Best Holiday Markets In Chicago
By Jacqueline Runice
A strong argument can be made for retailers ruining the holidays with annoying ads, endless lines, parking woes and the same old stuff. When Christmas consumerism begins to get you down, bolt from the malls and head to the halls of holiday markets across Chicago.
Christkindlmarket
Washington and Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 494-2175
www.christkindlmarket.com
Date: Nov. 17 through Dec. 24, 2017
The cheery holiday institution since 1996 boasts three locations in 2017: the Daley Plaza original, Naperville and new this year, the Park at Wrigley so Loop workers, the suburban stroller crew and Wrigleyville bros won't have to hop an aircraft to reach Nuremberg, Germany, circa 1545. A visit to Daley Plaza can be part of an immersive downtown city holiday experience when you couple it with peeks at Macy's windows, holiday tea at local hotels or a Joffrey Nutcracker performance. All three markets feature hand-blown and painted ornaments; traditional German nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks and beer steins and many handicrafts. Indulge in sausages, schnitzel and strudel washed down with Glühwein. The Wrigley location offers an illuminated 8,000 sq. ft. ice rink, wreath making workshop and outdoor movies.
Beaux Arts Plumber's Hall
1340 W Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 666-1200
www.randolphstreetmarket.com
Date: Dec. 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wares from more than 125 vendors include antique, vintage and contemporary home décor, toys, housewares, jewelry, art, clothing, gourmet gifts and custom-made items. Browse impressive holiday floral centerpieces, luxury housewares and a bevy of handmade and artisanal fancy food like homemade caramels, marshmallows and chocolates. Shop the European-style market indoors on three levels then have a Bloody Mary, Modelo, Champagne or wine at the Market Bar with a tasty bite for lunch. There's free parking, gift wrapping, coat check and furniture delivery to downtown locations. Fans of the market include Nate Berkus and Sophia Bush.
The Mart, 7th Floor
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 527-4141
www.oneofakindshowchicago.com
Related: Best Places To Learn About Chicago History
HoliDose
401 N. Morgan
Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 972-8400
www.dosemarket.com/theholidose
HoliDose, an artisanal holiday-themed market, presents more than 120 of Chicago's top designers, artists and chefs who will offer an eclectic selection of jewelry, clothing, stuff for kids, textiles, bags, fragrance, confections and home furnishings. They'll be spinning holiday favorites and rock jams while you look for rosemary trees for the home chef, take in a gift wrapping or tag painting lesson, enjoy poeming on the spot with Poems While You Wait; and custom-stamp ornaments for friends and families of all faiths.
1800 W. Belle Plaine
Related: Best Unique Soup Spots In Chicago