I can tell you this is a fact, and not an opinion.  Period.

I've been to Christkindlmarket once in my life and never again will I visit.

No, I didn't have a bad experience.

No, it wasn't boring.

No, there was plenty to see and do!

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The problem: there are thousands of people who visit every year, and the market isn't as spacious as you'd think.  The vendors are so cool, there are unique gifts to find, and the atmosphere is magical.  The overcrowding is crazy. Don't let photos fool you!

Holiday Market In Chicago Offers Shoppers Seasonal Goods
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I thought I was the only one who thought this, but apparently not.

According to a survey, Christkindlmarket has the most Yelp reviews with people saying it's "too overcrowded" and "too busy".

"Just over 38 percent of Christkindlmarket’s 780 Yelp reviews mention it being too crowded, the survey reports." [blockclubchicago]

The Chicago location at Daley Plaza sees massive crowds and lines on the weekends, leaving guests with little room to move around inside the market.

"Last year, 1.3 million visitors passed through the Daley Plaza Christkindlmarket, while 480,000 people visited the Wrigley Field Christkindlmarket, according to market organizers." [blockclubchicago]

I would suggest either going on weekdays (which can be difficult for most people), or pay the extra $45 to get exclusive access to map out your game plan before the mad rush hits on the weekends.

Holiday Shoppers Looks For Gifts At German Style Christmas Market
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So, if you're looking to visit Christkindlmarket this year, just know you might be shoulder-to-shoulder to other visitors the entire time.

See the full list of other markets that made the "overcrowded" list here!

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