DETROIT, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Citing a credit crisis and dwindling sales, Chrysler LLC on Wednesday said it will shut down all of its manufacturing operations, starting Dec. 19, for at least a month.

Chrysler made the announcement in a letter sent Wednesday to its employees, suppliers and the United Auto Workers union that was also posted on its website.

The blanket shutdown will come as Chrysler and its larger rival, General Motors Corp GM.N, both seek to shore up cash as they seek a federal bailout they say they need to survive. (Reporting by Kevin Krolicki; editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)