Greetings friends and fellow explorers! Accept my apologies for neglecting you for such an extended time. I fell victim to my own clumsiness and one of my writing arms has been [and still is] trapped in a plaster cast. While my typing skills have been negatively impacted, fear not, for my exploration aptitude is intact.
I like to play crafty at Christmastime, but if I can’t make gifts myself I enjoy purchasing them from much craftier people. There is such a community of uniquely talented craftspeople in Chicago, and I love perusing the various markets, especially when I can use the holidays as purchase validation. This season, I will be venturing out to the following holiday markets:
Lincoln Square Christkindl Market
I have yet to visit either “traditional” German 
holiday market, but the Lincoln square location just feels more authentically appealing than the Daley Plaza version. I am hoping this weekend’s weather holds a winter romp for me in this historically German neighborhood. Beer, brats, and buying things?…done.
December 3-5, hours vary
Located at Leland and Western
$3 Adult Donation
Handmade Market
If you can undertake a trek out of your house between October and April I recommend the Empty Bottle on the second Saturday of each month. The small and intimate layout encourages strolling and chatting with the thirty or so vendors. You are at the Empty Bottle so expect an alt. vibe. I picked up some unique jewelry gifts here last holiday season and can’t wait to find more. If you are not into it, the bar begins serving PBRs at noon.
December 11, 12 – 4pm
1035 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60622
FREE
Renegade Craft Fair
I am a huge fan of the Renegade Craft Fair and am particularly thrilled to check out the holiday version this year. At around 150 vendors, the degree of talent and variety is impressive and there are gems to be had for everyone. Among other things, expect to find jewelry, knitwear, and paper crafts with an indie aura. Food, drink, and jams are available, not to mention an ornament-making workshop.
December 4 -5, 11am – 7pm
Pulaski Park Fieldhouse
1419 W. Blackhawk St.
Chicago, Illinois 60622
FREE
Jessica Mlinaric founded Urban Explorer in 2010 to inspire curious travelers by highlighting history, culture, and hidden gems in Chicago and beyond. She is the author of ‘Secret Chicago’ and ‘Chicago Scavenger.’ Jessica has visited 20+ countries and 30+ U.S. states. She has more than 16 years of experience as a marketing strategist and works as a freelance writer and photographer.
