Holiday Markets

St. Nick’s Fest

St. Nicholas was the 3rd century bishop whose gift-giving inspired Santa Claus; he rescued three low-income girls by paying their dowries in gold. In some European countries today, his day is when children receive gifts. St. Nicholas Church in Evanston celebrates December 3-6 with a “Night with St. Nick” at 7 p.m. Friday; a craft fair featuring handmade pottery, notecards, tree ornaments, knitwear, wood-turned bowls and more 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; a raffle and Mexican gourmet food to go at its Pope John XXIII School Cafeteria and Oldershaw Hall (1108 & 1120 Washington St.).

The Andersonville Winter Market

The Andersonville Winter Market on Catalpa Avenue, 3-8 p.m. December 3, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. December 4 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. December 5. Highlights include over 20 independent artists, Swedish food vendors, photos with Santa, lighting Andersonville’s Menorah on Sunday along with Drag Queen Story Time. Free to all ages.

Andersonville Late

Andersonville Late nights this year will be Friday December 3 and 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. Select local businesses will hand out cookies, cider and offer discounts. To find out more, please visit andersonville.org

Julmarknad

Julmarknad is the Swedish American Museum’s (5211 N.Clark St.) Christmas Bazaar! Traditional Scandinavian and modern handicrafts and food will be available from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, December 4 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m, Sunday, December 5. Santa will also pay a visit. Free admission, but donations accepted.

St. Lucia Day

On St. Lucia Day December 13, girls age 5 to 24 will form a procession from the museum at 5 p.m.

Made in Chicago Holiday Market

This year’s Made in Chicago Holiday Market will take place virtually from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. December 4. This market features candles, bath and body products, stationery, Chicago clothing and art, and clothes. The virtual event will allow you to meet some of the makers and enter for a chance to win some free giveaways! Madeinchicagomarket.com

The Handmade Market

The Handmade Market noon-4 p.m. December 11 at the Empty Bottle, (1035 N. Western Ave.). This market is only open on the second Saturday of each month, so be sure to visit! Vendors specialize in handmade jewelry, hand-poured candles, art decor, accessories, and more. Free admission.

The Chicago Artisan Market

The Chicago Artisan Market 10 a.m.-4 p.m. December 12 at Morgan Manufacturing, (401 N. Morgan St.). The market specializes in food, fashion, home goods and art. Tickets are $8 and must be purchased ahead of time at chicagoartisanmarket.com Cocktails are available for an additional price.

The Oak Park River Forest House Walk

The Oak Park River Forest House Walk is virtual again this year from Dec. 10 - Jan. 10. It is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Infant Welfare Society, which provides medical, dental, and mental health care for those who are unableto afford it. There is also a monthlong raffle for a $10,000 prize. Raffle tickets and access to the virtual house walk start at $55 and can be purchased on childrenscliniciws.org.

Martyr's Krampusfest

The 8th annual Martyr's Krampusfest is back from noon to 6 p.m. December 11 at Martyrs' (3855 N. Lincoln Ave.). Krampusfest features German food and Glühwein, and the Krampuslauf costume contest for the naughty character. There will also be an artisan market that offers German street food, baked goods, and more. Free admission for shoppers.

Renegade Chicago

Renegade Chicago returns on December 18 and 19 from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. at the Revel Fulton Market, (1215 W. Fulton Market). Renegade vendors are all independent artists and business owners. Items at this year’s craft fair include aromatherapy oils, macrame potholders, paint brush holders, plant-based makeup and soaps. A small donation is encouraged to benefit The Nature Conservancy.

The Sauced Night Market

The Sauced Night Market presents The Night Market Before Christmas, 5-10 p.m. on December 9 and 10 at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel (12 S. Michigan Ave.). Sauced is an “underground” market that features up and coming chefs and artists, as well as food, drinks, and a live DJ. The market is free and welcomes visitors of all ages.

Randolph Street Holiday Market

This year’s Randolph Street Holiday Market will take place 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. on December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19 at 830 N. Michigan Ave. This market is filled with champagne, costumes, vintage clothes for everyone, surprise goody bags, food, and more. Tickets cost $10 for each weekend or $25 for all 3 weekends and are available at randolphstreetmarket.com. Children under the age of 12 get in for free.

Chicago Fair Trade

Chicago Fair Trade’s 8th annual pop up is open through December 24 at 5228 N. Clark St. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues-Thurs; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri-Sat; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun; closed Mondays. All of the products sold are ethically made, from fuzzy socks, to toys, clothes, and home goods. Food available for purchase on-site. Free admission.

The Christkindlmarkets

The Christkindlmarkets are back for the upcoming holiday season, everyday through December 24. The two locations this year are at Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington St.) and in Wrigleyville (3635 N. Clark St). Hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (except on Fridays and Saturdays when they close at 10 p.m.). Over 50 vendors offer candles, ornaments, clothing, pastries, food, and more! Christkindlmarket is inspired by the 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, which was one of the first outdoor holiday markets.

The Evanston Art Center

The Evanston Art Center at 1717 Central St. is hosting a Winter Arts and Crafts Expo December 4-20. Featured media include jewelry, ceramics, fiber, metal, glass, painting, photography, and more, with student work included. Hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon-Thurs; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat & Sun.