December in Chicago means one thing for shoppers, art lovers, and gift hunters: four days of extraordinary handmade finds at the city’s most beloved holiday market. The 25th anniversary edition of the One of a Kind Show runs from December 3 to 6, 2026, on the 7th floor of THE MART at 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza in Chicago, Illinois. With over 650 artists and makers on the floor, this is not an event you want to rush. Staying close to the venue makes the whole experience more relaxed, more enjoyable, and far easier to navigate.
This guide covers the best hotels near THE MART for the December 2026 show, ranging from connected luxury options to budget-friendly picks a short walk or train ride away.
Show Hours and Why Proximity Matters
Before choosing a hotel, it helps to know the show schedule. Hours run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, December 3 to 5, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 6.
Chicago in December can be cold and unpredictable. A hotel within walking distance of THE MART means you can drop off purchases, warm up, and return without battling the elements or paying for rideshares multiple times a day. It also means you are perfectly placed for dinner in River North after a long day on the show floor.
Hotels Directly Connected or Steps Away
voco Chicago Downtown – Riverwalk by IHG
This is the single most convenient hotel for show visitors. Voco Chicago Downtown – Riverwalk connects directly to THE MART via a skybridge, so you never have to step outside. Located on Wolf Point at the junction of the Chicago River’s three branches, the hotel offers stunning views of the Art Deco MART building and the Chicago River from its guestrooms.
The hotel sits within the same building complex as the Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown – The Mart, and the two properties share access to the skybridge connection. Voco’s rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, plush linens, and modern amenities. The Waterview Kitchen and Bar serves globally inspired American cuisine with skyline views. An indoor heated pool, a fitness center, and a 24-hour marketplace round out the on-site amenities. This is the top pick for any visitor who wants to treat themselves to the ultimate show-weekend convenience.
Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown – The Mart by IHG
Sharing the same building as Voco, the Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown – The Mart occupies a tower 15 stories above the Chicago River. It sits steps from River North and Fulton Market, with the skybridge connection to THE MART making it equally convenient for show visitors. The hotel offers a more accessible price point than its upscale neighbor while still delivering solid comfort and a prime location. Guests enjoy modern rooms, a fitness center, and direct access to the dining and nightlife of one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Best Hotels Within a Short Walk
| Hotel | Distance to THE MART | Best For |
| The Langham, Chicago | Under 5 min walk | Luxury travelers |
| Kinzie Hotel | Under 5 min walk | Boutique experience |
| Trump International Hotel and Tower | Under 5 min walk | Premium views |
| Hampton Inn and Suites Chicago Downtown | Under 10 min walk | Value comfort |
| The Godfrey Hotel Chicago | Under 10 min walk | Style-conscious travelers |
| Residence Inn by Marriott River North | Under 10 min walk | Extended stay and families |
| Fairfield by Marriott Inn and Suites River North | Under 10 min walk | Budget-friendly |
| Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North | Under 15 min walk | Families and suite travelers |
The Langham, Chicago
The Langham sits in a striking modernist tower directly across the Chicago River from THE MART. It is one of the finest luxury hotels in the city, with spacious rooms, an exceptional spa, an indoor pool, and service that matches its five-star reputation. The walk to THE MART takes just a few minutes across the bridge. For visitors who want the best of both elegance and proximity, this is the premium choice.
Kinzie Hotel
Kinzie Hotel is a boutique property in the River North neighborhood with a strong design identity and a loyal following. It sits very close to THE MART and offers a more personal feel than the large chain hotels nearby. Rooms are well designed with modern furnishings, and the hotel has a welcoming, neighborhood-bar atmosphere that works well for a December weekend in the city.
Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago
The Trump tower sits 0.74 kilometers from THE MART along the Chicago River. The hotel is one of the tallest in the city and offers some of the most dramatic riverfront views available in Chicago. Rooms are large and well-appointed, and the on-site restaurant offers excellent dining. It is one of the most luxurious choices in this area of downtown Chicago, and the walk to THE MART is short and scenic.
