Experience Chicago's festive holiday markets and Christmas shopping events throughout the city. The beloved Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza brings authentic German tradition to downtown, while Millennium Park and Navy Pier host seasonal markets with local artisans and unique gifts. From neighborhood craft fairs to iconic lakefront venues, Chicago's holiday markets offer something for everyone.
Last Updated: December 2, 2025
Holiday Prelude at Willows Academy
Location: Lincolnshire
Join Willows Academy’s Holiday Prelude at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort for an enchanting evening of gourmet dining, lively auctions, and spirited dancing. This elegant benefit event offers guests a unique opportunity to celebrate the season while supporting educational initiatives in a festive, upscale setting.
Tinley Park Holiday Happenings
Location: Tinley Park
Dates: December
Tinley Park Holiday Happenings transforms downtown into a winter wonderland with a bustling holiday market, lively entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can browse unique gifts from local vendors, skate on a seasonal ice rink, and enjoy festive performances under twinkling lights. The celebration culminates in the dazzling Parade of Lights, making it a standout event for holiday cheer in the southwest suburbs.
Highlights:
- The annual Holiday Market returns to Downtown Tinley Park, offering a festive shopping experience.
- A community celebration designed to bring holiday cheer to residents and visitors.
- Browse unique gifts and festive crafts from local artisans at the Holiday Market.
Holly Jolly Holiday Market
Location: Chicago
Dates: December 13th (11 am to 6 pm) and December 14th (11 am to 5 pm)
Step into the heart of Chicago’s holiday spirit at the Holly Jolly Holiday Market, a vibrant community celebration in North Center Town Square. This festive event brings together more than 20 local artisans and vendors, offering handcrafted gifts, unique holiday decor, and seasonal treats. Guests can enjoy lively entertainment, savor warming drinks, and create cherished memories with special visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, making it a must-visit destination for holiday cheer.
Highlights:
- A festive shopping experience with over 20 unique vendors.
- Visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Live entertainment and seasonal food and drinks.
Elburn Chamber of Commerce Christmas Stroll
Location: Elburn
Dates: December 6th, 2025
The 31st Annual Elburn Chamber of Commerce Christmas Stroll transforms Downtown Elburn into a winter wonderland on December 6th, 2025, from 4-7 PM. This community-centered holiday celebration invites visitors to stroll through Main Street's twinkling lights, browse the Kris Kringle Market at Obscurity Brewing, and enjoy seasonal festivities at local shops and the library. With complimentary treats, entertainment, and holiday-themed activities throughout the downtown district, this event captures the warmth of small-town holiday traditions while supporting local businesses and organizations.
Highlights:
- The 31st Annual Elburn Chamber Christmas Stroll offers a festive evening for all ages.
- Enjoy a wide array of activities spread across multiple locations in Downtown Elburn.
- Support local businesses and community organizations participating in the event.
Randolph Street Market Holiday Market
Location: Chicago
Dates: November 15+16, 2025 and December 13+14, 2025
Step into the heart of Chicago’s holiday spirit at the Randolph Street Market Holiday Market, where over 125 vendors fill three floors of Plumbers Hall with vintage treasures, modern crafts, and festive finds. This indoor winter wonderland blends eclectic shopping with seasonal cheer, offering everything from handcrafted gifts to unique décor and gourmet treats. Discover rare antiques, designer fashion, and one-of-a-kind holiday items in a bustling, beautifully curated setting perfect for memorable gift hunting.
Highlights:
- The Randolph Street Holiday Market offers a unique shopping experience with a vast selection of vintage and modern items.
- Browse an extensive collection of holiday-themed goods from over 125 vendors.
- Discover unique vintage and modern decorative objects, housewares, and fashion for all ages.
Tinley Park Holiday Market
Location: Tinley Park
Celebrate the season at Tinley Park's premier holiday market, where nearly 30 vendors showcase handcrafted gifts and artisanal creations within a heated tent at Harmony Square. Beyond shopping, visitors enjoy ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, live holiday performances, and photos with Santa, all set against the backdrop of twinkling lights and festive decorations that transform downtown into a winter wonderland.
Highlights:
- A vibrant holiday market featuring local vendors and seasonal cheer.
- An opportunity to find unique Christmas gifts and artisanal products.
- Browse unique gifts and festive decorations from local artisans.
The Great Holiday Wrap-Up
Location: Wilmette
Dates: December 17
The Great Holiday Wrap-Up at Mallinckrodt Center brings festive cheer to Chicago’s North Shore with a joyful, community-driven gift-wrapping service. Guests can have their presents beautifully wrapped by volunteers, enjoy same-day pickup, and give back by donating non-perishable food items to support the New Trier Township Food Pantry. This heartwarming event blends convenience with holiday spirit, making it a meaningful stop for shoppers looking to spread kindness during the season.
