The annual German-style ... the City of Chicago for the event and also aims to bring beloved items. One of the market’s most sought-after items is their iconic Christmas mugs.

At their core, German Christmas markets are about connection. Families gather around stalls, children marvel at twinkling lights and handmade toys, and strangers bond over mugs of Glühwein.

Normally at this time of year, the German-speaking lands of Central Europe would be bustling with Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets ... of people holding their mugs. For even more holiday ...