Five Things To Do in Chicago: Dec. 12–14, 2025

Winter weather has arrived! Layer up, follow the holiday lights, and catch a few can't-miss events this weekend.

Spend the day at the Holiday Fair.
The Chicago Waldorf School's Holiday Fair returns with its sprawling mix of artisan vendors, family activities, and student performances filling nearly every corner of the campus. The longtime event functions as a full indoor market, with stalls ranging from ceramics and jewelry to textiles, thrift finds, and small-batch food goods. Families can rotate between craft stations — candle dipping, silk dyeing, gnome making — before stopping for soup, quiche, or fresh pastries at the food counters. Enjoy live music, a puppet play, and an Alumni Room for a bit of nostalgia.

Date: Dec. 13
Time: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Chicago Waldorf School, 5200 N. Ashland Ave.
More Info: chicagowaldorf.org

Celebrate Kwanzaa Our Way.
Africa International House hosts a day of performances, fashion, and community programming for Kwanzaa Our Way, part of its annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration and Marketplace. Programming runs wide with line dancing sessions, music sets, vendor displays, cultural demonstrations, and more. Browse the marketplace between performances or settle in for curated presentations highlighting creativity and heritage.

Date: Dec. 12
Time: 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
Cost: $10
Location: Grand Ballroom, 6351 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
More Info: aihusa.org

Make someone's day at The Market Shop Holiday Market.
This year's event blends a maker fair with a charitable focus in support of Chicago Children's Charities. More than 50 local vendors will fill the day with handmade goods, from food to ceramics, art, accessories, and other giftables. Rotate between live music, snack stops, and a card-making station stocked with supplies for handwritten notes destined for children spending the holidays in hospitals across the country.

Date: Dec. 13
Time: 10–4 p.m.
Cost: Donation Based
Location: Chez Venue, 247 E. Ontario St.
More Info: themarketshopevent.com 

Have fun at #PictureMeInTaiwan.
Union Station's Great Hall is filled with themed booths, hands-on workshops, and travel-focused activities for a one-day showcase of Taiwanese culture. Visitors can cycle between presentations, performances, and quick-hit games, from DIY pin badges and paper hat making to Taiwanese pinball and balance challenges. Strike a pose at the photo stations, enjoy free snacks and giveaways, and participate in a raffle for two round-trip flights courtesy of EVA Air and China Airlines. 

Date: Dec. 13
Time: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Chicago Union Station, 501-515 W. Jackson Blvd.
More Info: luma.com 

Shop for gifts at the SAUCED Night Market.
SAUCED Night Market returns to the Chicago Athletic Association for a two-night run packed with vendors, cocktails, and a curated experience. More than 40 makers will set up shop selling ceramics, food, jewelry, vintage items, and more. Weave through the hotel's halls with a fun drink or snack in hand, and get all of your holiday shopping done under one roof. 

Date: Dec. 12–13
Time: 5–10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Chicago Athletic Association, 12 S. Michigan Ave.
More Info: tixtree.com