Getting to a major event in downtown Chicago takes a little planning. The One of a Kind Show Chicago 2026 runs from December 3 to 6 at theMART, located at 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza in the heart of the city. December weekends in Chicago bring heavy traffic, limited street parking, and cold weather. However, the venue sits in one of the most transit-accessible locations in the entire city. Whether you plan to drive, take the train, or hop on a bus, this guide gives you everything you need to arrive easily and stress-free.
The show takes place on the 7th floor of theMART. Hours run from 10am to 7pm on Thursday through Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday, December 6.
Venue Location and Address
theMART sits at the northern edge of the Chicago River, in the River North neighborhood. The official address is 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654. The building is bordered by Wells Street and Orleans Street on the east and west, and by Kinzie Street and the Chicago River on the north and south.
The location is central. It is within easy reach of the Loop, River North, and the West Loop. Additionally, the building connects directly to the CTA elevated train system, which makes it one of the most accessible large venues in Chicago for visitors coming from any direction.
Taking the CTA Train: The Easiest Option
The single best way to reach the show is by CTA train. The Merchandise Mart station sits directly on the second floor of theMART building. You step off the train and you are already inside. That is a major advantage in December, when cold winds off the Chicago River make outdoor walks genuinely uncomfortable.
The Brown Line and the Purple Line Express both stop at Merchandise Mart station. The Purple Line Express only operates during weekday rush hours, however, so most weekend visitors will use the Brown Line.
| Coming From | Route |
| O’Hare Airport | Blue Line to Clark/Lake, transfer to Brown Line, exit at Merchandise Mart |
| Midway Airport | Orange Line to Clark/Lake, transfer to Brown Line, exit at Merchandise Mart |
| The Loop | Brown or Purple Line directly to Merchandise Mart |
| Wrigleyville / North Side | Brown Line south to Merchandise Mart |
| Lincoln Park / Fullerton | Brown or Purple Line south to Merchandise Mart |
The Brown Line runs frequently throughout the day and evening on weekends. Therefore, you can arrive any time during show hours without long waits. A standard CTA fare is around $2.50 per ride with a Ventra card. Day passes and multi-day passes are also available for visitors making multiple trips.
Additionally, the station is fully accessible for passengers with disabilities. Elevators connect the platform to the building’s second floor.
CTA Bus Routes Near theMART
If the train is not convenient from your starting point, several CTA bus routes also serve the area. Two routes stop directly on Orleans Street, which runs along the west side of theMART.
- Route 37 (Sedgwick) stops on Orleans Street and provides a direct connection from the North Side and Lincoln Park
- Route 125 (Water Tower Express) runs during weekday rush hours only and connects the venue to Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile
For weekend visitors, Route 37 is the most useful bus option. Additionally, multiple other routes stop within a four-block walk, making the area well served by CTA buses from most parts of the city.
The Transit Chicago website at transitchicago.com provides a real-time trip planner. Simply enter your starting address and the tool will map the most direct route to Merchandise Mart station or the nearest bus stop.
Driving and Parking Near theMART
Driving to the show is possible, but December weekends in downtown Chicago mean heavier-than-usual traffic. If you do choose to drive, the good news is that more than 5,000 parking spaces sit within a four-block radius of theMART. The two most convenient garages are MartParc Wells and MartParc Orleans.
| Garage | Location | Key Detail |
| MartParc Wells | Kinzie Street and Wells Street | 750 spaces, 8’2″ height clearance, 24/7 access |
| MartParc Orleans | Orleans Street and Hubbard Street | Covered parking, staff on-site, 24/7 access |
Both garages accept cash and credit cards. For parking questions, contact theMART Parking Office directly at 312-347-3515.
Reserving your spot in advance is strongly recommended. SpotHero, the national parking reservations app, lists available spots near theMART and allows you to lock in a guaranteed space before you arrive. Rates through SpotHero typically start lower than walk-up garage rates. You can visit spothero.com or download the app to compare options and book ahead.
Street parking is available in the surrounding area but is limited to two hours and costs around $3.75 per hour. It is not a practical option for a full day at the show. Therefore, a garage reservation is the smarter choice if you plan to spend several hours browsing the more than 600 artists on the show floor.
Arriving from O’Hare and Midway Airports
Visitors flying into Chicago have two main airport options, and both connect well to theMART via CTA.
