Join us for the 25th edition of the One of a Kind Holiday Show from December 3-6, 2026, in Chicago, featuring unique handmade gifts.
Dates
3–6 Dec 2026
City / country
Chicago, USA
Venue
The Merchandise Mart
Time
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
The One of a Kind Holiday Show brings together over 600 exceptional artists, designers, and makers with thousands of shoppers that love art and quality work.
Now in its 25th year, this is Chicago’s premier holiday shopping destination for unique, handmade gifts for everyone on your list.
TL;DR
Visitors can discover unique, handcrafted items from talented artisans, enjoy a vibrant shopping atmosphere, and participate in hands-on workshops. The show offers a chance to support small businesses while finding one-of-a-kind gifts. 25th edition of the One of a Kind Holiday Show. Dates: December 3-6, 2026. Location: The Merchandise Mart, Chicago. Cafes and bars available throughout the show. The One of a Kind Holiday Show brings together over 600 exceptional artists,.
Exhibitors gain access to a large audience of engaged shoppers, opportunities for networking, and the chance to showcase their work in a prestigious venue. The One of a Kind Show is a vital platform for artists and makers, providing them with exposure to thousands of potential customers. It fosters a community of creativity and supports local artisans, making it an essential event in the holiday shopping calendar.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
1222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
Entrances & gates
Main Entrance
Food options
Cafes and Bars
On-site diningParking: More than 5,000 parking spaces are located within a four-block radius of The Mart.
Attend
Event days & opening times
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2025
This edition
2026
Exhibitors: 600
Next edition
Not announced yet
Testimonials
If you love to support artisans and small businesses, you should come. There were some really great finds and I was able to tick off several gifts from my Christmas list.
It's a huge, fun, unique show that I enjoy attending with friends.
The art is across the board in terms of what to expect. Anything and everything from classic and traditional to eccentric wall art, paintings, decor, sculptures, clothing, greeting cards, etc.
This is a great show for small and big budgets.
Impact
The One of a Kind Holiday Show brings together over 600 exceptional artists, designers, and makers with thousands of shoppers that love art and quality work. Now in its 25th year, this is Chicago’s premier holiday shopping destination for unique, handmade gifts for everyone on your list. The One of a Kind Show is a vital platform for artists and makers, providing them with exposure to thousands of potential customers. It fosters.
Audience quality
Visitors typically include Art enthusiasts looking for unique gifts, Shoppers interested in handmade products, Families seeking holiday gifts, Local residents supporting small businesses. 25th edition of the One of a Kind Holiday Show. Dates: December 3-6, 2026. Location: The Merchandise Mart, Chicago. Over 600 artists and makers participating. One of a Kind Winter Show 2026 attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.
Exhibitor outcomes
Exhibitors gain access to a large audience of engaged shoppers, opportunities for networking, and the chance to showcase their work in a prestigious venue. The event enhances visibility and can lead to increased sales and brand recognition. The One of a Kind Show is a vital platform for artists and makers, providing them with exposure to thousands of potential customers. It fosters a community of creativity and supports local artisans, making it an essential event in the. Exhibitor categories include Artists.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Chicago is the retail, design and wholesale distribution hub of the US Midwest, and The Merchandise Mart — historically the world's largest commercial building and still a national design centre — gives the One of a Kind Winter Show a downtown River North address rather than a suburban expo site. For independent makers and design-led brands, the show concentrates four days of peak holiday consumer spending plus direct exposure to Midwest independent retailers, interior designers and media in a single walkable shopping and design district. December timing means visitors can combine sourcing with the city's holiday retail season, but it also means rates, crowds and winter weather all peak at the same moment.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
Professionals expect pre-show agendas, product finders, and meeting tools; suppliers align demos and literature to short on-stand decision cycles.
Sustainability in procurement
Energy use, recyclable materials, and carbon reporting increasingly appear in RFPs and exhibitor scorecards across industrial trade fairs.
Automation and labour efficiency
Visitors benchmark machinery, software, and services that reduce downtime, staffing pressure, and total cost of ownership.
Regional supply-chain resilience
Buyers diversify suppliers across Europe, MENA, and Asia while favouring vendors with local service, spare parts, and training.
Hybrid engagement models
Live demonstrations remain decisive, but follow-up webinars, digital catalogues, and year-round supplier portals extend the commercial window after the show.
Comparable juried craft/design fairs that buyers and makers use alongside the One of a Kind Winter Show; most run in the autumn/winter gifting window or the spring show season, so a maker or buyer calendar can be planned around them.
Early December
Peak holiday gifting fairs, including the One of a Kind Winter Show in Chicago — book hotels and travel early.
Late April-May
Spring craft and design show season; useful for sourcing ahead of the following holiday cycle.
