Christkindlmarket
Perhaps the most popular holiday market in the city, The Christkindlmarket opened in 1995 and has been setting up shop in Daley Plaza since. The market is inspired by the Christkindlmarket held in Nuremberg, Germany, and offers a variety of German gifts, food, and drinks. The free market runs from November 20th to December 24th.
Christkindlmarket, 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL, USA +1 312 494 2175
Vintage Garage Holiday Market
Although the Vintage Garage Market is open several times throughout the year, the December market is holiday themed. Around 100 vendors will be selling vintage Christmas trees, ornaments, and decorations at the Vintage Market on November 15. There is a $5 entrance fee.
Vintage Garage Holiday Market, 5051 North Broadway, Chicago, IL, USA +1 847 579 9079
Chicago Irish Christmas Market
This free holiday market will be held at Northcenter Town Square from December 11th-13th. Irish and other European crafts and food will be available for sale. During its run, the market will also be collecting canned food items and toiletries for the Common Pantry and the Friendship Center.
Chicago Irish Christmas Market, 4054 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, USA
Vegan Vortex Holiday Market
As its name implies, the Vegan Vortex Holiday Market, located in Logan Square, will be selling a variety of vegan foods, body products, and handmade crafts. The free market will also have cookie decorating, arts and crafts, a vegan Bloody Mary bar, music, raffles, and a photo booth. It will run for one day only, on December 20th.
Vegan Vortex Holiday Market, 3519 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL, USA
Randolph Street Holiday Market
The Randolph Street Holiday Market is one of the biggest holiday markets in the city. Located at Plumbers Hall, the market will sell vintage and handmade jewelry, furniture, apparel, antiques, and decorations. There is a $10 admission fee; however, the market provides free parking and gift wrapping.
Randolph Street Holiday Market, 1340 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL, USA +1 312 666 1200
Remix Chicago Holiday Craft Fair
This year, Remix Chicago will host its first ever holiday craft fair. The fair is dedicated to selling items made from used or recycled things. Holiday Remix will run from 10AM to 7PM on Saturday, November 28, at Broadway Armory Park in Edgewater. The fair is free to attend.
Remix Chicago Holiday Craft Fair, 5917 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL, USA
One of a Kind Show
The One of Kind Show is back for its 15th year in the city. The show will feature over 600 artists from all around the country as well as talks with the artists, live music, and a fashion show. The One Of A Kind Holiday Show will run from December 3rd-6th in the Merchandise Mart. Tickets are $12, and a portion of the proceeds will go to benefit Lurie Children’s Hospital.
One Of A Kind Show, 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL, USA +1 312 527 4141
Chicago Botanical Garden Holiday Market
The Chicago Botanical Garden will be hosting its own market on December 6th. Located in Burstein Hall, the market will feature 14 vendors selling seasonal produce, jam, soap, candles, and more. The market is free to attend.
Chicago Botanical Garden Holiday Market, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL, USA +1 847 835 5440
Made in Chicago Holiday Market
Put on by The Chicago Reader, The Made in Chicago Holiday Market features goods by local artists and vendors. Perfect for last-minute shoppers, the market will be held on December 20th in the Chicago Plumbers Hall. It is free to attend and will have free parking.
Made in Chicago Holiday Market, 1340 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL, USA +1 312 421 1010
SHOW of HANDS Holiday Show
Eighty artists will gather at Architectural Artifacts in Ravenswood to sell their art at the SHOW of HANDS Holiday Show. Everything from textiles to prints will be sold. There is a $10 admission fee to attend the Friday night preview held on November 20th. Otherwise, the show will run November 21-22nd and is free to the public.
SHOW of HANDS Holiday Show, 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL, USA +1 773 348 0622
By Benita Gingerella