From Christkindlmarket & Randolph Street Holiday Market to the Holiday Native Art Market, Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Marketplace, and more!
Planning Christmas shopping in Chicago?
Wondering where to gift-shop for the holidays in the Windy City?
Got questions like sustainable shopping, cost of entry, and things to do (including family-friendly activities)?
We got you!
In this blog post, we cover the best Christmas and holiday markets in Chicago, address sustainable shopping (including supporting local vendors & artisans and small businesses), and answer your questions.
Ready?
Let’s begin!
Pro tip: You may want to bookmark this page as we’ll update it annually.
The magic of Chicago’s holiday markets
Chicago’s Christkindlmarket is among the world’s best Christmas markets.
But holiday shopping in the Windy City is more than that.
It’s a smorgasbord of our various communities’ cultures, from Swedish delights at Julmarknad to American Indian crafts at the Holiday Native Art Market.
Like handmade and one-of-a-kind items? Then you’ll love the Holiday Artisan Marketplace at Navy Pier.
Let’s take a closer look…
Christkindlmarket
We start with the grand dame of Christmas markets in Chicago, Christkindlmarket, inspired by Germany’s famous Nuremberg market.
In 2024, it’s got 2 locations, Daley Plaza and Aurora. Some vendors like Chicago Teahouse and Sweet Castle have also gone online.
Expect family-friendly fun, festive music, and global vendors selling seasonal treats like mulled wine, bratwurst, and roasted nuts.
Dates: Both the Daley Plaza and Aurora markets opened on Friday, November 22nd, 2024. Please check the website for the full schedule.
Admission: Free.
Holiday Native Art Market
Looking for one-of-a-kind gifts?
Head to the Holiday Native Art Market on Dec. 7 at the American Indian Center!
Shop handcrafted beadwork, jewelry & textiles from 20+ Native artisans, enjoy exciting dance exhibitions, and savor Indian Tacos.
Date: Saturday, December 7th, 2024.
Admission: Free.
Underground Art Market
Representative image.
Looking for gift shopping with a purpose?
The Underground Art Market is a winter artisan pop-up featuring recycled art, wellness-inspired creations, and functional pieces.
You can ask about goods supporting social causes and charities.
Date: Saturday, December 7th, 2024.
Drie-cember Holiday Market
Handmade excellence amidst historical opulence is what the Drie-cember Holiday Market is all about.
On select weekends, drop into Driehaus Museum & Murphy Auditorium for handmade crafts and unique gifts curated by the Refine Collective.
And savor hot cocoa, live music, and all-ages fun.
Dates: December 7th & 8th and December 14th & 15h, 2024 (Both weekends.)
Entry: Free, but you can register here.
Winterland at Gallagher Way
Representative image.
Looking for free holiday fun with family and friends?
Winterland at Gallagher Way offers Santa visits, live music, and delicious seasonal food and drinks.
Shop the Winter Market, ride bumper cars or a festive holiday train, and catch holiday classics like Elf and Home Alone.
Don't miss the tree lighting ceremony on opening night!
Dates: Thursdays to Sundays every week from December 6th to December 21st, 2024.
Entry: Free
Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Marketplace
Celebrate community and culture at the Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Marketplace!
With two locations—Harris Park and The Grand Ballroom—shop unique cultural treasures, groove to live music, and support the Africa International House’s fundraiser for senior arts programs.
Dates: Thursday, December 26th, 2024 to Wednesday, January 1st, 2025.
Julmarknad
Julmarknad is the culmination of Swedish immigrants settling in Andersonville.
Step into a Scandinavian wonderland at this annual Christmas bazaar at the Swedish American Museum!
Shop traditional crafts, sample holiday treats like saffron buns and glögg, and snap a festive pic with Jultomten (Santa Claus).
Date: Sunday, December 8th, 2024.
One of a Kind Holiday Show
Find unique gifts at the One of a Kind Holiday Show at THE MART in River North, where 600+ artists and makers showcase fine art, handmade jewelry, ceramics, and more!
Enjoy live music, craft activities, and tasty bites while soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Dates: Thursday, December 5th, 2024 to Sunday, December 8th, 2024.
Entry: Paid. You can buy tickets here.
Randolph Street Holiday Market
Representative image.
The Randolph Street Holiday Market is a shopping extravaganza like no other!
Explore over 125 top vintage and modern sellers featuring designer fashion, retro home goods, rare books, and global treasures.
Add to the fun with craft cocktails, live DJ sets, kids’ crafts, and free gift wrapping for the ultimate festive vibes.
Dates: Saturday, December 14th to Sunday, December 15th, 2024.
Entry: Paid. You can buy tickets here. Free for children under 12.
Holiday Artisan Marketplace at the Navy Pier
Marvel at the creativity of local artisans and vendors at Navy Pier’s Holiday Artisan Marketplace.
Pick up plenty of Christmas and New Year presents from the handmade crafts and treats. Explore the market during the Light Up the Lake event, featuring a holiday drone show, a two-story ice slide, and Saturday night fireworks!
Dates: Saturday, December 30th, 2024 to Sunday, January 5th, 2025.
Sustainable Christmas shopping in Chicago
Want to make your Christmas shopping kinder to the planet? Chicago’s holiday markets are the perfect opportunity!
Support local artisans and vendors by picking up handmade goods like ceramics, jewelry, and eco-friendly candles.
Many sellers at markets like the Holiday Artisan Marketplace at Navy Pier or the One of a Kind Holiday Show focus on sustainable materials and small-batch production.
Opt for gifts with purpose—think reusable beeswax wraps, upcycled accessories, or even “zero-waste” starter kits.
For wrapping, skip the single-use paper and get creative with fabric gift wraps (hello, furoshiki!) or recyclable kraft paper dressed up with twine and dried orange slices.
And don’t forget your tote bag!
Ditch plastic and carry a sturdy reusable one as you browse, helping cut down on waste while supporting Chicago’s vibrant artisan community.
Sustainable holiday cheer? Check.
FAQs on holiday markets and shopping in Chicago
What is the best time to visit Christkindlmarket in Chicago?
Christkindlmarket runs Thursdays to Sundays from November 22nd to December 24th, 2024 (both Sundays.)
Try to turn up on weekday mornings and early afternoons to avoid crowds. But remember to dress in layers as it can be cold in the morning.
Are Chicago’s Christmas markets free to enter?
Yes, most of them are. But some may require you to register, or suggest that you do.
Others are paid, but entry might be free for kids, seniors, etc.
Check the official websites before planning your visit.
Which markets are family-friendly?
Almost all of Chicago’s holiday markets are family-friendly and have child-friendly activities.
What should I wear to Chicago’s outdoor holiday markets?
The CPD doesn’t have a fashion police unit—Wear whatever you’re comfortable in.
Just one tip—It’s quite cold this time of the year (November - January), so don warm clothing and dress in layers.
Can I find vegan or gluten-free food options at these markets?
You may. Check the event website before planning your visit.
Chicago’s best Christmas & holiday markets—Final thoughts
That’s it from Chicago’s best escape room on holiday shopping and markets in Chicago!
Now, over to you!
Which Christmas markets are YOU planning to visit this year?
Would you like us to feature any other markets?
Let us know, and we may end up including your opinions and choices here!
BLOGS
Please wait