Best Christmas Markets In The U.S.

Your guide to unforgettable travel experiences, written by a holiday market enthusiast who’s explored them from coast to coast. As a travel lover, I’ve wandered through twinkling stalls in Chicago’s chill and sipped glühwein under California lights—there’s nothing quite like the festive escape these spots provide without crossing an ocean.

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Imagine strolling through snow-dusted wooden huts, sipping steaming glühwein while carols fill the air. All without a passport. That is the magic of Christmas markets in the US. These festive gatherings have surged in popularity across the country, turning city squares and parks into enchanting winter wonderlands. Inspired by centuries-old European traditions, they offer handmade gifts, savory treats, and live music that capture the holiday spirit.

From authentic German-style Christkindlmarkets to Nordic-inspired celebrations, the best Christmas markets in the US blend old-world charm with American warmth. Whether you seek family fun, romantic evenings, or unique shopping, these events draw millions each year. They are perfect for locals and tourists alike, providing a sensory escape during the holidays.

In this guide, we highlight the top European-style Christmas markets in the US for 2025, plus tips to make your visit unforgettable. Ready to plan your holiday adventure? Let’s dive in. Learn about some the the Best Europe Christmas Markets.

What Makes a Christmas Market Special?

Christmas markets, also known as holiday markets, are street bazaars tied to Christmas celebrations. They feature stalls with decorations, toys, gifts, and festive foods like hot cocoa and roasted chestnuts. But what sets them apart is their ability to transport you to a bygone era of joy and community.

• Origins in Europe: The tradition dates back to the Striezelmarkt in Dresden, Germany—the world’s first official Christmas market in the 15th century. In Europe, they typically open during the four weeks of Advent, filling streets with lights, music, and mulled wine.
• Authentic Vibes: Expect rustic wooden huts, artisan crafts, and live performances that evoke Germany’s Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt or Austria’s Salzburg fairs.
• US Twist: American versions add local flair, like Southern hospitality in Georgia or urban energy in New York, while staying true to European roots.

These markets are more than shopping trips. They are sensory journeys that ignite the holiday spirit. As someone who’s attended dozens, I can say they turn ordinary outings into magical memories. For global inspiration, check out our guide to the best European Christmas markets.

Top European-Style Christmas Markets in the US

We curated this list of the best Christmas markets in the US based on authenticity, visitor reviews, and unique features. Focused on European influences like German, Danish, and British styles, these spots shine in 2025. Most are admission-free and run from late November through December. Dates vary slightly by year, so verify on official sites.

Christkindlmarket Chicago

Step into a slice of 16th-century Nuremberg, Germany, right in the Windy City. Christkindlmarket Chicago transforms Daley Plaza into a cozy German village amid skyscrapers, with carols, sparkling lights, and over 60 percent of vendors from Germany. The authentic Christkindlmarkets in Downtown Chicago and at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville are a unique ADMISSION-FREE experience. The smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst, and hot spiced wine, the sound of festive music, and the glimmer of sparkling Christmas ornaments, all in a cozy atmosphere – a visit to the market takes all your senses on a journey!

This highlight of Chicago’s winter scene runs daily from late November to December 24, 2025, with a sister location in Aurora, Illinois. Enjoy musical performances and family activities like the free Kinder Club passports, which teach kids about German traditions through fun riddles.

• Must-Try Foods & Drinks: Roasted nuts, bratwurst, fresh pretzels, hot spiced glühwein (alcoholic or nonalcoholic), and gingerbread.
• Shopping Highlights: Nutcrackers, beer steins, Käthe Wohlfahrt ornaments, and global collectibles.
• Activities & Vibes: Ice skating nearby, festive shows, a winter wonderland for kids, and a Gallagher Way edition in Wrigleyville through New Year’s Eve.
• Pro Tip: Bundle up against the cold—Chicago winters bite! Arrive early for prime stall spots and warm up with cocoa afterward.

Christmas Village, Philadelphia

Craving the closest thing to a real German Christmas market stateside? Head to Philadelphia’s Love Park and City Hall, where over 100 wooden booths mimic European bazaars.

Running from November 22 to December 24, 2025, this market fills the air with twinkling lights and scents of waffles and gingerbread. It’s a short walk from iconic sites, making it ideal for combining shopping with sightseeing.

