Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Christmas is just around the corner and Chicago is just the place to put you into the holiday spirit. Don’t let the Windy City scare you with her brisk cold, whipping winds, and snow flurries. To make up for the weather that can make you shiver to your bones, Chicago’s gift to you is a city that comes alive during the Holiday season. From 30 foot Christmas trees, to decorated windows, to parades that line almost every neighborhood street, Chicago open its arms and greets its visitors like royalty. If you have never visited Chicago during the Holidays, or if you are a local looking for a holiday staycation while the kids are on winter break, visit one of these must-see Chicago Christmas Markets the city has to offer.
The Christkrindlmarket
Chicago brings the streets of Germany to you. Since 1996, the city’s largest open-air Christmas festival is held in the heart of Chicago’s downtown Loop area. Each year, people from all over the world visit the market for a unique holiday tradition that includes shopping, food and entertainment. The Christkindlmarket is well-known for its vendors who travel from all over the world with their high quality gifts and food to participate in this Chicago holiday tradition.
So if you are looking to celebrate the season with festive shopping, delicious European and German delicacies, hot spiced wine (Glühwein), fine beers, hand-crafted ornaments, and entertainment, head to the Christkindlmarket. Open from November 16 through December 24, this is the ideal place for family fun and admission is FREE.
The Randolph Street’s Holiday Market
The Randolph Street Market is your holiday destination for a mix of one-of-a-kind gift options, including antiques, jewelry, and houseware for all budgets. You will have your pick of over 100 vendors selling unique Christmas decor, timeless antiques, and delectable gourmet foods. The best part of this holiday market is the free gift wrapping. The Randolph Street Holiday Market is open November 17-18 and December 15-16
Julmarknad
Take a trip to Sweden without leaving Chicago. Hosted by the Swedish American Museum, Julmarknad is the museum’s annual Christmas Bazaar where you can purchase traditional Scandinavian and modern handicrafts. Visit the Children’s Museum for crafts, games and a special visit from Santa. Enjoy free entertainment for the whole family, such as Nordic folk dancing, Lucia processions, and Swedish choir recitals. Julmarknad is open December 1-2.
Renegade Craft Fair
More than 100 independent designers and artisans gather in the Bridgeport Art Center for this festive holiday market. Shop emerging and established artists who will be showing off their handmade jewelry, one-of-a-kind clothing, funky accessories, unique stationery, and more. The Renegade Craft Fair is open December 1-2.
One of a Kind Show
What do you get when you bring more than 600 independent makers under one roof? A one-of-a-kind holiday market. Located inside the Merchandise Mart, the One of a Kind Show is a 4-day shopping extravanganza where you can find unique holiday gifts. This holiday market features accessories, bath & body, ceramics, fashion, fiber art, furniture, glass, gourmet, holiday, jewelry, kids, metal, mixed media, paintings, pet products, photography, sculpture and wood for all price ranges. In addition to shopping, shoppers can also enjoy an exciting artist demonstration, create something in one of the crafting workshops, watch a fashion show, dine in a gourmet café, or listen to live music. One of a Kind Show is open December 6-9.
Millennium Park Holiday Art Market
New this year to the Chicago holiday market lineup, the Millennium Park Holiday Art Market is open November 16-18. Support more than 150 student artists from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago and After School Matters at this holiday market. Browse handmade goods like jewelry, fashion, paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and more inside a heated tent.
Lincoln Park Zoo Holiday Market
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the Zoo! Join the only Holiday Market in the city set against the backdrop of 2.5 million lights! Kick off your holiday cheer with the Lincoln Park Zoo Holiday Market on Giving Tuesday by visiting a group of amazing local artisans, shops, and boutiques. It is the perfect evening to do something festive, catch up with friends, and get some holiday shopping done. Proceeds from this holiday market help keep Lincoln Park Zoo free, open and amazing 365 days a year.
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