Wintertime is anything but dull in Chicago with many holiday festivities, recreation and entertainment options of activities to choose from. Chicago winter markets are a great outlet for neighborhood residents to get together and learn about local businesses offering healthy organic food and handmade items. Traditionally, farmer’s markets happen in the warmer seasons. However, Chicago has stepped up the game by offering a lot more indoor and outdoor winter markets in past few years.

Wicker Park Farmers Market

The Winter Wicker Park Market offers locally grown and organic items for sale,. This market happens on the first and third Sundays of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., December through April. Charlotte Seacrest is the market’s director. “I think it’s special that everything we sell must be grown by the people who are selling it within 300 miles of Chicago,” she said. “So, it’s all super local and super independent.” Items for sale include baked goods, teas and coffees, skin and facial products, honey, meat, drinks, dog treats and more.  

Emporium Arcade Bar Vegan Market

Emporium Arcade Bar, 2363 N. Milwaukee Ave., once had a monthly winter market on the third Sunday of the month. But don’t go in search of it, even though there’s information still posted online. That market no longer exists. Even so, there are now pop-up vegan markets at the bar (call ahead for dates and times). Vendors sell baked goods, among other items. At the bar, customers also can get locally brewed beers, including one called “Ninja vs. Unicorn” from Pipeworks Brewing Co. in Chicago.

Plant Chicago Indoor Winter Market

A truly wonderful indoor winter market takes place every third Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 4459 S. Marshfield Ave. in a renovated firehouse on the southwest side of Chicago. The farmer’s market is hosted by Plant Chicago, a nonprofit that aims to make sustainable food more available. Vendors at the market sell locally grown products including beauty products, baked goods and food items. You can also bring books, CDs and DVDs to swap with other customers.

 61st Street Farmers’ Market

The 61st Street Farmers Market at 6100 S. Blackstone Ave, Chicago brings locally grown food to an area that was, at one time, a food desert. The market sells food products from local and regional farmers. They also host live music during a festival to make it all the more enjoyable. Upcoming dates of the farmers’ market include Feb. 8, March 14 and April 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. More information on the event and other winter markets can be found on urbanmatter.com.