• Must-Try Foods & Drinks: Bratwurst, gingerbread, hot mulled wine, and fresh donuts.
• Shopping Highlights: Ornaments, jewelry, sweets, arts and crafts from around the world, plus Made in Philadelphia exclusives.
• Activities & Vibes: Ride the Christmas Village carousel, ice skate at the rink, and gaze at the municipal tree.
• Pro Tip: Visit on a weekend for live music, but weekdays, avoid crowds. Pair it with a stroll to the nearby Liberty Bell for full holiday cheer.

Downtown Holiday Market, Washington, D.C.

Foodies rejoice at this D.C. gem, where festive tents overflow with treats just steps from the Smithsonian museums. Located on two blocks of F Street NW near the National Portrait Gallery, it’s an open-air haven north of Dupont Circle Park. Downtown Holiday Market – Washington, D.C.; a favorite Christmas market among foodies because of the fresh donuts, ice cream, and holiday treats for sale under festive tents. Open daily (except Thanksgiving) from November 14 to December 23, 2025, with more than 30 vendors, it buzzes with live music and easy access to national landmarks.

• Must-Try Foods & Drinks: Fresh donuts, ice cream, holiday sweets, hot cider, and mulled wine.
• Shopping Highlights: Locally made jewelry, pottery, paintings, and textiles.
• Activities & Vibes: Live performances, casual strolling, and proximity to art galleries for a cultured twist.
• Pro Tip: Enter via the grand sidewalk entrance—it’s wheelchair-friendly. Time your visit with a free museum tour for an all-day outing.

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

This one-of-a-kind family event in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has earned nods from Travel + Leisure as one of the best holiday markets in the US. It celebrates the season with live music and authentic German touches. Live Christmas music, Käthe Wohlfahrt, offering handmade ornaments, nutcrackers and collectibles from Germany, handmade gifts. Christkindlmarkt runs weekends from late November to mid-December 2025 (adding Thursdays later), it’s free and packed with handmade wonders.

• Must-Try Foods & Drinks: Pretzels, hot chocolate, and seasonal German beers.
• Shopping Highlights: Käthe Wohlfahrt ornaments, nutcrackers, and collectibles straight from Germany.
• Activities & Vibes: Carol singing, artisan demos, and a joyful, small-town atmosphere.
• Pro Tip: Go on opening weekend for the festive kickoff. It’s perfect for photos with the historic Bethlehem backdrop.

Denver Christkindlmarket

Experience old-world Germany in the Rockies at this Civic Center Park staple, voted a USA Today Top 10 Holiday Market. Wooden huts line alleys, blending local and European vendors. Shop for unique, finely crafted artisan gifts and tasty treats brought to you by local and international small businesses. As cheerful sounds of live holiday music fill the air, savor the season with traditional glühwein, German biers, and traditional holiday fare from across Europe.

Open daily from November 21 to December 23, 2025, on the Auraria Campus, it features polka dances and holiday tunes.

• Must-Try Foods & Drinks: Soft pretzels, knödel (boiled dumplings), roasted nuts, artisan s’mores, glühwein, and Bavarian beers.
• Shopping Highlights: Finely crafted gifts from small international businesses.
• Activities & Vibes: Live music, cozy strolls, and mountain views for a fresh-air festive feel.
• Pro Tip: Sip glühwein while people-watching—elevations make it crisp! Check for shuttle options if driving.

Texas Christkindl Market, Arlington

One of the Southwest’s largest open-air markets brings Lone Star hospitality to German traditions at Globe Life Field. Inspired by sister city Bad Königshofen, it partners with Rothenburg ob der Tauber for authentic magic.

Free admission runs weekends and select days from November 21 to December 23, 2025, delighting the senses with aromas and visuals.

• Must-Try Foods & Drinks: Bratwurst, strudel, glühwein, hot cider, and Texas-sized portions.
• Shopping Highlights: Handcrafted gifts, Käthe Wohlfahrt exclusives, and Rothenburg designs.
• Activities & Vibes: Light displays, family-friendly zones, and a feast-for-the-eyes setup.
• Pro Tip: Wear boots for the open-air vibe. It’s family-oriented, so bring kids for the wonder.

Carmel Christkindlmarkt, Indiana

This Hamilton County market revives a quiet town with over half a million annual visitors. Sourced from Germany and German-speaking Europe, it surrounds an outdoor ice rink with wooden huts.

From November 19 to December 30, 2025, it’s Indiana’s premier holiday spot, blending tradition and fun.

