Secret Place International Ministries

The Christkindlmarket Chicago is a traditional holiday market that offers a unique shopping experience, family-friendly events, and intercultural activities. It is considered the most authentic of its kind outside of Europe. The market combines beloved German and European traditions with local charm and international flair. It draws inspiration from the 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, which was one of the first outdoor markets of its kind. The Christkindlmarket is well-known for its high-quality gifts and food, holiday cheer, and ability to create lasting family memories. The German-style outdoor market has become so popular that it has expanded to several locations in Illinois and Wisconsin. The Christkindlmarket offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, lively entertainment, and a variety of original food and beverages, such as imported mulled wine from Germany called Glühwein. In 2022, it was ranked number three worldwide and number one outside of Europe by Big 7 Travel, and it has been recognized as one of the best Christmas markets. The Chicago Tribune, Choose Chicago, and Chicago Magazine have all mentioned the Christkindlmarket as a popular and preferred destination.

If you're interested in print photography's art, beauty, and cultural importance, the Museum of Contemporary Photography is a must-visit destination. It is the only photography museum in the Midwest, and it boasts a collection of over 7,000 pieces from renowned photographers such as Ansel Adams, Harry Callahan, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Irving Penn, and Julia Margaret Cameron. Founded in 1984 by Columbia College Chicago, the museum's collection showcases American photography from the 20th century and beyond. The collection features prints in various formats, including gelatin-silver prints, color work, digital pieces, photograms, and other processes.