Looking for the prefect gift, check out one of Chicago's Christmas markets and craft fairs.

Looking for the perfect gift, check out Chicago’s Christmas markets & craft shows.

November 29, 2009 by Cindy

If you are looking for one of a kind or handcrafted gifts, check out one of Chicago’s great Christmas Markets and craft fairs. Not only can you cross off a few gifts from your Christmas list, but you can also enjoy some family entertainment and seasonal munchies.

Plus, if you are looking for family friendly Christmas activities or the best place to visit the big guy in the red suit, check out my other to Holiday posts: “Looking for the best place to visit Santa in Chicago?” and “Jingle all the way to these fun family friendly holiday events in Chicago!”

Christkindlmarket Chicago – This annual German Christmas Market in Daley Plaza includes over 50 vendors that offer handcrafted gifts from around the world. You can also enjoy festive performances, gluhwein (spiced wine), bratwurst, schnitzel, potato pancakes and other German treats.

When – 11/27-12/23 11am-8pm (Sun-Thur) & 11am-9pm (Fri. & Sat.), 12/24 11am-4pm
Where – Daley Plaza (50 Washington St.)
Neighborhood – Loop
Cost – FREE

Lincoln Square Christkindl Market – If your idea of Chirstmas shopping includes sipping hot spiced wine, eating bratwurst and listening to german carolers; the 2nd annual German holiday market in Lincoln Square is the perfecet place for you.

When -12/4 from 12-10pm, 12/5 from 9am-10pm and 12/6 from 10am-7pm
Where – Lincoln Square (Lincoln Ave & Leland Ave.)
Neighborhood – Lincoln Square
Cost – $3 suggested donation for adults, children FREE

Irish Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale – While shopping for traditional Irish crafts, you can enjoy live Irish music, munch on yummy treats from the Jolly Holly Bake Shop, watch a performance on myths of ancient Ireland and a visit with Santa.

When – December 6 from 9am-3pm
Where – Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N. Knox Ave.)
Neighborhood – Irving Park
Costs – Bazaar is FREE (Breakfast $8 adults, $4 kids)

Julmarknad Christmas Bazaar- Shop for traditional Scandinavian and modern handicrafts and games, while enjoying a Lucia procession, folk dancers and kaffestuga.

When – December 5 from 10am-5pm and December 6 from 10am-4pm
Where – Swedish American Museum (5211 N. Clark St.)
Neighborhood – Andersonville
Cost – $2

Late Night Andersonville – For four hours stores and restaurants will be offering discounts on great gifts and meals. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and entertainment while you shop.

When – December 4 & 18 from 6-10pm
Where – Andersonville (Clark Street)
Neighborhood – Andersonville
Cost - FREE

Green Family Holiday Fair at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum- Enjoy a day of fun at the museum and shop for green products from more than 30 companies.

When – December 6 at 10am-5pm
Where – Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon)
Neighborhood – Lincoln Park
Cost – Free with Admission ($9 adults, $6 children 3+)

Bucktown Holiday Artshow

When – Decebmer 12 & 13 from 12-5pm
Where – Holstein Park (2200 N. Oakley Ave)
Neighborhood – Bucktown
Cost -$2

14th Annual Southport Holiday Stroll – Enjoy holiday carollers, horse-drawn sleigh rides and special shopping deals.

When – December 4 from 5-9pm
Where – Southport (between Belmont and Irving Park)
Neighborhood – Lakeview
Cost - FREE

Logan Square Holiday Art & Craft Event

When – Decenber 5 from 9am-6pm
Where – Good News Center (2156 W. Wellington)
Neighborhood – Logan Square
Cost - FREE

Indie Art Market – Check out great gift ideas by more than 30 local Chicago artist. Handcrafted art including jewelry, collages, sculptures, silkscreen prints, letterpress, zines, textiles, stationary and much more will be on sale.

When – Saturday, December 19th from 11am-4pm.
Where – Schubas (music room) – 3159 Southport
Neighborhood – Lakeview
Cost - FREE

One of a Kind Show & Sale – 500 of North America’s best artists and craftspeople

When – December 3-6
Where – The Merchandise Mart (8th Floor)
Neighborhood – Loop
Cost – $10 Adult, $7 Children

29th Annual Lambs Farm Holiday Lights Gift & Craft Fair – Choose from the fine art and craftwork of more than 350 vendors. Stop by the Lambs Farm booth for their famous butter cookies, chocolates and jams.

When – December 4-6 (Fri. 11am-9pm, Sat. 9sm-7pm, and Sun. 10am-5pm)
Where – Arlington Park Racecourse (2200 W. Euclid Ave.)
Suburb – Arlington Heights
Cost – adults $6, children FREE (+$6 parking)

Homespun Holiday Market at the Garfield Farm Museum - Shop for gifts made my local artisans and crafters. All proceeds go to the Garfield Farm. They will also have people in period clothing doing demonstrations in the museum.

When – December 5 & 6 from 12-7pm
Where – Garfield Farm (3NO16 Garfield Road)
Suburb – Lafox
Cost – Market is FREE ($3 adults, $2 children donation requested if you tour the museum.)