Highlights:
- Convenient gift-wrapping service available during the holiday season.
- Same-day pickup for all wrapped gifts.
- Drop off up to ten holiday gifts for professional wrapping.
A Dicken's of a Holiday Craft Show
Location: Darien
Dates: November 15
Celebrate the holiday season at this cherished annual marketplace where talented artisans and makers showcase their original creations. Browse an curated selection of handcrafted gifts, from jewelry and home décor to seasonal keepsakes, all designed to help you discover meaningful presents that reflect authentic craftsmanship and local creativity.
Highlights:
- Annual holiday craft show and sale featuring original, handmade goods.
- Opportunity to find unique, handcrafted holiday gifts for everyone.
- Browse unique, one-of-a-kind handcrafted holiday gifts.
Santa's Workshop at Wilder Mansion
Location: Elmhurst
Dates: Saturday, December 6, Noon-3 pm
Santa's Workshop at Wilder Mansion transforms the historic Elmhurst estate into a festive holiday marketplace designed exclusively for children. Young shoppers can explore a variety of affordable, thoughtfully curated gifts perfect for family and friends, fostering the joy of giving in a warm, welcoming environment. This unique event encourages kids to experience holiday magic through hands-on shopping and festive fun.
Highlights:
- A special holiday store designed exclusively for children to shop for loved ones.
- Children can purchase inexpensive, kid-friendly holiday gifts for family and friends.
A Holiday Happening Craft & Art Fair
Location: Glen Ellyn
Dates: Saturday November 8, 10am-4pm Sunday November 9, 10am-4pm
Discover an exceptional curated marketplace where over 200 talented artisans from across the Midwest converge to showcase their handcrafted creations. This nationally recognized holiday fair celebrates authentic craftsmanship through an impressive array of one-of-a-kind items including artisan jewelry, hand-poured candles, hand-knit apparel, hand-felted accessories, and distinctive home décor. Perfect for those seeking meaningful, locally-made gifts that support independent makers while elevating your holiday shopping experience with quality and character.
Address: Glen Ellyn, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- One of the Top 20 classic & contemporary craft shows in the US.
- Largest holiday show featuring handmade gifts, jewelry, and festive decor.
- Opportunity to support local artisans and find unique holiday treasures.
Lights of Lisle
Location: Lisle
Dates: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Downtown Lisle hosts its annual Lights of Lisle event featuring a traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony, a festive Santa Parade, and enchanting luminaria displays. Attendees can participate in the Santa Parade, enjoy live ice carving demonstrations, and engage in family-friendly activities such as the 'Once Upon a Christmas' crafts with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The event showcases the community's holiday spirit with vibrant displays and activities for all ages.
Highlights:
- The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, a quintessential holiday tradition.
- A festive Santa Parade bringing holiday cheer to Downtown Lisle.
- Luminaria displays lighting up Downtown Lisle, creating a magical ambiance.
St. Christopher Family School Association Annual Holiday Craft Show
Location: Midlothian
Dates: Saturday, November 15, 2025, 9am-4pm
The St. Christopher Family School hosts its 51st Annual Holiday Craft Show, featuring over 50 juried crafters and vendors showcasing original handmade goods. Attendees can browse a variety of unique holiday gifts and support local artisans while enjoying a long-standing community tradition. This event emphasizes quality craftsmanship and offers a diverse selection of crafts for shoppers.
Address: 14611 Keeler Ave, Midlothian, IL 60445
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Support St. Christopher School by purchasing unique holiday gifts and crafts.
- Experience a long-standing tradition, celebrating the 51st year of this holiday craft show.
- Browse unique handmade crafts and gifts from over 50 juried artisans.
Descent of the Holy Spirit Orthodox Church Christmas Cookie Walk
Location: Schererville
Dates: Saturday, December 20, 2025
The Descent of the Holy Spirit Orthodox Church hosts a Christmas Cookie Walk featuring a delightful selection of homemade cookies, pastries, nut rolls, and traditional Eastern European baked goods. Guests can purchase a variety of treats to enhance their holiday celebrations, including cabbage rolls and pierogies sold by the dozen. This event is perfect for those seeking authentic homemade goodies to share with family and friends.
Highlights:
- Experience a festive Christmas Cookie Walk offering a wide variety of homemade baked goods.
- Find perfect treats to prepare for your holiday celebrations.
- Select from a delightful array of delicious homemade cookies, pastries, nut rolls, and breads.
