Winter Fair at Des Plaines Public Library - Saturday, Dec. 6 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The City of Des Plaines is excited for its fourth annual Winter Fair! Shop your way through the indoor artisan market featuring local makers and hop on a trolley to experience a historic tour of the City with the Des Plaines History Center as your guide. You’ll have an additional chance to post your letter to the North Pole at our mailbox and submit name ideas for the Name a Snowplow contest!
The mitten tree will be available for donations of new hats, gloves, mittens and scarves of all sizes. Nonperishable food donations for the Des Plaines Self Help Closet and Pantry are welcome. Please visit their website for a list of current most needed items.
Trolley Tours
Advance registration is required for the trolley tours. Once tours reach capacity, a waitlist option will become available. Registration will open November 1, 2025. Please follow this link to register.
Sign up for one of six 45-minute trolley tours that will begin and end at Library Plaza in Des Plaines. Hop on board and get ready to discover the rich history and fascinating stories that make Des Plaines so special. Grab your friends and family and join the History Center as you embark on this journey through Des Plaines!
Please note:
Seats are limited, and pre-registration is required.
Limit your sign-ups to less than 6 people per group.
Check-in is required 20 minutes prior to your tour time. Step inside the library at 1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines, and head to the Winter Fair Information Desk on the first floor in front of the program rooms. You will get your boarding ticket there.
All riders must sign a required waiver to participate at check-in.
The trolley cannot accommodate child car seats, strollers, walkers, or wheelchairs. There are no seat belts in the trolley.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Parking is available in the Library Parking Garage, 1448 E. Prairie Ave. in Des Plaines
Winter Fair Artisans
Shop from a variety of artisans at the Winter Fair inside the Des Plaines Public Library (1501 Ellinwood St.). Delicious treats, handmade products, jewelry, and more will be available for purchase. The market will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors will accept a variety of payment methods (cash, card, Venmo, PayPal, etc.). Check back often as we will continue to add participating artisans!
Handmade by Jacki - Handmade clay earrings and greeting cards
Soapie Squad - Handcrafted soap, shower steamers, lotion, and more
SimplyBySam - Holiday signs, ornaments, and custom paintings
JD Steiner Art & Story - Hand painted art, upcycled furnishings, books, and more
The Pretzel Place - Hand dipped chocolate covered pretzels
Nicole Paulette Creations - Handcrafted jewelry, ornaments, magnets, and more
Jeanne's Jewels - Handmade jewelry, suncatchers, and ornaments
Angels and Dragons Emporium - Candles, jewelry, incense, crystals, and more
Parking
Free parking is available in the Des Plaines Public Library Parking Garage (1448 E. Prairie Ave.).