As the Windy City gears up for the holiday season, tickets for seasonal favorites at the Christkindlmarkets in Chicago and Aurora have made their way onto the scene, available now for those looking to immerse themselves in festive merriment. According to NBC Chicago, a new "Haus of Krampus" event on Dec. 14 promises to spook and thrill with its "moody alpine lair where Krampus roams." Visitors are enticed to "Snap eerie photos, enjoy holiday treats, and embrace the playful chaos - just don’t end up in his burlap sack…" as the organizers tease. Meanwhile, an exclusive sneak peek of the markets, before it opens to the general public, and "culture and cheer tours" offer a unique behind-the-scenes experience, complete with souvenirs and treats. The Chicago and Aurora Christkindlmarkets open their gates on Nov. 21, and the Wrigleyville location follows suit on Nov. 23.
Christkindlmarket's return to Wrigleyville at Gallagher Way is also part of the holiday lineup, with festivities running from Nov. 23 through Dec. 31. Gallagher Way is hosting a slew of activities, including an ice rink open through Feb. 15, 2026, candy cane-filled movie nights, and tea parties with teddy bears, according to details shared by Fox 32 Chicago. The Christkindlmarket itself is a German-turned-Chicago holiday staple, bringing hand-crafted goods and international culinary delights to the heart of Wrigleyville.
For those looking to glide on ice, the Gallagher Way Ice Rink offers skate rentals and lessons, bolstered by the unique addition of ice bumper cars and themed skate nights. Coinciding with regular and special holiday hours, the rink and market provide a comprehensive festive experience. Santa's workshop, open on weekends, and the tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m., are poised to sprinkle extra joy. Detailed schedules for these events are available on christkindlmarket.com/wrigleyville and gallagherway.com/events, respectively.
Additional touches this holiday season include wreath-making workshops and breakfast with Santa at Alma. These events, offering both creativity and coziness, are ticketed, and spots can be secured through gallagherway.com/events. Movie screenings, like "Elf" and "The Polar Express," set the stage for Thursday entertainment at no charge. Art classes during Teddy Bear Tea and the holiday-inspired buffet with Santa present another layer of charm to the holiday happenings at Gallagher Way. Reservations for these particular events will be open via OpenTable starting Nov. 7 at 10 a.m.
For those who want their fill of holiday festivities, Christkindlmarket and Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville seem to have decked the halls with more than just boughs of holly. From the allure of the Krampus to the sparkle of the ice rink, Chicago is ready to unwrap the joy of the season for locals and visitors alike. More information on all these offerings can be found by visiting the provided links to the respective websites of NBC Chicago and Fox 32 Chicago, or by checking out Gallagher Way's social media platforms.
