Experience the joy of seeing every store decked out for the holidays as you check things off your list in style.
To compete with online retailers, brick-and-mortar stores in Chicago are making shopping more of an experience, and for the holidays, they’ve upped their game. Their goal? To make tackling your gift list much more enjoyable than sitting in front of a computer screen. Before you order online, check out some of these fun shopping experiences in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Holiday Shopping in Chicago
Truly Magical
Chicago's wide variety of shopping experiences make it the perfect spot to get some holiday gifts checked off your list. The city is home to a number of department stores, such as the Macy's on State Street, where visitors can shop eight floors of beloved brands, peek at their animated outdoor holiday window displays, and experience the magic of their 45-foot Great Tree. The city also has many local boutiques, as well as shopping malls where shoppers can walk through a number of beloved stores and brands.
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Water Tower Place
Water Tower Place is a Chicago landmark featuring over 70 stores, including American Girl Place, Nike, and the Disney Store. Beyond shopping, this seven-story mall offers an expansive selection of restaurants and entertainment, making it a vibrant destination for food lovers and fun-seekers!
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Magnificent Mile
For a one-stop destination for your holiday shopping, head to Chicago's famous Magnificent Mile. This vibrant area combines excellent dining, accommodations, and entertainment with top-notch shopping, featuring flagship retailers, boutiques, and beloved department stores.
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Merchandise Mart
Every year, Merchandise Mart holds their One of a Kind Holiday Show where over 600 artists, designers, and vendors sell unique, handmade gifts.
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The Shops at North Bridge
Located on the Michigan Avenue district, this stylish four-level shopping center has a wide variety of popular brands such as a flagship Nordstrom, Aesop, and MAC Cosmetics.
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Oak Street Shopping
Oak Street is Chicago's luxury shopping destination, featuring sought-after designer brands and stores along with popular restaurants and nightlife. The street has kept its historic feel, with its brownstone character remaining timeless throughout the years.
Oak Street Shopping
Christkindlmarket
A Chicago Tradition
Located in Aurora and Chicago, the Christkindlmarket has been a holiday tradition since 1996. The festive shopping market features rows of stands selling all sorts of items, including German-made products like cuckoo clocks, beer steins and sparkly ornaments. There is also plenty of delicious food items, where your palate can taste German street food, hot chocolate, pastries, and more.
Illinois Holiday Markets
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Hobnob Holiday Market
Located at the historic Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, the Hobnob Holiday Market is an indoor market that features 100+ vintage, handmade, & boutique vendors.
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The Galena Territory Holiday Market
Located in Galena, The Galena Territory Holiday Market is a picturesque spot where shoppers can find an array of winter decorations, homemade baked goods, and one-of-a-kind gift items.
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Champaign Mistletoe Market
The Mistletoe Market is an annual holiday tradition in Urbana-Champaign. Featuring a selection of local artists and artisans, there is a unique selection of shopping from small businesses.
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Rockford Merry Market
Located in Rockford, this festive indoor market features a variety of vendors, live music, and holiday cheer
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Illinois Product Holiday Market
Visit the Illinois product holiday market on Dec 6th-8th. Shop Illinois-made products, eat delicious food and wine and entertain the kids for hours.
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Alton Green Gift Bazaar
Located in Alton, this annual event features environmentally friendly gift ideas, many of which are made from upcycled or recycled materials.
Made Holiday Market
Located in Moline, the Made Market is a handmade and vintage market that features over 150 vendors. Find trendy boutiques, unique vintage items, and beautiful handmade goods.
Normal's Christkindl Market
Located in Normal, this indoor and outdoor holiday market includes holiday shopping from local vendors, photos with Santa, live performances, a beer garden, cookie decorating, and more.
Explore more Holiday Markets in Illinois
More Christmas markets in Illinois to find the perfect gift for anyone on your holiday shopping list, offering one-of-a-kind items in all shapes and sizes.
Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide
The 2024 Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide features one-of-a-kind products from amazing small businesses across the state and encourages travelers to shop small when purchasing gifts for the holidays.
Shopping on Galena's Main Street
Shopping on Galena's Main Street feels like you are stepping onto the set of a classic Christmas movie. The cobblestone street is lined with unique shops that feature festive holiday window displays and special finds. There are also cute coffee shops and restaurants along the way where you can cozy up against the fireplace and soak up the holiday cheer.
Unique Illinois Holiday Shopping
Luminary Lights - December 5th, 12th, and 19th
At Luminary Lights in Downtown Crystal Lake, the sidewalk shines with warm, glowing lights while shoppers enjoy some evening gift shopping and visits from Santa.
Galena Holidaze Festival - December 7th
At the Galena Holidaze Festival in downtown Galena, visitors can support local businesses by exploring the local artisans and food vendors. This family-friendly event also features Christmas caroling, a petting zoo, ice skating, and more.
Illinois Product Holiday Market - December 6th-8th
The Illinois Product Holiday Market in downtown Springfield is hosted by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and features a wide list of vendors, live music, tasty food and drinks, kid-friendly activities, and more.
Holiday Craft Fair - December 7th
The Holiday Craft Fair in Mount Vernon features over 40 crafters with handmade wood pieces, jewelry, blankets, decorations, stocking stuffers, and more.
Downtown Christmas Stroll - December 6th
The Downtown Christmas Stroll in Centralia's Historic Commercial District is a local favorite. Visitors can embark on an adventure to find hidden ornaments at participating stores where they can enter to win prizes. There are also horse-drawn carriage rides, live music, gingerbread house contests, and more.