The collectible mugs, steins and other festive items for the 2025 Chicago-area Christkindlmarkets were released Thursday, and the market is offering an advance reservation opportunity where the exclusive merchandise can be secured ahead of time.
Famous for offering seasonal goods, German food and hot spiced wine, the markets are one of the most popular holiday traditions in and around Chicago.
The collectible items will be available at the three Christkindlmarkets set to return to the Chicago area this Winter: the Daley Center in downtown Chicago, RiverEdge Park in Aurora and Gallagher Way in Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood.
The design of the official Christkindlmarket mug for 2025 is a heart-shaped mug with a festive red exterior featuring local landmarks and a German Christmas market scene. The interior of the mug is white and it holds 200ml of liquid. The mug is available for $10 empty or can be purchased at vendor booths filled with hot beverages — including alcoholic Gluhwein, the signature beverage of the markets.
A gingerbread man and woman in traditional lederhosen and dirndl are featured on the 200ml non-alcoholic beverage mug for this year, complete with a brown backdrop, red handle and decorative icing details lining the rim. Similar to the red mug, it is available for $10 empty or can be purchased filled with non-alcoholic beverages from various vendors.
Courtesy: Michael Miltenberger
A new addition this year is a Krampus plush figure, with shaggy fur and curled horns, for $28. “Gruss vom Krampus,” which translates to “Greetings from Krampus” is written on the back.
Courtesy: Michael Miltenberger
Krampus is mythical creature from Austrian Alpine folklore, according to History. A half-goat, half-demon, Krampus is known as somewhat of an anti-Santa who comes around in December to punish disobedient children.
“We love adding to the joy of the season with these collectible souvenirs that bring warmth, cheer, and lasting memories to every holiday celebration,” said Maren Biester Priebe, CEO and General Manager at German American Events, LLC, the nonprofit organization that plans and executes the markets each year.
The popular limited edition handmade glass-blown ornaments will be available again this year, designed to look like a traditional German “Lebkuchenherz”, or “gingerbread heart.” The ornament is priced at $39, and it matches the design for the heart mug.
Another market favorite, the beer stein, is back for the third year. Returning in a new shape, the half-liter beer stein design has a white interior and a night scene of the market, including the Christkind — the traditional Christmas gift bringer — and flags. The stein can be purchased for $20 empty, or filled with imported German beer for an additional cost.
Courtesy: Michael Miltenberger
For those looking to gift items from the market this holiday season, the gift boxes offer an easy way to get your hands on the official 2025 mug and select other merchandise and vendor goods. The gift boxes start at $115 and are available online only but can be picked up at the market or shipped.
Courtesy: Michael Miltenberger
There is a one-day reservation opportunity on Oct. 5 during Sundays on State where fans of the holiday market can secure their favorite mugs and merch items in advance for pickup during the market season.
Sundays on State takes place on State Street in Chicago’s Loop from Randolph Street to Jackson Drive and is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 5. More information is available here.
The Chicago and Aurora locations open on Friday, Nov. 21, and Wrigleyville will open its gates on Sunday, Nov. 23.