Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? Chicago is home to a magical array of holiday markets, from artisan pop-ups with cool handmade items to traditional Christmas bazaars with old-fashioned goods.
Shoppers can choose from cozy neighborhood shopping events to cultural events to sprawling outdoor marketplaces, 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. 4 – Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025
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. 6, 2025
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.
The Drie-cember Holiday Market returns this year with artisanal wares from local vendors, adding a touch of holiday magic to your visit. Admission is free to peruse more than a dozen local makers and entrepreneurs.
Randolph Street Holiday Market
Nov. 15 – 16 and Dec. 13 – 14, 2025
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. 20, 2025
This holiday marketplace, hosted by Africa International House, honors the Kwanzaa principle of kujichagulia (self-determination). Held at the Washington Park Refectory, this celebratory Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Marketplace will be filled with joy, culture, food, live music, and handcrafted items from amazing vendors.
Chicago Artisan Market
Nov. 29 – 30, 2025
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 the Ravenswood neighborhood during the holiday season. 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 who crafted the gifts.
Julmarknad
Dec. 5 – 7, 2025
In the 19th century, Swedish immigrants settled in the charming north side neighborhood of Andersonville. This heritage is on full display during Julmarknad Handcraft Market & Festival, 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 ops.
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.
Check out more Chicago holiday markets:
- Millennium Park Holiday Market (Nov. 21 – 23)
- Rogers Park Mercadito (Nov. 22)
- Sauced Night Market (Nov. 29 and Dec. 12 – 13)
- Holiday Gift Market at the Salt Shed (Nov. 30)
- Underground Art Market (Dec. 6, 2025)
- Youth Art Market at National Museum of Mexican Art (Dec. 6, 2025)
- Navi•Arts en el Barrio: Puerto Rican Artisan Market (Dec. 6 – 7 and 13 – 14, 2025)
- Holiday Marketplace at Willis Tower (Dec. 9 – 11, 2025)
- Christkindlmarket Chicago (Nov. 21 – Dec. 24, 2025)
- Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville (Nov. 23 – Dec. 31, 2025)
- The North Center Holly Jolly Holiday Market (Dec. 13, 2025)
- Renegade Craft Fair at Morgan Manufacturing (Dec. 20 – 21, 2025)
