Chris Kringle Market

10/19/2026

A Warm Welcome Awaits You at Chris Kringle Market!

There's something NEW coming to this year's Ottawa Chris Kringle Market, and we can't wait to share it with you!

Introducing our NEW Warming Tent: a cozy gathering place in the heart of the market where you can escape the chill, enjoy a little holiday cheer, and make memories with the people who matter most.

Each weekend, The Warming Tent will be filled with festive fun, including:
-Live music and entertainment
-W**e, mead, and hot cocoa
-Holiday classes, workshops, and special events
-A warm, welcoming place to gather with family and friends

Whether you're taking a break from shopping, catching up with old friends over a glass of w**e, or starting a new holiday tradition with your family, we hope you'll make The Warming Tent part of your Chris Kringle Market experience.

Because the magic of Christmas isn't *just* about the gifts you find. It's about the memories you make along the way.

We can't wait to welcome you! The Market opens for the season on Friday, Nov. 27 at Noon!

10/17/2026

We are SO EXCITED to announce this workshop, being held in the brand new warming tent at the Market this season! Get your tickets today; these will go fast!

We’re getting closer to opening day! Who’s ready?! 🌲❤️

10/14/2026

We’d like to take a moment to extend a heartfelt thank you to Marseilles Sheet Metal for generously donating the beautiful wreath frame that is currently serving as a beautiful addition to downtown Ottawa!

While it shines during the Christmas season, its beauty extends well beyond the holidays. Most recently, we gave it an autumn makeover, creating a festive backdrop for photos during Fall Fest! You can catch it outside for the next week, and then it will be used at ! Then, it's time for Christmas!!

We’re incredibly grateful to Marseilles Sheet Metal for believing in our vision and helping us bring a little extra beauty and charm to downtown Ottawa throughout the year. Community partnerships like this make all the difference!

10/10/2026

Apply today! We ❤️ this parade!

Apply today
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/wzwFBmEeGG?origin=lprLink

10/04/2026

Stop by the South lawn of the courthouse for a gorgeous photo opp courtesy of Chris Kringle Market!

10/03/2026

T’was the night before Ottawa’s Fall Fest & Parade, and all through the downtown, not a pumpkin was stirring, not even a gourd. The sunflowers were hung by the wreath with care, in hopes that photo ops soon would happen there.

We can’t wait to see you tomorrow on the south lawn of the courthouse! It’s going to be a spectacular event!

09/15/2026

We can hardly believe it ourselves, but there are only ONE HUNDRED DAYS until Christmas! This is not a drill!

We'll see you on Jackson Street in downtown Ottawa starting on Friday, Nov. 27, for Opening Day of the Chris Kringle Market! Mark your calendars!

09/15/2026

Chris Kringle Market is returning to downtown Ottawa this holiday season, and we’re opening up sponsorship opportunities for local businesses, organizations, and community partners who want to be part of it.

The market is more than holiday shopping. It’s the carriage rides, gathering around the s’mores fire, enjoying live music, seeing the lights, and spending time downtown with family and friends, creating unforgettable holiday memories.

Sponsorships help us bring those experiences to life while supporting a market built around local makers, artists, small businesses, and our community.

Opportunities are available at $100, $250, $500, and $1,000+, including sponsorships for:
-Horse-drawn carriage rides
-S’mores stations
-Entertainment

If your business or organization would like to help make Chris Kringle Market part of Ottawa’s holiday tradition, we’d love to have you join us.

Sponsorship information is available here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-market-sponsorships

06/10/2026

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!
The Chris Kringle Market is a seasonal, nonprofit, community event designed to support local economic vitality, arts and culture, and tourism in Ottawa, Illinois. We create a festive, family-friendly holiday experience where visitors can shop from a curated selection of local businesses, artists, and nonprofits.

Please note: Participation is by application only, and all vendors are selected through a juried review process to ensure a high-quality, cohesive market experience.

The Market will be held entirely on Jackson Street (101 W. Jackson Street) for a more connected, walkable Christmas village.

Market Dates:
• Nov 27–29 (Weekend 1)
• Dec 4–6 (Weekend 2)
• Dec 11–13 (Weekend 3)
• Dec 18–20 (Weekend 4)
Bonus: Vendors selected for all 4 weekends receive a $200 discount (applied to invoice).

We are prioritizing vendors who offer:
• Local or regional, independently owned products
• Handmade goods, original artwork, specialty food items, or unique gifts
• Nonprofits with a community-focused mission
• Products that fit a family-friendly, holiday-themed market

Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance. To maintain variety and quality, the Market may limit similar product categories.

Last year, the Market welcomed thousands of visitors and generated over 1 million social media views—and we’re expanding with even more experiences to drive traffic and sales this season.

Questions? [email protected]
Apply now and be part of the magic: https://forms.gle/anGTpMQZaRnMUdcbA

04/17/2026

✨ Applications Now Open: 2026 Ottawa Chris Kringle Market! ✨

The Chris Kringle Market is a seasonal, nonprofit, community event designed to support local economic vitality, arts and culture, and tourism in Ottawa, Illinois. We create a festive, family-friendly holiday experience where visitors can shop from a curated selection of local businesses, artists, and nonprofits.

📝 Please note: Participation is by application only and all vendors are selected through a juried review process to ensure a high-quality, cohesive market experience.

📍 New for 2026:
The Market will be held entirely on Jackson Street (101 W. Jackson Street) for a more connected, walkable Christmas village.

📅 Market Dates:
• Nov 27–29 (Weekend 1)
• Dec 4–6 (Weekend 2)
• Dec 11–13 (Weekend 3)
• Dec 18–20 (Weekend 4)
Bonus: Vendors selected for all 4 weekends receive a $200 discount (applied to invoice).

We are prioritizing vendors who offer:
• Local or regional, independently owned products
• Handmade goods, original artwork, specialty food items, or unique gifts
• Nonprofits with a community-focused mission
• Products that fit a family-friendly, holiday-themed market

Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance. To maintain variety and quality, the Market may limit similar product categories.

Last year, the Market welcomed thousands of visitors and generated over 1 million social media views—and we’re expanding with even more experiences to drive traffic and sales this season.

📩 Questions? [email protected]

👉 Apply now and be part of the magic: https://forms.gle/anGTpMQZaRnMUdcbA