Chicago's Best Christmas Markets: A Guide to Holiday Shopping

Chicago is the largest city in the state of Illinois, and it is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and world-class attractions. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago has a diverse population and a rich history. It is home to a variety of museums, theaters, and other cultural institutions, as well as a thriving culinary scene. The city is also known for its iconic architecture, including the Willis Tower, the second-tallest building in the United States.

Chicago is known for its vibrant holiday spirit, and one of the best ways to experience it is by visiting the city's many Christmas markets. These markets offer a wide variety of holiday-themed products, from traditional decorations to handmade gifts and delicious treats. Here is a guide to some of Chicago's best Christmas markets:

  • Christkindlmarket: Located in Daley Plaza, this market is a beloved Chicago tradition. It features a wide variety of vendors selling traditional German food, drinks, and gifts. Don't miss the glühwein, a warm and spicy mulled wine, and the delicious gingerbread cookies.
  • Winter WonderFest: This market is held at Navy Pier, and it offers a wide range of holiday activities, from ice skating and carnival rides to live entertainment and shopping. In addition to the usual holiday fare, you can also find unique gifts at the artisan market.
  • Holiday Folk Fair International: This market celebrates the diverse cultures that make up Chicago, with vendors selling traditional crafts, foods, and decorations from around the world. It's a great way to experience the holidays in a global context.
  • One-of-a-Kind Show: Held at the Merchandise Mart, this market features a wide variety of handmade and unique items, making it the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones.
  • Magnificent Mile Lights Festival: This annual event takes place along the Magnificent Mile, one of Chicago's busiest shopping districts. The festival features a parade, live music, and, of course, lots of holiday shopping opportunities.
  • Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce Christmas Tree & Artisan Market: Located in Lincoln Square, this market features a wide variety of local vendors selling handmade and unique gifts, as well as a beautiful Christmas tree.
  • The Christkindlmarket at Wrigleyville: This offshoot of the original Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza offers the same traditional German holiday atmosphere but with the added bonus of being located near Wrigley Field.
  • The Pop-Up Holiday Market at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel: This market is held in the beautiful lobby of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, and it offers a curated selection of local artisan goods, as well as live music and other festive activities.
  • The Randolph Street Holiday Market: This market, held at the historic Chicago Plumbers Hall, features a wide variety of vintage and handmade items, as well as food and drink vendors.
  • The Andersonville Holiday Walk & Winter Market: This annual event features a holiday-themed market, as well as special offers and events at local businesses in the Andersonville neighborhood.
  • Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce Christmas Tree & Artisan Market: Located in Lincoln Square, this market features a wide variety of local vendors selling handmade and unique gifts, as well as a beautiful Christmas tree.
  • The Christkindlmarket at Wrigleyville: This offshoot of the original Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza offers the same traditional German holiday atmosphere but with the added bonus of being located near Wrigley Field.
  • The Pop-Up Holiday Market at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel: This market is held in the beautiful lobby of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, and it offers a curated selection of local artisan goods, as well as live music and other festive activities.
  • The Randolph Street Holiday Market: This market, held at the historic Chicago Plumbers Hall, features a wide variety of vintage and handmade items, as well as food and drink vendors.
  • The Andersonville Holiday Walk & Winter Market: This annual event features a holiday-themed market, as well as special offers and events at local businesses in the Andersonville neighborhood.
  • The Holiday Artisan Market at the Beverly Arts Center: This market, held at the Beverly Arts Center in the Beverly neighborhood, features a wide variety of local artists and makers selling their handmade creations.
  • The Logan Square Holiday Bazaar: This annual event, held at the Logan Square Auditorium, features local vendors selling a wide variety of handmade gifts and holiday treats, as well as live music and other festive activities.
  • The Winter WonderFest at the Chicago Botanic Garden: This market, held at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, features local vendors selling handmade gifts, as well as a variety of holiday activities and events.
  • The Holiday Pop-Up Market at the Garfield Park Conservatory: This market, held in the beautiful Garfield Park Conservatory, features a curated selection of local artisans selling handmade gifts and holiday decorations.
  • The Winter Market at Plant Chicago: This market, held at Plant Chicago in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, features local vendors selling handmade gifts and sustainable products, as well as live music and other festive activities.

No matter which market you choose to visit, you're sure to find plenty of holiday cheer in Chicago. With our Chicago car service, you can easily navigate through holiday traffic. Happy shopping!

Posted on Dec 15 2022