Guide: Our food critic shares insider tips on all the best food and drink at Christkindlmarket in Chicago

This holiday season, the most difficult decision you’ll make at the Christkindlmarket in Chicago might be what to choose to go with your glühwein. With over a million visitors expected, the open-air Christmas market at Daley Plaza offers a wide array of delicious options.

The booth at the forefront, DönerMen, is known for its currywurst and doner, but amazingly, their bestseller turns out to be hot cocoa. According to co-owner Shawn Podgurski, the secret ingredient is love. In addition to the hot cocoa, the booth also offers various vegan dishes, including their popular currywurst and doner made with chicken marinated in yogurt and a special spice blend.

For those craving German cuisine, other must-haves include goulash, rollmops, pierogi, and traditional Nürnberger-style bratwurst. Make sure to leave room for some hot strudel filled with your choice of cherry or apple.

While the market has plenty of options, some highlights include the French bakery’s ham and cheese croissants, the ginger cardamom chai served at an outpost in the Loop or the prosciutto raclette cheese sandwich at Baked Cheese Haus. You can also satisfy your sweet tooth with the irresistibly fragrant candied nuts and the organic butter cookies.

With an array of delightful food options at the Christkindlmarket, it’s no surprise that visitors have a hard time deciding what to pair with their glühwein. Regardless of your choice, you’re sure to find something that strikes your fancy at this festive holiday market in Chicago.