influence planning discussions for future Christkindlmarkets.
What visitors can expect at Gallagher Way
Those heading to the Gallagher Way Christkindlmarket can expect a similar experience to the downtown location, but in a more open, neighborhood-oriented setting. The Wrigleyville market has generally been viewed as less congested, making it an appealing option for families and visitors seeking a more relaxed outing.
With its proximity to Wrigley Field and nearby restaurants, the area also offers additional dining and entertainment options for those extending their visit beyond the market itself.
Still, with only days remaining, organizers advise visitors to plan ahead and arrive early, especially as New Year’s Eve approaches.
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Final chance to catch the holiday spirit
As the holiday season fades and Chicago prepares to welcome the New Year, the Gallagher Way Christkindlmarket stands as the last remaining festive outpost for fans of this beloved tradition.
Have you visited a Christkindlmarket this season, or are you planning a final stop before New Year’s Eve? Share your experience, favorite treats, or thoughts on the capacity debate in the comments and join the conversation before the market lights go out for another year.
