Mexican folk art

Don’t think you’re stuck shopping for the same old gifts and stocking stuffers this holiday season.  A visit to  Chicago’s  National Museum of Mexican Art’s Mercado Navideno holiday market will reveal all the colorful options to spice up your shopping.  The Mercado Navideno runs November 27-29 and offers an array of authentic Mexican folk art gifts. Choose papier mache figurines, pottery, vividly-colored textiles, paintings, carvings or silver jewelry to thrill your friends and family. Don’t miss a visit to the overflowing gift store, Tienda Tzintzuntzan.

As the nation’s largest Latino arts institution, the National Museum of Mexican Art supplies lots of engaging historical art exhibits to browse through.  Located in the thriving and culturally rich neighborhood of Pilsen,  the museum is the anchor for exploring the areas galleries, restaurants and boutiques. Stop by the Pilsen landmark, Cafe Jumping Bean, to grab their famous mango licuado and a black bean burger while watching local chess players battle it out.  Continue shopping at Knee Deep Vintage  for funky accessories, fashion and housewares.  Top off your experience at the trendy Nightwood,  for a hip dinner of   braised rabbit ravioli or whatever else is on the daily changing menu. Stay at nearby Chicago South Loop Hotel and make a weekend of holiday shopping and nibbling. 

Photo courtesy of National Museum of Mexican Art