Christkindlmarket is a real time commitment — fit it in only if it's a priority.
Allow 1–2 hours.
The single best reason to brave a Chicago December: a genuine German Christmas market with glühwein, the collectible boot mug, ornaments, and crowds in good spirits. The honest catch is that it's freezing, elbow-to-elbow packed on weekends, and the food is pricey — go on a weekday evening if you can.