One of a Kind Show & Sale 2026 in Chicago: where to stay near The Mart

The One of a Kind Show & Sale takes over The Mart in downtown Chicago December 3–6, 2026, gathering more than 300 juried artists, makers and designers in a single hall. Shoppers come for handmade jewelry, ceramics, textiles, furniture, apparel and one-off gifts that rarely show up in chain stores, and exhibitors are on hand to talk about process, materials or custom commissions. The fair runs twice a year and welcomes both trade buyers and the general public, which makes it as useful for retail scouts as for holiday shoppers. Alongside the booths you will usually find live demonstrations, seasonal installations and a rolling mix of first-time exhibitors and returning favorites. Being inside The Mart places you in River North, steps from the design district, the Chicago Riverwalk and a wide spread of hotels at every price point. If you are staying overnight, book early: early December collides with company parties and Chicago shopping weekends, and River North rooms close to The Mart sell out fast. The Brown and Purple lines stop at Merchandise Mart station, and several garages nearby serve drivers.