Chicago is known for its vibrant and bustling holiday markets offering unique shopping experiences, delicious food, and festive activities. From the iconic Christkindlmarket to the lesser-known ShopColumbia, there’s something for everyone in the Windy City.

Here’s our current running list of local holiday markets and I’m sure more will be announced soon! No matter which market you choose, you will find something special to help make your holiday season even more memorable.

November

Hyde Park Holiday Market at The Promontory – Presented by the Hyde Park Farmers Market, this event is on November 11 from 9 am – 2 pm.

Navi Arts at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts – November 11-12. Discover unique gifts that can’t be found in stores and support small Puerto Rican/Latino-owned businesses in Chicago. Plus, the first 25 people will receive a free gift each day!

Holiday Open House at Gethsemane – November 11-12. Gethsemane is one of my favorite garden and gift centers. Don’t miss their fantastic displays!

Christkindlmarket – November 17-Dec 31. Our most famous winter market now has three locations – Loop, Wrigleyville, and Aurora. My favorite Christkindlmarket is at Gallagher Way because it’s a bit smaller, and now they are offering ice skating INSIDE Wrigley Stadium. You can shop at the market and then ice skate! This is one of my favorite holiday events of the season!

Randolph Street Holiday Market Festival – This market has a ton of stuff! It runs November 18-19 in the Plumbers Hall Building in the West Loop. Tickets are $12.

Markets for Makers at Artifact Events – Featuring over 100 makers who mostly call Illinois or the Midwest home, this Ravenswood event will feel like Etsy IRL! November 18-19, tickets start at $8. My tip: if you don’t like crowds while shopping, spring for the VIP ticket and get in early for the preview.

Millennium Park Holiday Art Market – This market is meant to coincide with the official tree lighting ceremony the weekend of 11/17 – 11/19. The Art Market, in the Chase Promenade North tent, will feature local artists selling various items, including jewelry, pottery, drawings, paintings, and more. Admission is free.

Show of Hands Holiday Market – Show of Hands is celebrating its 10th season with two different holiday markets this year! November 17-19 at the Color Club and December 17 at Workshop 4200. The line-up is stellar – Don’t miss Earth Cadet’s textiles, Forest Culture’s adorable paint-by-number sets, and Lilla Barn’s hand-sewn colorful clothing for children and women.

Chicago Artisan Market at Artifact Events – November 25-26. The Ravenswood Chamber “Holly Jolly Trolley” will be running on Sat, Nov 25th for “Small Shop Saturday,” – so you can also visit neighboring small shops & local restaurants throughout Ravenswood.

Small Business Saturday in Lincoln Square – On November 25, Small Business Saturday will be celebrated in Lincoln Square. Local businesses will offer special discounts and promotions, while various festive events will occur throughout the day. Start your day by taking pictures with Santa, enjoy holiday tunes performed by Victorian Carolers, and end the day with the annual Tree Lighting ceremony.

December

Chicago Artisan Market – December 3 at Morgan Manufacturing and December 16-17 at Artifact Events. The Chicago Artisan Market features the Midwest’s best in food, fashion, home goods, and art.

ShopColumbia’s 15th Annual Holiday Market – December 4-20. ShopColumbia is a year-round boutique in Columbia’s South Loop Campus. It sells the best creations of Columbia artists and serves as a learning laboratory for emerging artists. The shop offers students a professional setting to enhance their skills in presenting, marketing, and selling their work to the public.

Damen at Night Holiday Shopping Event – December 7 & 14. Participating Ravenswood businesses will be open late with refreshments, specials, pop-up vendors, and more to add a little holiday cheer to your evening. 

One of a Kind Holiday Show at The Mart – Running December 7-10 at the Chicago Mart, this market hosts 500 artists, designers, and makers. Tickets are $15 and are valid for entry all four days of the show. Children under 12 are free. A portion of all ticket sales will benefit the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

Windy City Made Holiday Market at the Stan Mansion – December 3. Browse gifts, decor, and more from 70+ Chicago artists and vintage sellers in the gorgeous setting of the historic Stan Mansion in the heart of the Logan Square neighborhood.

Renegade Chicago at Morgan Manufacturing – December 16-17. A curated market featuring local and national small businesses.

Thanks for reading! Check out more Holiday content here!

Happy Holiday Shopping!

Christine