There’s nothing we enjoy more than a day spent wandering between artist and vendor booths, especially when it’s time to start the process of purchasing holiday gifts. Here are some must-visit markets to add to your to-do list.
SOFA CHICAGO
Oct. 31 to Nov. 3
The Sculpture Objects Functional Art and Design Fair at Navy Pier follows on the heels of last year’s smash, the largest, most well-attended, and successful SOFA ever. This annual 3D art and design fair sees an average of 80 elite dealers selling $15-$20 million in artwork to more than 35,000 attendees. Truly a spectacle.
Randolph Street Holiday Market
Nov. 23-24, Dec. 14-15
Like an Etsy web page come to life! You’ll find tons of beautifully crafted decorative objects, fashions, art, gifts, and housewares at this monthly happening, with two holiday-themed markets in November and December. Don’t miss the local food vendors and bloody mary bar.
The Woman’s Club of Evanston Holiday Bazaar
Nov. 22-24
Don’t feel like driving downtown and dealing with parking? Then check out this juried gift fair in Evanston that features artists, gourmet goods, and makers of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts and keepsakes. Proceeds support local community grants to nonprofits, so it’s a win-win for all.
One of a Kind Holiday Show
Dec. 5-8
This gigantic holiday sale takes over an entire floor of the Merchandise Mart every December — it’s so popular that they’ve added a smaller spring market in April — and showcases jewelers, artists, fabricators, and craftspeople from all over. So whether you’re in the market for home furnishings, handwoven textiles, gourmet chocolates, hostess gifts, or a glamorous ensemble, you’re sure to find it.
Julie Chernoff, Better’s dining editor since its inception in 2007, graduated from Yale University with a degree in English — which she speaks fluently — and added a professional chef’s degree from the California Culinary Academy. She has worked for Boz Scaggs, Rick Bayless, and Wolfgang Puck (not all at the same time); and counts Northlight Theatre and Les Dames d’Escoffier International as two of her favorite nonprofits.
