Holiday Markets near Chicago

Chicago's holiday market season is built around the Christkindlmarket, the German-style Christmas market that opens on Friday, November 20, 2026 at three sites: Daley Plaza in the Loop, Gallagher Way next to Wrigley Field, and RiverEdge Park in Aurora. All three are free to enter. Around them, the city's maker and antiques markets fill the weekends up to Christmas.

The three Christkindlmarkets

Daley Plaza is the classic, open daily through December 24. Wrigleyville is smaller (28 vendors) but stays open to December 31. Aurora is the largest, with 60-plus vendors. It opens Thursdays to Sundays only, and it's easier with a car and small children. Many vendors have traditionally been cash-only.

Makers, art and antiques

The Randolph Street Holiday Market in the West Loop brings antiques, vintage and art on November 14–15 and December 12–13. The One of a Kind Holiday Show fills the Merchandise Mart with hundreds of artists on December 3–6. For last-minute gifts, the Renegade Craft winter market in Bridgeport runs December 18–20.

In the suburbs

Geneva's Christmas Walk on Friday, December 4 has Santa Lucia lighting the Great Tree, carolers and late shopping downtown from 6 pm.