Hampton Inn and Suites Chicago Downtown
Hampton Inn and Suites Chicago Downtown sits within a comfortable walk of THE MART. It offers the consistency and reliability that travelers expect from the brand, with clean rooms, free breakfast, and a friendly atmosphere. For visitors focused on getting the most value from their trip without sacrificing location, this is a consistently strong choice.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Embassy Suites offers generous suite-style accommodations with separate living areas, making it an excellent option for families or anyone who wants more space than a standard hotel room provides. A free cooked-to-order breakfast is included, which helps keep costs down over a multi-day visit. The property sits in the River North area within reach of THE MART.
Budget-Friendly Options
Fairfield by Marriott Inn and Suites Chicago Downtown River North
Fairfield by Marriott River North offers reliable, clean accommodations at a competitive price point. The MART is within walking distance, and the hotel sits close to several CTA bus routes and the Merchandise Mart elevated train stop. Room options include suites with separate living areas and mini-refrigerators, which is handy for storing refreshments between show days.
Best Western River North Hotel
Best Western River North is one of the most affordable options in the neighborhood while still placing guests within easy reach of THE MART. The hotel consistently receives praise for its clean rooms, friendly staff, and practical amenities. It is a no-frills pick that serves show visitors well.
Getting There by Train
THE MART is directly accessible by the CTA elevated train. The Merchandise Mart stop on the Brown and Purple lines deposits visitors on the 2nd floor of the building itself. Therefore, guests staying in the Loop or along those CTA lines can skip the walk entirely. Many hotels in the Loop area, such as the Swissotel Chicago and LondonHouse Chicago, are well positioned for the train connection.
Additionally, the show’s own planning page notes that more than 5,000 parking spaces sit within a four-block radius of the building. Advance parking reservations through SpotHero are recommended to secure the best rates during the busy December weekend.
Conclusion
The One of a Kind Show 2026 runs December 3 to 6 at THE MART in Chicago, celebrating its 25th anniversary with over 650 artists and makers. Choosing the right hotel makes a meaningful difference across four days of winter shopping. Voco Chicago Downtown and the Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown – The Mart offer the most direct access via skybridge and are the top picks for convenience. The Langham, Kinzie Hotel, and Trump International provide premium options just steps away for those who want luxury alongside proximity. Hampton Inn and Suites, Embassy Suites, and Fairfield by Marriott deliver reliable comfort at more accessible price points. For budget travelers, Best Western River North remains a consistent performer. Whichever option fits your budget and style, booking early is essential. December in Chicago fills up fast, and a December weekend tied to a major event fills up even faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact dates and hours for the One of a Kind Show 2026?
The show runs December 3 to 6, 2026, at THE MART, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, 7th Floor, Chicago, IL 60654. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Which hotel is the closest to THE MART during the show?
Voco Chicago Downtown – Riverwalk by IHG and the Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown – The Mart by IHG are the two closest options. Both connect to THE MART via a covered skybridge, meaning guests never have to go outside to reach the show floor.
Is THE MART accessible by public transport?
Yes. The Merchandise Mart CTA elevated train stop on the Brown and Purple lines drops visitors directly on the 2nd floor of the building. Additionally, multiple CTA bus routes stop within four blocks of the venue, making public transport a practical option from most downtown hotels.
How far in advance should I book a hotel for the December show?
As early as possible. December is one of the busiest months for downtown Chicago hotels, and a major four-day event like this puts additional pressure on availability near THE MART. Booking two to three months in advance is strongly recommended to secure good rates and room availability.
Does the show offer any discounted hotel rates for visitors?
The One of a Kind Show’s official plan-your-visit page states that the show negotiates travel discounts and secures a limited number of reduced-rate hotel rooms for visitors. Check the official website at oneofakindshowchicago.com for the latest hotel partner details and discount codes when booking your December visit.