From O’Hare International Airport, take the Blue Line train toward the Loop. Exit at Clark/Lake station and transfer to the Brown Line. The Brown Line runs north toward Merchandise Mart, which is the first stop after Clark/Lake. The total journey takes approximately 45 to 50 minutes depending on train timing.
From Midway Airport, take the Orange Line toward the Loop. Exit at Clark/Lake and transfer to the Brown Line in the same way. This journey takes approximately 40 to 45 minutes.
Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are also widely available from both airports. However, rideshare prices during peak December weekend hours can be significantly higher than train fares. Additionally, downtown Chicago traffic on busy shopping weekends can extend rideshare travel times considerably.
Metra Commuter Rail Access
Visitors arriving from the Chicago suburbs by Metra also have a convenient option. Ogilvie Transportation Center and Union Station are both located approximately a ten-minute walk from theMART. Multiple Metra lines serve both stations, covering the north, west, and northwest suburbs.
Check the Metra website at metrarail.com for schedules and fares on your specific line. December weekend schedules can vary from weekday timetables, so reviewing the current timetable before your trip is a good idea.
Rideshare Drop-Off and Taxi Stand
If you prefer a rideshare or taxi, theMART has a dedicated taxi stand on the South Drive of the building. Rideshare drivers can also drop off and pick up at designated spots around the building perimeter.
During busy show days, rideshare wait times in the area may be longer than usual, especially in the early evening when many visitors leave at once. Planning your departure a little before or after the peak exit window of 6:30 to 7:00pm on show days helps avoid the rush.
Accessibility and Additional Tips
The show is fully wheelchair accessible. A limited number of complimentary wheelchairs are available inside the building on a first come, first served basis. Visitors who need one should ask at the Security Office on the first floor of theMART.
Coat and package check is available on the first floor of the building only. Given Chicago’s December temperatures, this is a practical convenience worth using when you arrive. It frees your hands for shopping and makes the experience much more comfortable.
Cyclists can also use theMART. Several bike racks are available around the complex for visitors, and secure bicycle storage in the underground parking area is available to tenants. December cycling in Chicago takes commitment, but the option exists for the determined rider.
Conclusion
Getting to the One of a Kind Show Chicago 2026 is straightforward with the right preparation. The CTA Brown Line remains the easiest, fastest, and most affordable option for most visitors, dropping you directly inside theMART on the second floor. Drivers have access to over 5,000 nearby parking spaces, with MartParc Wells and MartParc Orleans being the closest and most convenient garages — both bookable in advance through SpotHero. Suburban visitors can take Metra to Ogilvie or Union Station and walk over in ten minutes. The venue’s central downtown location means nearly every corner of the city connects to it efficiently. Plan your route before you go, dress for December weather, and arrive ready to enjoy one of Chicago’s most beloved holiday shopping events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get to the One of a Kind Show Chicago 2026?
The CTA Brown Line train is the easiest option. The Merchandise Mart station is located directly on the second floor of theMART building, so you step off the train and walk straight inside. It is convenient, affordable, and avoids any parking stress on busy December weekends.
Where can I park near theMART for the One of a Kind Show?
The two closest garages are MartParc Wells on Kinzie Street at Wells Street, and MartParc Orleans on Orleans Street at Hubbard Street. Both offer 24/7 access and are within easy walking distance. Booking in advance through SpotHero is recommended to secure a spot and save money.
How do I get to theMART from O’Hare Airport?
Take the Blue Line from O’Hare toward the Loop and exit at Clark/Lake station. Transfer to the Brown Line and ride one stop north to Merchandise Mart. The total trip takes around 45 to 50 minutes. It is the most affordable and reliable option from the airport.
Are there CTA bus routes that stop near theMART?
Yes. CTA Routes 37 and 125 stop on Orleans Street, directly beside the building. Route 37 runs on weekends and connects the North Side and Lincoln Park to theMART. Route 125 runs weekdays only. You can plan your bus trip at transitchicago.com.
Is theMART accessible by Metra from the suburbs?
Yes. Ogilvie Transportation Center and Union Station are both approximately a ten-minute walk from theMART and are served by multiple Metra lines covering the north, west, and northwest suburbs. Check current schedules at metrarail.com before traveling, as December weekend timetables may differ from weekday service.