Peer circuit compiled from publicly listed craft/design fair calendars; confirm current dates and venues on each organiser's website.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
CTA Blue Line to downtown, then transfer to Green Line.
to venue
30–45 min to McCormick Place
by car
Gateway airport for Chicago.
to venue
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 90–170 / night
Budget and hostel-style options fill fast on the first December weekend; expect higher weekend rates than weekday.
sourceUSD 170–300 / night
The Mart-attached and River North properties give the shortest winter walk to the show; book refundable rates early as December inventory tightens.
sourceUSD 320–600 / night
Premium rates peak across the holiday shopping season; suites and club floors are often required minimum-stay over the weekend.
sourceGet around the city with these convenient transport options.
metro
Runs 24 hours; total journey about 45-55 minutes. Cheapest reliable ORD-to-downtown option.
metro
Approx. 25-30 minutes to the Loop plus a short transfer; a simple one-seat ride from the airport to downtown.
metro
Closest rail access to the venue; station connects into The Merchandise Mart's lower level, useful in winter weather.
taxi
30-45 minutes off-peak; allow 60-75 minutes in weekday rush hour. Rideshare pickup is at designated airport zones.
taxi
20-35 minutes depending on traffic; Midway is the closer of the two airports to downtown.
car_parking
On-site parking is the most practical self-drive option in winter; confirm event-day rates and hall access with the venue.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Weather
Early December in Chicago is the start of winter: daytime highs typically 34-39°F (1-4°C) and overnight lows 22-27°F (-6 to -3°C), with lakefront and Chicago River wind making it feel 10-15°F colder. Expect roughly 8-10 inches of snow across the month and frequent overcast, windy days — pack an insulated coat, hat, gloves and waterproof boots for walking to and from The Merchandise Mart.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in the USA: 18-20% on restaurant bills (check whether service is already included on larger party bills), USD 2-5 per night for hotel housekeeping, and USD 1-2 per drink at bars.
Prices and sales tax
Displayed prices exclude sales tax — Chicago's combined rate is around 10.25% in the downtown area — and listed restaurant prices exclude tax and tip, so budget roughly 30% above menu prices for dining.
Business dress and greetings
Smart-casual business dress (jacket optional) is typical for design and retail meetings; a firm handshake and first-name introductions are standard. Bring warm outerwear — December meetings often involve walking between River North showrooms.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: ORD
Book flights to ORD when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare MDW only if fares are materially lower.
Most international visitors need a US visa to attend a trade or consumer show in Chicago. Business visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries (most of the EU, UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea and others) can travel visa-free with an approved ESTA. Everyone else should apply for a B-1 (business visitor) or B-2 visa at a US embassy/consulate; the non-refundable application fee is USD 185 and interview wait times vary widely by post, so apply at least 3 months before the 3-6 December 2026 show. ESTA costs USD 21, is valid for 2 years, and should be submitted at least 72 hours before departure. Canadian citizens generally do not need a visa for business visits; Mexican nationals normally need a visa or a valid Border Crossing Card. Carry proof of the event (badge confirmation or organiser invitation) and a return ticket.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: ORD or MDW to McCormick Place: CTA Green Line to Cermak-McCormick Place, or Metra Electric to McCormick Place station.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near The Merchandise Mart: River North / Loop, 0.5-1.5 mi from The Merchandise Mart: HI Chicago (hostel), 24 E Ida B Wells Dr, Freehand Chicago, 19 E Ohio St, Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/N Loop, 68 E Wacker Pl; River North and The Merchandise Mart itself (walkable to the show floors): Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza River North, 350 W Mart Center Dr (attached to The Merchandise Mart), Hyatt Place Chicago/River North, 66 W Illinois St, The Westin Chicago River North, 320 N Dearbor
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Chicago; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Green Line Cermak-McCormick Place; Metra Electric to convention campus; Loop hotels require transit (~15 min).
Parking: On-site parking is available at The Merchandise Mart; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: December 2026
Temperature: Daytime highs 34-39°F (1-4°C); overnight lows 22-27°F (-6 to -3°C); wind chill near the Chicago River and lakefront can feel 10-15°F colder than the air temperature.
Seasonality: December is the onset of Chicago winter: frequent overcast days with roughly 8-10 inches of snow across the month and lake-effect wind off Lake Michigan. Snowfall rather than rain dominates, and short daylight (sunset around 16:20) means most sightseeing happens after dark — plan indoor activities and allow extra travel time on snowy days.
Packing: Early December in Chicago is the start of winter: daytime highs typically 34-39°F (1-4°C) and overnight lows 22-27°F (-6 to -3°C), with lakefront and Chicago River wind making it feel 10-15°F colder. Expect roughly 8-10 inches of snow across the month and frequent overcast, windy days — pack an insu
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Saturday 5 December 2026 (Day 3); Thursday 3 December for buyers who want low-crowd sourcing
Saturday is the show's peak footfall day: the fullest maker/exhibitor presence, the widest selection of one-off pieces before stock sells through, and the best chance of catching demonstrations and gifting demand in one pass. For trade-focused visitors with wholesale or appointment-led goals, Thursday's quieter floor gives longer per-maker conversations — so plan Thursday for sourcing and Saturday for final orders and gifting.
