Now’s the time to start gathering your holiday gifts. Craft fairs are a great place to find unique and handmade items for everyone on your gift list. Our holiday family tradition always includes a visit to the Chicago Christkindlmarket. You can start your own holiday family fun tradition by supporting local artists.
Nov. 21 – Dec. 24
Chicago Daley Plaza. In the Chicago Loop between Washington, Clark & Dearborn Streets. This extensive market offers unique gifts with a European flair. Many of the products are handmade and cannot be found anywhere else. Look for classic German products like nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks and beer steins, along with toys, jewelry, clothes and wooden handicrafts. The market is also known for a wonderful assortment of savory and sweet foods. Don’t miss the chance to practice your German language skills with the vendors. For young ones, check out their online Kinder Korner for a schedule of family-friendly events and ideas on fun things to do at the market. More details.
Nov. 1, 10am-3pm
Park Ridge Senior Center. Handmade holiday crafts, sweaters, baked goods, treasures and much more is for sale at this fundraiser which supports the Senior Center. Lunch is available for purchase. More details.
Nov. 3, 9am-7pm
Highland Park, JCYS Lutz Family Center, 800 Clavey Rd. Shop for great gift items including jewelry, youth and adult clothing, one-of-a-kind custom décor and gifts, books, toys, housewares, stationery and more from over 30 unique and local vendors-all with price points to fit any family. Admission is free and complimentary childcare is provided from 11:30 am-5 pm.
Nov. 6-9 & 13-16; 10am-8pm Thur. & Fri., 10am-5pm Sat. & Sun.
Glenview, The Grove National Historic Landmark, 1421 Milwaukee Ave. A magnificent selection of contemporary crafts, distinctive accessories, unique seasonal decorations, personalized items and creative gifts from 75 + juried artisans from around the Midwest. Each building on the grounds has a different theme: Grannies Christmas Cottage (Redfield Estate), Sugar Plum Café (Program Barn), Holiday House (Kennicott House), Gingerbread House (Interpretive Center), Mistletoe Cabin (Kennicott Herb Shed).
Nov. 7-8, 6-9pm Fri., 9am-2pm Sat.
Lake Barrington Shores Golf Club, 40 Shoreline Rd. (New location for 2014 – all shoppers must enter on Rt. 59 between Miller & Kelsey Rd.) Approximately 20 talented vendors will be selling their unique items ranging from jewelry to holiday décor, from accessories to fine art, along with much, much more.
Nov. 8-9, 9am-5pm Sat., 10am-4pm Sun.
Barrington Park District, 235 Lions Dr. Take advantage of this mixed-media show of Chicagoland artists, featuring handmade jewelry, pottery, wood, photography, linens/fabric ware, florals, eggshell art, holiday decorations, fused/stained glass, and so much more. Don’t miss this annual tradition to shop for the upcoming holidays! Enjoy food and entertainment; handicap accessible. Free admission. More details.
Nov. 8, 9am-2pm
District 41’s PTO Holiday Extravaganza
Lake Villa, Palombi Middle School, 133 McKinley Ave. Celebrate the start of the holiday season! Shop, Eat, and Enjoy the Day! Pancake Breakfast 9am-11am; Crafts and Vendors 9am-2pm; Kids Holiday Shop 9am-2pm.
Nov. 15-16, 10am-4pm
Oak Brook, Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 York Rd. Talented local artists will be selling handcrafted Christmas decorations, unique jewelry, stained glass, pottery, and handwoven and knitted items. Specially selected ornaments, other great decorative items, and stocking stuffers will be for sale in the Mill’s gift shop. Decorated Christmas trees and strolling carolers add to the fun. Santa will stop by from 11am-1pm. Free admission.
Nov. 16, 9am-1pm
Lombard, Congregation Etz Chaim, 1710 S. Highland Ave. Get your holiday shopping off to a great start! Vendors include: Discovery Toys, Usborne Books, The Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple, Thirty-one Gifts, Longaberger, Dove Chocolate Discoveries, Tupperware as well as a variety jewelry, glasswork and accessory designers. You’ll also find the widest selection of Judaica in DuPage County.
Nov. 20-23, 11am-9pm Thur. & Fri., 9am-7pm Sat., 10am-5pm Sun.
Villa Park, Odeum Expo Center, 1033. N. Villa Ave. With hundreds of artisans at your service, there is truly something for every taste at this popular event – plan on making a day of it! One of the largest and longest running craft shows in the Chicago area! Food, refreshments and entertainment also available.
Nov. 26, 4-7pm
Mount Prospect Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson St. Explore the Mount Prospect Christkindlmarket, which welcomes an array of local vendors with creative gifts just in time for the holidays. The event is sponsored by the Mount Prospect Special Events Commission.
Nov. 28 – Dec. 14 open Th.-Sun., Dec. 18-24 open daily
Oakbrook Center, Rt. 83 & 22nd St. An outdoor holiday market featuring vendors from around the world who display hand-crafted ornaments, toys and unique holiday gifts as well as traditional German foods, sweets and beverages. Visit the new Village Green area near Crate & Barrel for a special selection of the German-American Holiday Market you have come to know and love. More details.
Dec. 2, 10am-2pm
Schaumburg Corporate Center Atrium, 1501 E. Woodfield Rd. Find the perfect gift at the Schaumburg Park Foundation Holiday Shopping Bazaar! A variety of items will be available for sale, including holiday and non-holiday items. Vendors sell jewelry, purses, and other products. Handcrafted items include textile goods, lamps, wood carvings, delicate items, and much more!