While, traditionally, Black Friday has been the day of shopping mania, we all know none of us is really waiting until the day after Thanksgiving to start spending. Of course, stores know that too. Fortunately, a lot of local boutiques and markets are offering up early discounts and special events, so you can not only shop more creatively this season, but you can save a few bucks along the way too. Here are some of the best holiday pop-ups and pre-Thanksgiving sales, in addition to the beloved Christkindlmarket, happening in November.
Nov 1–30, Luxury Garage Sale: Shop the Old Town designer consignment service you know and love or visit the pop-up on Michigan Avenue. You might recall the store showing up in the 900 Shops in July, and now it’s here for an extended holiday stay. A special launch party—complete with giveaways and drinks—is set to take place on November 5. On November 19, LGS and BucketFeet team up at the Old Town Boutique from 6 to 8 p.m., giving away two artist-created designer bags that evening. Even more exciting, the artists won’t start to make the bags until that night, in front of shoppers’ very eyes. Each winner will also go home with their own pair of BucketFeet shoes. Shopping at either Luxury Garage Sale location in November also gets you a chance to win a Chanel bag valued at $6,000. 1658 N Wells St and 900 N Michigan Shops, level 5
Nov 7 & 8, Alapash New Home Trunk Show: Check out Alapash’s pre-holiday trunk show at Andersonville Antiques, and you’ll be among the first to see the Peruvian Alpaca Collection, complete with alpaca throws, as well as a new collection of wraps, ponchos and scarves, plus the already beloved terrariums. 5245 N Clark St, Sat 11am–6pm, Sun 11am–5pm
Nov 13–15, Jayson Home Warehouse Sale: Furniture, accessories, lighting, antiques, rugs, pillows, holiday decor, art—we could go on and on about the plethora of goods you can pick up from the Jayson Home Warehouse during this annual sale. Take 50 to 90 percent off a huge range of merchandise, and also take advantage of the reduced $49 flat-rate Chicagoland delivery offered this weekend only. 701 N Albany, 10am–5pm
Nov 13–15, Alapash Pop-up Show Opening Party: Alapash is collaborating with Gallery 19 to showcase a selection of new products from local artists and businesses. The pop-up starts with an opening party on Friday from 7–10pm. 4839 N Damen Ave
Nov 14, Junior League of Chicago Holiday Gazebo: Pick up locally made jewelry, clothing, party supplies and more at the annual Gazebo Holiday Market. While shopping, enter the raffle to win prizes from Chicago’s top boutiques, restaurants, health clubs and sports teams. Raffle ticket sales and a portion of event ticket sales benefit the Junior League of Chicago. Block 37, 108 N State St, 11am–4pm. $5
Nov 15, Dose at Soho: Shop for jewelry, clothing and home goods from some of the very best local artisans at the holiday edition of Dose Market at Soho House. Everything is made in Chicago, and you can also chow down on some seriously good eats from food vendors. Register to attend by Nov 13. Soho House, 113 N Green, sixth floor, 11am–1pm and 1–3pm. $10
Nov 18, Sauced: A little shopping, a little booze—Sauced Night Market has become a late-night event we can’t live without. Celebrate the one-year anniversary with plenty of great food and drinks, plus local vendors like Real Soaps, Eyelid Canvas and Chicago watch company Le Coeur, so you can really get moving on that holiday shopping list. Bartender Dustin Drankiewicz and comic book artist Alexandra Ensign will also be there, serving up drink samples inspired by their recently launched book, Cocktails for Dingdongs. Thalia Hall, 1807 South Allport St, 6–11pm. Free
Nov 20–22, Show of Hands Chicago: This North Side market showcases the best Chicago designers and crafters. Don’t miss the holiday show at Architectural Artifacts, where you’ll find local paper goods, jewelry, clothing, ceramics, art and more. Note: Tickets are limited for the Friday night preview event, which costs $10 for two tickets. 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, Friday 5–9pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm. Free
Nov 21 & 22, Randolph Street Holiday Market: You’ll find something for everyone when you shop the nearly 100 vendors offering vintage, antique, indie and global goods at the Randolph Street Holiday Market. Take advantage of free parking and free gift-wrapping. And oh, you can also buy beer and wine, so the holiday shopping can’t possible stress you out. Plumbers Hall, 1340 W Washington, 10am–5pm. $10 at the gate, $8 in advance, kids under 12 are free