Confirm passport validity and US entry requirements — International visitors should review US visa or visa-waiver rules and passport validity before booking travel to Chicago.
Book flights to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) or Chicago Midway (MDW) — Both airports serve downtown Chicago and The Merchandise Mart; compare fares and arrival times before locking dates.
Reserve a hotel near The Merchandise Mart or in River North / the Loop — Staying within walking distance reduces daily travel time to the 7th floor show, running December 3 to 6, 2026.
Register online for a One of a Kind Winter Show 2026 ticket — Tickets are sold through oneofakindshowchicago.com; the show FAQ notes 2026 holiday tickets go on sale in mid-October.
Download the show floor plan and exhibitor list — Use the plan to mark must-see artists and makers ahead of the show that features over 600 exhibitors.
Shortlist demos or sessions to attend — Review the programme on oneofakindshowchicago.com and build a daily schedule around published show hours.
Plan local transport to the venue — The CTA Brown and Purple lines stop at The Merchandise Mart station, which drops visitors on the building's 2nd floor.
Set a shopping budget and payment methods — Many makers accept card payments; carry a backup card and some cash for smaller stalls.
Check the December forecast and pack outerwear — This is a winter show, so plan warm layers and comfortable walking shoes for time on the show floor.
Confirm badge or ticket collection details — Review entry instructions on oneofakindshowchicago.com before travelling to THE MART.
Arrange luggage space or shipping for purchases — Leave room, or plan shipping, for larger handmade items bought at the show.
Finalise travel documents and Day 1 arrival plan — Pack ID, tickets, and hotel confirmation, and allow extra time on opening day, December 3.
Chicago Riverwalk & Millennium Park
Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio, Oak Park
Show-floor maker zones and demo areas, The Merchandise Mart
The primary B2B contact point: maker booths, artist demonstrations and personalisation stations are the easiest places to open wholesale conversations with exhibitors during show hours.
River North design district (Superior/Ontario/Superior St showrooms)
Chicago's design and furnishings showroom cluster sits immediately around The Mart — practical for follow-up meetings with interior designers and trade buyers after show hours.
River North hotel and restaurant bars (Langham, Trump, Kinzie/Ontario St corridor)
Walkable informal meeting space for evening follow-ups with makers, retailers and design professionals; keep a 18-20% tipping allowance in mind.
Budget
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · general_admission
USD 15–22 / per_adult_day_ticket
visa_fee
visitor · B-1/B-2 visa (non-VWP nationals)
USD 185 / per_application
visa_fee
visitor · ESTA (Visa Waiver Program countries)
USD 21 / per_application
hotel_stay
visitor · mid-range River North (per night, show weekend)
USD 170–300 / per_night
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | general_admission | USD 15–22 / per_adult_day_ticket | estimate | |
| visa_fee | visitor | B-1/B-2 visa (non-VWP nationals) | USD 185 / per_application | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | ESTA (Visa Waiver Program countries) | USD 21 / per_application | official | |
| hotel_stay | visitor | mid-range River North (per night, show weekend) | USD 170–300 / per_night | estimate |
Decision
Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your goal is product discovery, holiday gifting or building an independent-maker assortment, and you can travel for 2-3 days in early December.
Best for
Independent retailers, buyers, interior/design professionals and gift shoppers who want to source from independent makers, artisan studios and design-led brands under one roof before the holiday retail peak.
Min. budget
$750.00
Timeline
2-6 weeks for domestic visitors (book the first December weekend early); 3+ months for international visitors needing a B-1/B-2 visa, or at least 72 hours for ESTA.
Risks
Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.
Early December is peak holiday season in downtown Chicago; River North/Mart-adjacent hotel rates and flight fares spike on the show weekend.
Winter weather (snow, wind chill, potential flight delays) can add cost and travel time — build in buffer.
exhibit
You make or design a product line and want four days of direct consumer revenue plus wholesale contacts in the Chicago/Midwest market.
Best for
Independent makers, artisan studios and design-led product brands with a retail-ready line seeking direct consumer sales plus introductions to Midwest independent retailers and interior designers.
Min. budget
$3,200.00
Timeline
4-8 months — participation is juried and booth/floor space plus December production and shipping must be locked well ahead of the show.
Risks
Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.
Stand/booth pricing and jury deadlines are not published on the public attend page — request the exhibitor kit from the organiser before committing.
Show dates sit inside the holiday shipping crunch; late inventory or under-staffing directly cuts sell-through.
skip
Your sourcing brief is not served by an artisan/designer consumer fair, or the December timing conflicts with year-end close or holiday-season store operations.
Best for
Teams seeking only mass-market housewares or industrial/private-label sourcing, or buyers already covered by trade-only shows, and anyone unable to travel in early December.
Timeline
n/a
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Trust footer
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References
1
Publishers
0
Date checked
One of a Kind Show
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