Chicago’s favorite holiday shopping event is back for its 25th edition. This December, over 600 artists, designers, and makers will fill the 7th floor of the historic Merchandise Mart with thousands of handmade gifts, original artwork, gourmet foods, and one-of-a-kind treasures. It is four days of holiday magic, and getting your ticket is easier than you think.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about buying tickets, understanding ticket types, getting to the venue, and making the most of your visit.
Event Overview: Dates, Venue and Hours
The One of a Kind Holiday Show Chicago 2026 takes place from Thursday, December 3, through Sunday, December 6, 2026. The show runs on the 7th Floor of THE MART, located at 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654.
| Day | Date | Hours |
| Thursday | December 3, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Friday | December 4, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | December 5, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Sunday | December 6, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the holiday edition. Organizers have confirmed over 650 artists for this edition, making it the largest holiday lineup in the show’s history.
Ticket Types and Pricing
Ticket pricing for the December 2026 edition ranges from $12 to $80. The range reflects the different admission tiers available to visitors, from standard entry to premium experiences.
| Ticket Type | Price Range | What It Includes |
| General Admission | From $12 | Entry to all four days with re-entry privileges |
| Adult Admission (12+) | From $15 | Standard full-access admission for adults |
| VIP or Premium Tier | Up to $80 | Early entry, exclusive perks, lounge access |
One of the best features of the ticket is its re-entry policy. A single ticket grants you access to all four days of the show. You can leave, come back the next day, and keep returning throughout the entire event at no additional cost. This makes the ticket exceptional value, especially if you plan to shop across multiple visits.
Children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult, making this an ideal family outing.
Where to Buy Tickets
The primary and most reliable place to buy tickets is the official show website at oneofakindshowchicago.com. Buying online gives you access to all available ticket tiers, lets you choose the right option for your group, and avoids any box office queues on the day.
Additionally, tickets have historically been available through third-party platforms such as TodayTix and Groupon. These platforms occasionally offer discounted rates or bundled deals, so checking them before you purchase can save money.
Tickets are also available at the box office on the day of your visit. However, online prices tend to be lower, and popular tiers sometimes sell out before the event. Therefore, booking in advance online is the smartest move for anyone planning to attend.
If you are on the email list for the show, watch your inbox carefully in the weeks leading up to the event. Early-bird discounts and limited-time promotional codes are regularly distributed to subscribers before general sale opens.
Getting to THE MART
THE MART is one of the best-connected venues in Chicago, which makes getting there straightforward regardless of how you travel.
By CTA, take the Brown or Purple Line to the Merchandise Mart stop. The station sits directly on the 2nd floor of the building, making it one of the most convenient train-to-venue connections in the city. Multiple CTA bus routes also stop within four blocks of THE MART, giving you plenty of public transit options.
By car, more than 5,000 parking spaces are available within a four-block radius of the venue. The nearest parking garages are Mart Parc Wells and Mart Parc Orleans. The show organizers recommend booking parking in advance through SpotHero to secure your spot and lock in a better rate. You can contact the Parking Office directly at 312.347.3515 for oversized vehicle options.
By Metra, several Metra lines connect to downtown Chicago stations within easy walking distance of THE MART. If you are traveling from the suburbs, this is often the most relaxed and cost-effective option.
What to Expect Inside the Show
The December edition of the show features over 600 jury-selected artists and makers presenting their work across more than 20 product categories. Visitors can shop directly from the people who made the products, ask questions, learn about techniques, and find gifts that simply do not exist anywhere else.
Product categories include:
- Jewelry and accessories
- Fine art, painting, and photography
- Ceramics and glass
- Fiber art, fashion, and clothing
- Home décor, furniture, and wood works
- Gourmet foods and specialty pantry items
- Sculpture and mixed media
- Toys, paper art, and stationery
- Bath and body products
- Holiday gifts and seasonal items
Beyond shopping, the show also features food and drink vendors, hands-on workshops, and live music throughout all four days. The atmosphere feels less like a trade fair and more like an indoor winter festival. Many visitors return year after year not just to shop, but to enjoy the whole experience.
Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors
A little preparation goes a long way at a show of this size. Here are practical tips to help your visit run smoothly:
- Buy your ticket online before you go. You save time at the door and often pay less than the walk-up price.
- Arrive early on Thursday or Friday. Weekends, especially Saturday, draw the largest crowds. A weekday visit gives you more breathing room with artists.
- Bring cash and cards. Many artists accept both, but having cash on hand speeds up small purchases and sometimes unlocks a small discount.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The 7th floor of THE MART covers a large space, and you will spend most of your visit on your feet.
- Bring a reusable bag. You will shop more freely knowing you have something sturdy to carry your finds.
- Download the SpotHero app before you drive. Reserving parking in advance from home is faster and cheaper than arriving without a plan.
- Sign up for the show’s email list at oneofakindshowchicago.com. Subscribers often receive early access to tickets and promotional discounts weeks before general sale begins.
Conclusion
The One of a Kind Holiday Show Chicago 2026 runs from December 3 to 6 at THE MART, 7th Floor, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza in Chicago. This is the 25th anniversary of the December edition, with more than 650 jury-selected artists taking part. Tickets start at $12 and go up to $80 for premium experiences. A single ticket covers all four days with full re-entry privileges. The best place to buy tickets is the official website at oneofakindshowchicago.com, though third-party platforms also carry them. Getting there is easy by CTA Brown or Purple Line, car with pre-booked parking through SpotHero, or Metra. Inside, visitors find 20-plus categories of handmade goods, food vendors, live music, and hands-on workshops across four festive days. Book your ticket early, arrive on a weekday for a quieter experience, and come ready to find gifts that cannot be found anywhere else.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the One of a Kind Holiday Show Chicago 2026?
The show runs Thursday, December 3, through Sunday, December 6, 2026, on the 7th Floor of THE MART, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654. Thursday through Saturday hours are 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
How much do tickets cost and where can I buy them?
Ticket prices range from $12 to $80 depending on the admission tier. General admission starts at $12 and adult tickets start at $15. Premium and VIP options reach up to $80. Tickets are available at oneofakindshowchicago.com, through TodayTix, through Groupon, and at the box office on the day of your visit.
Is a single ticket valid for all four days of the show?
Yes. Each ticket includes re-entry privileges for all four days of the show. You can visit once and return on a different day, or attend multiple times throughout the event, all on the same ticket.
Are children admitted free?
Children aged 11 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Admission for ages 12 and older falls under the adult ticket pricing tier, starting at $15.
What is the best way to get to THE MART for the show?
The easiest option is the CTA Brown or Purple Line, which stops directly at the Merchandise Mart station on the 2nd floor of the building. If you are driving, over 5,000 parking spaces are available within four blocks at Mart Parc Wells and Mart Parc Orleans, and pre-booking through SpotHero is recommended for the best rate.