CHICAGO (WLS) — The holiday spirit arrived early in Chicago as the Center on Halsted unveiled its inaugural holiday market on Saturday. This festive event offers a unique shopping experience, showcasing a diverse array of local vendors and their specialty items, perfect for anyone seeking that special gift.

This indoor market, nestled within the Center on Halsted, features an impressive lineup of over 40 vendors. Each brings a personal touch to their offerings, making it an ideal spot for discovering handcrafted treasures.

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“We’re focusing on smaller businesses and artisans who create their own products, which is fantastic,” remarked Katie Lorenz from the Center on Halsted Auxiliary Board. “Our vendors include candle makers, jewelry artisans, and producers of delightful foods, such as ginger beer, olive oil, and hot sauces.”

Beyond being a shopping destination, the market is also a place where visitors can sample delicious treats, adding to the festive atmosphere as they embark on their holiday preparations.

The market provides a place where people can kick off their holiday shopping and also indulge in tasty treats.

The event is also a fundraiser for the Center on Halsted, which provides much needed services to 19,000 people each year. Their goal is to raise $20,000.

“The Center on Halsted has been around for a while and it has focused on community programming and social services and that can include HIV, and STI screening available here,” said Matthew Houston with the Center on Halsted Auxiliary Board. “We have programming for career development for individuals, we have housing services, and opportunities for senior living.”

Among the vendors Saturday was local candlemaker Bill Salvaron, who says the Center of Halsted has been an important resource to him, and now he is paying it forward.

“The Center of Halsted when I came to Chicago 13 years ago really helped me get on my feet,” Salvaron said. “I moved here from Las Vegas, and it was important for us to give back now that we can.”

They are spreading holiday cheer while also supporting a cause.

“We thought this would be a wonderful opportunity to get some vendors and support the center on Halsted and just slay the holiday season,” Houston said.