Randolph Street Holiday Market
Location: Chicago
Dates: November 15-16, 2025 and December 13-14, 2025
The Randolph Street Holiday Market is Chicago's premier indoor/outdoor urban antique and collectibles flea market featuring over 100 vendors. Shoppers can find vintage clothing, unique home decor, and artisanal goods, making it a vibrant destination for holiday gift shopping. The market also offers a lively atmosphere with seasonal treats and live music performances throughout the event.
Highlights:
- Shop for unique holiday gifts from over 100 vendors.
- Find vintage clothing, home decor, and artisanal goods.
- Enjoy a festive shopping experience with a lively atmosphere.
AA Stagg Music Boosters Fall Craft Show
Location: Palos Hills
Dates: November 15-16, 2025
At the AA Stagg Music Boosters Fall Craft Show, over 100 local crafters gather to showcase unique handmade gifts while supporting the AA Stagg Music Program. This festive community gathering promises a wide variety of crafts, including ornaments and holiday-themed items, along with food and warm beverages available from the concession stand. Attendees can also participate in a raffle with prizes donated by exhibitors.
Address: 8015 W. 111th Street, Palos Hills, IL 60465
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Shop for unique holiday gifts from over 100 local crafters.
- Support the AA Stagg Music Program through your attendance and purchases.
- Experience a festive community gathering with a holiday theme.
Home for the Holidays
Location: Oak Park
Dates: December 20
Downtown Oak Park celebrates the holiday season with the Home for the Holidays event, offering complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides and a Cocoa Walk featuring unique hot cocoa flavors from local coffee shops. Families can enjoy a charming atmosphere while meeting Santa Claus and participating in holiday-themed activities throughout the district.
Highlights:
- Experience the festive atmosphere of Downtown Oak Park during the holiday season.
- Enjoy unique hot cocoa flavors from local coffee shops.
- Take a charming horse-drawn carriage ride through the district.
Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration
Location: Chicago
Dates: December 6, 2025, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration offers a full day of free, family-friendly holiday activities across multiple locations in Hyde Park. Attendees can enjoy live ice carving demonstrations, ice skating with free rentals, and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with Santa Maui. The event features a variety of festive experiences suitable for all ages.
Address: Chicago, IL
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A full day of FREE, family-friendly holiday activities.
- Multiple locations across Hyde Park offering diverse festive experiences.
- Opportunities to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and even Santa Maui.
Jack Frost Christmas Holiday Pop-Up
Location: Chicago
Dates: Returns November 2025
Step into a winter wonderland at the Jack Frost Christmas Holiday Pop-Up in Chicago, where the heart of Fulton Market transforms into a dazzling North Pole escape. This immersive outdoor event offers a blend of festive activities, twinkling lights, and interactive experiences that capture the spirit of the season. Perfect for creating lasting holiday memories, it invites visitors to explore a magical landscape filled with joy and celebration.
Highlights:
- A festive pop-up event designed to bring the magic of the North Pole to visitors.
- Join the VIP list for festive updates and surprises as they bring the North Pole to you.
- Experience the magical transformation of the venue into a winter wonderland.
Roselle Winterfest
Location: Roselle
Dates: December 7
Roselle Winterfest kicks off the holiday season with a community celebration featuring live entertainment, kids' activities, and food trucks offering a variety of cuisine. Attendees can meet Santa at the Roselle Public Library, decorate gingerbread houses, and enjoy a festive parade route. The event is filled with activities suitable for families and holiday fun.
Highlights:
- Kick off the holiday season with live entertainment, kids' activities, and food trucks.
- Experience the magic of Santa Claus with special visits and a festive parade route.
- Enjoy a variety of food trucks offering soul food, pizza, shaved ice, and specialty drinks.
Ravenswood Holiday Craft Show
Location: Chicago
Dates: November 29-30, 2025
The Ravenswood Holiday Craft Show features over 100 local artisans and small businesses showcasing a vibrant array of unique Christmas gifts and seasonal decor. Shoppers can explore handcrafted items, food, fashion, home goods, and art, all while supporting local craftsmanship. The event emphasizes the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of local makers.
Highlights:
- A festive holiday market featuring local artisans and small businesses.
- Opportunity to find unique Christmas gifts and seasonal decor.
- A vibrant atmosphere celebrating local craftsmanship and entrepreneurship.
The One of a Kind Holiday Show
Location: Chicago
Dates: December 4-7, 2025: Thursday-Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 10am-5pm
Held at The Merchandise Mart, this premier holiday market features over 600 artisans offering one-of-a-kind handmade gifts across 20 diverse categories, including fashion, jewelry, home goods, and gourmet items. Visitors can explore a vibrant shopping environment while witnessing the stunning ART on THE MART digital projection that illuminates the building each evening.
