Chicago's Daley Plaza is transformed into a winter wonderland for the month leading up to Christmas, complete with a giant Holiday Tree and a German Market.

Christmas Markets have been a treasured tradition in Germany for hundreds of years. The Old-World Markets are well worth the trip, but if you can't get to Germany this year, Chicago, Illinois offers an authentic Christkindlmarkt.

Market Opening Thanksgiving Weekend

Daley Plaza in the heart of Downtown Chicago becomes a winter wonderland for the month of December, leading up to Christmas. The festivities start on Thanksgiving weekend with the Christmas tree lighting ceremony and the opening of Christkindlmarket.

The Holiday Season is kicked off by the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which will take place on November 23, 2007. The 94th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a highly anticipated Holiday tradition that commences at 5 pm on Friday afternoon. Plan to arrive early, as crowds gather. While waiting for the tree lighting, browse through the German Christmas Market. There are always good German delicacies to eat, along with hot spiced glogg wine.

The gigantic Christmas Tree is the centerpiece of downtown Chicago during the holiday season. The massive tree is actually comprised of over 130 Balsam Fir trees, The light switch is turned on and thousands of lights begin to sparkle on the decorated tree, signaling the official beginning of the Holiday season. The Mayor speaks and harmonious Christmas carols are sung.

A Month of Holiday Festivities on Daley Plaza

Santa will have a new workshop this year, at the base of the massive tree. Santa will be present every day from November 24 to December 24, when he will have to hop in his sleigh to deliver all those presents to good boys and girls.

The 12th Annual Christkindlmarket starts on Thanksgiving Day, November 22 and continues through December 23. The Chicago Market is inspired by the Nuremberg Christmas Market which dates back to 1545. Vendors from Germany display their wares from huts with pointed roofs on the plaza near the Christmas Tree.

In addition to the Christmas Tree and the Christkindlmarket, there is a large layout with a model train display and a beautiful creche.The market is a festive, entertaining mecca of Holiday spirit for adults and children.

Eat, Drink and Shop at Christkindlmarkt

The air surrounding Daley Plaza is filled with the fragrance of cooking sausages, potato pancakes and Gluhwein, which is a hot spiced red wine. Warm up in the large tent, where people gather to eat, drink and enjoy the sights and entertainment. The large tent serves beer and wine to a festive crowd that seats themselves at long tables. There is also a smaller building perfect for enjoying a warming brew while getting out of the Chicago wind.

Christkindtlmarkt is the perfect place to shop for unique German gifts, such as carved wood, unique glass ornaments, blown glass vases, European fabrics and textiles, toys and much more. Treats, such as German cookies, chocolate and stollen, are great gifts to enjoy over the Christmas holidays.

Windy City Celebrates the Holidays

The weather can be brisk to cold in the Windy City in the month prior to Christmas, so dress warmly. Admission to the German Christkindlmarket is free.

The City of Chicago gets all decked out for the Christmas Holiday Season. There are many holiday sights and festivities downtown that are free of charge. Visit Chicago and be delighted by the sparkling lights and festive Christmas Holiday atmosphere. While in Chicago, be sure to take in the Holiday Lights, especially on the Magnificent Mile of Michigan Avenue and the Navy Pier Winter Wonderland.

Transportation is easy on The City of Chicago Free Holiday Trolley.

Consider staying at one of the fashionable Magnificent Mile Hotels on Chicago's Gold Coast. Macy's on State Street, across the street from Daley Plaza, is decorated in grand style, including the famed holiday windows.

Frankenmuth, which is about a three hour drive from Chicago. is Michigan's Little Bavaria. Read about Christmas in Frankenmuth.

The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry features Christmas Around the World for the holiday season.

Resources:

Chicago Mayor's Office of Special Events

Christkindlmarket.com