CHICAGO — It's time to start getting gifts for the holidays, but you don't have to leave the city or break the bank to find the perfect presents.
Chicago has a ton of markets and fairs that ensure your holiday shopping doesn't have to be stressful. You can head to Christkindlmarket to grab a boot mug or stop by the Renegade Craft Fair to get your face painted while you look for the perfect gifts.
Check out DNAinfo Chicago's guide to holiday markets and fairs, from the city's blockbuster events to smaller neighborhood events with plenty of local vendors:
What: You can get 20 percent off the online price for CTA merchandise during a sale on Friday. Now's the time to snag a Blue Line train ornament.
When: 2 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday
Where: CTA Headquarters, 567 W. Lake St.
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
Mercado Navideño - Christmas Market
What: You can pick up Christmas ornaments, T-shirts, jewelry and more at the Mercado Navideño. Museum members get a 30 percent discount on all merchandise.
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday
Where: National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St.
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
What: This open-air market includes a variety of vendors, traditional German food and drink (and the beloved boot mugs!), plus entertainment.
When: Open through Dec. 24. Hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, with special hours on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, when it will operate between 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
What: There will be light displays, music, a parade down Michigan Avenue and more to get you excited for the holidays. More than 200 trees will be lit along the Magnificent Mile.
When: Starts 11 a.m. Saturday
Where: Lights Festival Lane is at Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave.
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
What: Show of Hands is a craft show with a focus on independent design and high-end products.
When: The preview is 5-9 p.m. Friday and the show is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Architectural Artifacts, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave.
Admission cost: Tickets to the preview are $10 (admits two). Admission is free during the Holiday Show.
Read more: Click here
What: Folk and craft art made from recylced materials will be on sale at this fair.
When: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Broadway Armory Park, 5917 N. Broadway Ave.
Admission cost: Free
Lizard's Liquid Lounge Holiday Craft Fair
What: You can get a cocktail while buying holiday gifts made by local artists at the craft fair.
When: 1-7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Lizard's Liquid Lounge, 3058 W. Irving Park Road
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
Chicago Market Thanksgiving Pop-up
What: You can buy food from local, sustainable vendors to prep for those big holiday meals.
When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Foxhole, 2444 W. Montrose Ave.
Admission cost: Free (but online RSVP required)
Read more: Click here
Randolph Street Holiday Market Festival
What: You can get art, jewelry, clothing and more at the market, with vendors across three floors.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through Dec. 13
Where: 1340 W. Washington St.
Admission cost: General admission is $8 online.
Read more: Click here
Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar and Farmers Market
What: There's a bar, brunch and holiday shopping from local vendors.
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
Where: The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave.
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
What: Chicago's official (and rather large) Christmas tree will be lit at a special ceremony.
When: 6 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Millennium Park near Michigan and Washington
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
What: Singing groups from across the city will participate in carols at Cloud Gate (aka the Bean).
When: 6-7 p.m. Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11, 18
Where: Cloud Gate in Millennium Park
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
What: Dozens of local, independent artists will sell their wares at the Late Late Craft Show. Shoppers can also drink, eat and listen to live music.
When: 5-11 p.m. Nov. 27
Where: Mrs. Murphy & Sons, 3905 N. Lincoln Ave.
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
Chicago Fair Trade Holiday Pop-up Shop
What: Sample food, buy hand-made goods and support local businesses at the pop-up shop.
When: Noon-7 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays; and noon-5 p.m. Sundays; Nov. 27-Dec. 23. Closed Mondays except Dec. 21.
Where: 2031 N. Damen Ave.
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo
What: Check out the light displays at Lincoln Park Zoo when Zoo Lights opens Nov. 27.
When: 4:30-9 p.m. Fridays-Sundays from Nov. 27-Dec. 13. Nightly Dec. 14-Jan. 3, except Dec. 24-25.
Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St.
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
What: Attendees can support local businesses, browse pop-up stores and take a Jolly Trolley tour of West Town shops on Division, Chicago and Grand. There will be six stops on the tours.
When: Noon-7 p.m. Nov. 28
Where: Trolleys depart from Eurofurniture, 2145 W. Grand Ave.
Admission cost: Festival attendance is free, but the trolley tours are $15 per person online.
Read more: Click here
Edgewater Chamber's Holiday Hunt
What: You can explore stores along the Broadway business corridor and try to find goodie bags (each valued at more than $40) during the Holiday Hunt.
When: Starts Nov. 28 and lasts five weeks
Where: Businesses in the Broadway business corridor in Edgewater
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
What: You can meet with Santa, buy holiday gifts and check out the area's art during Logan Square's Holidays on the Square.
When: 11 a.m. Dec. 5
Where: Locations throughout Logan Square (with a pop-up shop at Fleur, 2651 N. Milwaukee Ave., for those who need holiday gifts)
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
What: Not into the idea of Cyber Monday? You can color holiday cards, write haikus, make ornaments and more at the the Analogue Shop.
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 5
Where: Allis lobby space in the SoHo House, 113-125 N. Green St.
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
Seeds of Change Marketplace: Fair Trade & Winter Farmers Market
What: There will be clothing, oils, coffee, soaps, toys and more to buy at this fair. There will also be crafts for kids and family activities.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 5
Where: Berry United Methodist Church, 4754 N. Leavitt St.
Admission cost: Free
Chicago Printmakers Collaborative Small Print Show
What: Need a gift for the artist in your life? Stop by to buy prints from a variety of artists.
When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 5-6
Where: 4921 N. Western Ave.
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
What: You can pick up a free potted succulent, get your face painted and pick up gifts at the Renegade Craft Fair.
When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 5-6
Where: Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th St.
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
Chicago's Irish Christmas Market
What: You can celebrate Christmas the Irish way with food, gifts, entertainment and more.
When: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 12-13
Where: North Center Town Square, 4100 N. Damen Ave.
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
What: Grab your holiday goods from small businesses in the Jarvis Square area at this fair.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 12
Where: R Public House, 1508 W. Jarvis Ave.
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
What: Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift? You can snag an original work of art from locals at the ArtShow.
When: Noon-5 p.m. Dec. 12-13
Where: Holstein Park Fieldhouse, 2200 N. Oakley Ave.
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
Chicago Art Girls Holiday Pop-up Shop
What: You can support women artists, donate to help a food pantry and buy artsy gifts at the pop-up shop.
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 12-13
Where: Alexander Graham Bell Elementary School, 3730 N. Oakley Ave.
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
What: You can shop, eat and hang out at Dose Market's special Holidose event.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 13
Where: Morgan Manufacturing, 401 N. Morgan St.
Admission cost: Tickets are $10 each online.
Read more: Click here
What: Feeling ritzy? You can sit for professional photos, pick up bamboo photos and more at the craft fair.
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 13
Where: Waters Elementary, 4540 N. Campbell Ave.
Admission cost: Free
Read more: Click here
This guide will be updated with more markets, fairs and events. Think we missed something? Let us know in the comments.
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