indieland's 30 Days of Christmas - Day 12 - Chicago Indie Weekend Guide, Holiday Edition! Dec 7-9

Discover and support independent and small businesses this holiday season!

The holiday markets are truly in full swing this weekend! There's no shortage of options for shopping small, indie, and local.

One of a Kind Show

December 6-9

This is the 18th Annual One of a Kind Show at Chicago's Merchandise Mart, but somehow, last year was my first time attending! And oh, I wish I had discovered it much sooner! The show includes more than 600 independent makers, which means that you may need more than one day at this show to properly take it all in. It is crowded at times, but well worth the trip and crowd navigation. Because we learned about them at this show last year, we highly recommend visiting Katherine Anne Confections, Jo Snow Syrups, Mohop, and Megan Lee Designs if you're there.

First Fridays Holiday Market - Revival Food Hall

Friday, December 7, 11AM-3PM

The December edition of First Fridays at Revival Food Hall will honor the holidays! The event will featuring a select number of entrepreneurs from The Hatchery Chicago. You can grab a drink while shopping at Revival Café-Bar and get food from RFH vendors, who will be open until 8pm.

Holiday Shopping at Moondance Chicago

Friday, December 7, 6:30PM-9PM

Moondance in Roscoe Village will stay open late this Friday evening for holiday shopping! All of your shopping will go toward a great cause: The Chicago Missions of the Daughters Charity. I found many great holiday gifts at Moondance last year, I'm sure you will too!

Southport Holiday Stroll & Cocktail Crawl

Friday, December 7, 3-7PM

The Southport Holiday Stroll is a West Lakeview tradition. Businesses on Southport (between Belmont and Irving Park) will stay open later and have special holiday deals and activities. The whole event is free and will also feature carol singers, photos with Santa, holiday treats, and more.

West Town Holiday Market Saturday, December 8, 11AM-6PM

Check out the inaugural West Town Holiday Market at Fifty/50! Local vendors will have one-of-a-kind products for sale, along with Victorian carolers from Lola Bard Productions and Santa Claus!

826CHI's Goods for Good Craft Fair

Saturday, December 8, 12PM-5PM

This is the second annual 826CHI Goods for Good Craft Fair, which supports 826CHI's tuition-free writing programs that serve over 3,500 Chicago students. Show your appreciation for their work by shopping cards, candles, textiles and more from some of 826CHI's favorite Chicago vendors. The event will also include complimentary cider and live holiday music!

Saturday Celebration in Wicker Park at Carpe Librum Chicago

Saturday, December 8, 1-5PM

Carpe Librum, a pop-up bookshop benefiting Turning the Page, is now open in Wicker Park and will host a celebration this Saturday. There will be interactive word games, presented by the David L. Hoyt Education Foundation, and hot chocolate and coffee from Firecakes Donuts. At 3 PM, you can enjoy some pizza from Lou Malnati's. Independent radio station CHIRP Radio 107.1FM will also be there all afternoon!

Grab books, CDs, and DVDs, all under $6. Proceeds from the book sales go to family engagement programs in public schools in North Lawndale.

Unabridged Bookstore Annual Holiday Party Saturday, December 8, 7-9PM

Unabridged Bookstore will host its annual holiday party on Saturday night, celebrating the store's favorite books of the year. In keeping with the literary theme, there will also be a literary photo booth! Attendees can enjoy live music, raffle prizes, booze, treats, and much more.

Covet Market: Holiday Edition

Sunday, December 9, 8AM-3PM

Produced by Chicago Woman magazine, Covet Market is a curated marketplace featuring more than 100 local "designers, purveyors, makers, and taste makers." There will also be food trucks, coffee, adult beverages, kids activities, and much more!

Enjoy your #indiechristmas shopping!

Let us know of any upcoming events supporting independents -- send an email to ourindieland@gmail.com.