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Construction has begun on Christkindlmarket. Credit: Kelly Bauer/Block Club Chicago

THE LOOP — Construction of Christkindlmarket, the city’s winter holiday market, has begun.

The pop-up market and its famous collectible mugs officially return Nov. 15, but crews are already putting up the distinctive stands and buildings at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. Though it’s not even Halloween yet, construction typically begins this time of year.

A Chicago tradition since 1996, the Christkindlmarket was inspired by Christmas markets in Germany. Vendors sell hot chocolate and mulled wine, cookies and pastries, decorations, ornaments and other holiday fare.

Christkindlmarket will be open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday at Daley Plaza. It’ll be open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve and closed Christmas.

Admission is free.

There will also be a smaller Christkindlmarket in Wrigleyville that will be open Nov. 22-Dec. 31 at Winterland at Gallagher Way. It will be open 3-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. It’ll be open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve and closed Christmas.