Looking for the perfect gift? Chicago is home to a magical array of holiday markets, from artisan pop-ups with cool handmade items to traditional Christmas markets with old-fashioned goods. Shoppers can choose from cozy neighborhood markets to cultural events to sprawling outdoor bazaars, like the famous Christkindlmarket Chicago. You’ll find something for everyone on your list (and maybe something for yourself, too).
Here’s your ultimate guide to finding that one-of-a-kind gift at Chicago’s holiday markets.
One of a Kind Holiday Show
Thursday, Dec. 5 – Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024
Find that perfect gift as you shop an impressive selection of original handmade work from over 600 talented artists and makers offering fine art, furniture, apparel, jewelry, home goods, ceramics, and more at the annual One of a Kind Holiday Showat THE MART in River North.
Attendees can shop directly from the show’s acclaimed artists and emerging talent to discover behind-the-scenes insights and inspirations. Delicious food and drinks, live music, hands-on craft activities, and stunning seasonal arrangements and wreaths round out the fun.
Explore more: Explore our guide to holiday shopping in Chicago for more great gift ideas.
Drie-cember Holiday Market
Dec. 7 – 15, 2024
The Driehaus Museum, housed in the historic Nickerson Mansion, is a stunning example of Gilded Age architecture and design. Built in 1883, the mansion is one of Chicago’s grandest homes, showcasing opulent interiors and intricate craftsmanship.
New to this year’s schedule of winter events, the Drie-cember Holiday Market features artisanal wares from local vendors, adding a touch of holiday magic to your visit. Pop into the recently reopened Murphy Auditorium on select dates between Dec. 7 and 15.
The Holiday Makers Market in Hyde Park
Dec. 14, 2024
The Hyde Park neighborhood is brimming with local small businesses, and this winter market is putting them on full display. Head to The Promontory during The Holiday Makers Market to explore a range of unique holiday gifts, including fresh-baked goods, original art, jewelry, wellness products, holiday stationery, and custom gift baskets. The market will also include a raffle and special live performances.
Randolph Street Market
Nov. 16 – 17 and December 14 – 15, 2024
Over 125 of the nation’s top vintage and antique dealers, fashion designers, and makers gather under one roof, offering the best in vintage goods just in time for holiday gifting at the Randolph Street Holiday Market Festival.
Discover unique finds ranging from art and designer fashion to retro home furnishings, vinyl, rare books, and global goods. Live music from top Chicago DJs, delicious bites from local vendors, and colorful cocktails by guest mixologists add to the merriment, and free gift wrapping is an extra bonus. Tickets are on sale now.
Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Marketplace
Dec. 6 – 7, 2024
This holiday marketplace, hosted by Africa International House, honors the Kwanzaa principle of kujichagulia (self-determination). Held at Harriet Harris Park in the Woodlawn neighborhood, this celebratory Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Marketplace will be filled with joy, culture, and amazing vendors.
Holiday Artisan Market at Navy Pier
Weekends from Nov. 29 to Jan. 5, 2025
Each year, the annual Light Up the Lake event brings a variety of festive activities to Chicago’s Navy Pier. This year, that includes the first-ever holiday drone show, a two-story ice slide, and a Holiday Artisan Market on select dates. Shop from a diverse selection of local makers, then make sure to stick around for the Saturday night fireworks show!
Chicago Artisan Market
Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, 2024 in Ravenswood
Dec. 15 in Fulton Market
The Chicago Artisan Market is an indoor market that highlights the Midwest’s best handcrafted gifts including jewelry, custom-made clothing and accessories, artisanal candles and bath products, handcrafted toys, and original art pieces.
The event pops up in both Ravenswood and Fulton Market during the holiday season, for twice the festive fun. Live music and holiday bites make the shopping experience even more magical, but the best part of shopping at this unique holiday market is that you can chat with the artisans that crafted the gifts.
Julmarknad
Dec. 6 – 8, 2024
In the 19th century, Swedish immigrants settled in the charming north side neighborhood of Andersonville. This heritage is on full display during Julmarknad, an annual Christmas bazaar at the Swedish American Museum.
Shop a variety of traditional Scandinavian and modern handicrafts, including artisan glass, clothing, woodwork, jewelry, ceramics, and textiles, and sample Swedish holiday treats like glögg (mulled wine), saffron buns, and gingerbread cookies. Bring the kids —Jultomten (Santa Claus) always stops by for holiday photo opps.
Buddy Chicago at the Chicago Cultural Center
Daily through the holiday season
Find unique items from Chicago artists and small manufacturers at the BUDDY Chicago shop, a local-centric marketplace located inside the landmark Chicago Cultural Center. Browse a curated selection of gifts, from embroidered earrings to handmade puzzles to Chicago-focused art prints.