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. From the Magnificent Mile to pop-up markets, Illinois Makers and other quaint shopping experiences beyond the city, read on to discover the best ways to enjoy the holiday shopping season.
The Magnificent Mile
Sleek Style
If you're looking to get all your holiday shopping sorted in one convenient stretch, look no further than Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Dining, lodging and entertainment combine with world-class shopping that includes flagship retailers and department stores with all your favorite brands. Nike, Lululemon, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Patagonia, Bloomingdales, Sephora, MAC, Apple, Pandora, Cartier and literally EVERYTHING in between.
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Water Tower Place
When you've shopped till you dropped at Water Tower Place relax by the Historic Water Tower while you plan your next stop.
Water Tower Place -
Restoration Hardware
RH is a gorgeous space filled with cozy seating and the beloved 3 Arts Club Café. Everything you see, eat or drink at RH–like stylish home decor, plush throws, or a nice bottle of wine—is for sale.
Restoration Hardware -
Sephora
Buying cosmetics and perfume is a high-tech, hands-on experience at Michigan Avenue’s flagship Sephora, filled with iPad stations that let you take beauty classes, experiment with products and then share your new look online.
Sephora
Macy's
Family Favorites
A December shopping trip to Macy’s State Street must begin with a peek at its animated outdoor holiday window displays. They’ve been a Chicago tradition for generations, dating back to when it was a Marshall Field’s store. Afterward, go inside and shop the eight-floor department store that encircles Macy’s 45-foot Great Tree. Snag gifts like Frango Mints (an old-school Chicago treat), Chicago sports team merchandise, and Chicago-themed Christmas ornaments.
Illinois Holiday Markets
Merchandise Mart
One of a Kind Holiday Show at the Merchandise Mart sells unique and eclectic work from 600 artists
Merchandise Mart
Christkindlmarket
Grab a bag of warm candied nuts coated with crispy cinnamon sugar and walk along rows of stands selling all sorts of items, including German-made products like cuckoo clocks, beer steins and sparkly ornaments.
Christkindlmarket
Hobnob Holiday Market
Check those gifts off your list as you shop 100+ vintage, handmade, & boutique vendors. (And don't forget some goodies just for you!). The Hobnob Holiday Market is an indoor market (so bad weather won't stop this event).
Hobnob Holiday MarketBeyond the Loop
ABT
Besides sitting in recliners, watching TVs, and eating the fresh-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookies they hand out on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the store has displays like an Olympic torch and one-of-a-kind spinning “TV windmill.”
ABT
Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Modern art displays draw shoppers’ eyes at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont, a giant designer outlet mall near O’Hare International Airport.
Fashion Outlets Chicago
Main Street Galena
Boasting half a mile of more than 125 independently owned shops and restaurants, Galena's Main Street is the perfect shopping destination for unique gifts and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Galena's Main Street