Address: 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, 7th floor, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 312.527.4141
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Shop for one-of-a-kind, handmade holiday gifts from a curated selection of over 600 artisans.
- Find unique items across 20 categories, perfect for everyone on your list.
- Discover unique, handmade gifts from over 600 exceptional artists, designers, and makers.
Evanston Holiday Bazaar
Location: Evanston
Dates: November 21-23, 2025
The Evanston Holiday Bazaar at the Woman's Club of Evanston features over 50 curated artisan vendors offering a wide variety of handcrafted goods, including clothing, jewelry, and home decor. This annual event not only serves as a great shopping opportunity but also creates a festive environment ideal for finding unique holiday gifts.
Highlights:
- Kick off your unique holiday gift shopping at this annual tradition.
- Discover over fifty curated vendors offering a wide range of handcrafted goods.
- Experience a festive atmosphere perfect for finding one-of-a-kind presents.
Holiday Shopping Blitz
Location: Bartlett
Dates: December 5, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
The Holiday Shopping Blitz in Bartlett, IL is a vibrant holiday market featuring over 100 local artisans and crafters showcasing handmade gifts, seasonal décor, and unique creations perfect for the Christmas season. This festive event offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience where visitors can discover everything from handcrafted jewelry and gourmet treats to custom home décor, all while supporting community initiatives through a small donation at entry.
Highlights:
- Over 100 booths offering a unique shopping experience for holiday gifts and decor.
- A chance to support the Bartlett Parks Foundation with a small donation at the door.
- Discover unique handmade jewelry, cozy knitted items, and adorable pet products.
Christmas in the Square
Location: Lockport
Dates: Save the date for November 29, 2025!
Christmas in the Square at Lockport's Central Square features beloved holiday characters such as Santa and The Grinch, alongside live entertainment including dance performances and choirs. Visitors can also enjoy ice skating, festive food options from local vendors, and an awe-inspiring ice sculpture demonstration.
Highlights:
- Meet beloved holiday characters like Santa, The Grinch, and Buddy the Elf.
- Enjoy a day filled with live entertainment, including dance studios, carolers, and choirs.
- Browse a variety of festive food and drink options from local vendors.
Renegade Craft Fair Chicago Winter
Location: Chicago
Dates: December 20 + 21
The Renegade Craft Fair Chicago Winter transforms Morgan Manufacturing into a bustling indoor holiday marketplace, where over 170 independent artists and makers gather to showcase their original creations. Shoppers can explore a diverse array of handmade gifts, from contemporary jewelry and ceramics to artisanal food and fashion, all in a vibrant, community-driven setting. This festive event offers a unique opportunity to support local talent and discover one-of-a-kind treasures perfect for the season.
Address: 401 North Morgan, Chicago, IL
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Shop from over 170 curated artists offering unique, handmade holiday gifts.
- Experience a festive indoor market in Chicago's West Loop.
- Support independent creators and the creative economy.
West Ridge Treasures and Trinkets Holiday Bazaar
Location: Park Ridge
Dates: November 2, 2024
The West Ridge Treasures and Trinkets Holiday Bazaar at the Park Ridge Park District features a curated selection of handmade gifts and decorations from local artisans. Attendees can browse unique crafts and discover one-of-a-kind treasures perfect for holiday gifting while supporting small businesses.
Highlights:
- A curated selection of handmade holiday gifts and decor.
- The opportunity to support local artisans and small businesses.
- Browse unique handmade crafts and holiday decorations from local artisans.
Christkindlmarket Chicago
Location: Chicago
Dates: November 21 – December 24, 2025
Step into a winter wonderland at Christkindlmarket Chicago, a beloved holiday tradition that transforms Daley Plaza into a vibrant European-style village. With over 55 charming red-and-white booths, guests savor authentic German delicacies like bratwurst, roasted nuts, and spiced wine, while browsing handcrafted gifts and festive ornaments. The market dazzles with twinkling lights, live music, and family-friendly activities, offering a magical escape that blends Chicago spirit with Old World charm.
Address: 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- German-inspired annual Christmas market
- European eats including bratwurst, pretzels, and mulled wine
- Live holiday entertainment with free performances
Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville
Location: Chicago
Dates: November 23 – December 31, 2025
Step into a winter wonderland at Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, where the spirit of a traditional German Christmas comes alive in the heart of Chicago. Surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decor, visitors can savor authentic European treats, browse handcrafted gifts from local and international vendors, and enjoy live entertainment and seasonal activities. The market’s inviting atmosphere, complete with an ice-skating rink and towering Christmas tree, makes it a must-visit destination for holiday magic on the North Side.
Address: 3635 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- German-inspired Christmas market at Gallagher Way
- Extended hours during peak holiday season
- European eats and festive retail
Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in Chicago.