• Must-Try Foods & Drinks: German pretzels, Raclette (melted cheese on bread), Lebkuchen cookies, Stollen fruit bread, bratwurst, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and kids’ punch.
• Shopping Highlights: Boot mugs, wooden toys, nutcrackers, music boxes, and imported ornaments.
• Activities & Vibes: Ice skating, Kulturecke German history museum, and a 33-foot Glühwein Pyramid with 3,000 lights.
• Pro Tip: Skate first, then shop—it’s magical at dusk. Ten beverage varieties keep everyone happy.

Great Dickens Christmas Fair, San Francisco

Transport to Victorian London in this five-weekend extravaganza at the Cow Palace in Daly City, near San Francisco. Characters from Charles Dickens’ tales roam lamplit lanes. From November 22 to December 21, 2025 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), it’s a not-so-wintry wonderland of shops and music halls.

• Must-Try Foods & Drinks: Hearty English fare, freshly roasted organic chestnuts in paper cones, and mulled drinks.
• Shopping Highlights: Handcrafted holiday gifts and period-inspired crafts.
• Activities & Vibes: Street scenes from A Christmas Carol, lively music, themed events, and a drive-through option for curated bites.
• Pro Tip: Dress in Victorian attire for immersion—it’s encouraged! Weekends fill up, so buy tickets ahead.

People’s Gas Holiday Market, Pittsburgh

Illuminated Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh glows with European charm during this annual event. Wooden chalets brim with global goods and live tunes.

Kicking off November 22, 2025, and open daily (except Thanksgiving) through Christmas Eve, it’s a cozy urban escape.

• Must-Try Foods & Drinks: Austrian strudel, bratwurst, hot cider, and glühwein.
• Shopping Highlights: Handmade Polish folk art, Celtic Irish gifts, and artisan wares.
• Activities & Vibes: Festive music and twinkling lights in a walkable square.
• Pro Tip: Pair with a Pittsburgh skyline view. Evenings are romantic with the glow.

Solvang Julefest, California

Miss Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens? Solvang’s Danish town delivers Nordic holiday magic with storybook lights and parades. Julefest is the epicenter of cheer.

From November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026, it includes community events across the town.

• Must-Try Foods & Drinks: Æbleskiver (pancakes with jam and sugar), gløgg (Scandinavian mulled wine), and Danish pastries.
• Shopping Highlights: Festive ornaments and local Danish crafts.
• Activities & Vibes: Tree lighting, parade, candlelight tours, Santa visits, and an elf scavenger hunt.
• Pro Tip: Explore by foot—Solvang’s architecture enhances the fairy-tale feel. Great for a weekend getaway.

More Must-Visit Holiday Markets Across the US

If the top picks inspire you, these additional European-style Christmas markets in the US offer variety. From urban buzz to hidden gems, they’re worth the detour.

Bryant Park Winter Village, New York: A no-fee festive hub opening late October 2025 in NYC. Specialty vendors and themed attractions create holiday magic.

• Foods: Seasonal bites, hot chocolate.
• Activities: Ice skating rink, artisan stalls.
• Tip: Ideal for city dwellers—refuel with fancy coffee amid the lights.

Union Square Holiday Market, New York: One of the biggest in the US, with over 100 stalls from mid-November to December 24, 2025. Local artists shine.

• Foods: Hot chocolate, flavored coffees.
• Activities: Handmade crafts, jewelry shopping.
• Tip: perfect for unique gifts.

Savannah Christmas Market, Georgia: In the Plant Riverside District, modeled after Salzburg with Southern flair, from November 20 to December 30, 2025.

• Foods: Festive treats, mulled wine.
• Activities: Tree lighting, Santa photos, performances.
• Tip: Adds warm hospitality to European vibes.

Old World Christmas Market, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin: Reminiscent of Nuremberg at The Osthoff Resort, open daily early December 2025 in heated tents.

• Foods: Fine chocolates, holiday fare.
• Activities: Artisan shopping, international wares.
• Tip: Cozy up with wreaths and nutcrackers.

Cambria Christmas Market, California: At Cambria Pines Lodge on 6 acres, with 2 million lights from late November to December 23, 2025.

• Foods: Authentic German treats, fire-pit s’mores.
• Activities: Santa visits, themed vignettes.
• Tip: Feels like a European village—book lodging nearby.

Holland Kerstmarkt, Michigan: In Dutch-settled Holland, Fridays and Saturdays from November 21 to December 20, 2025, with rotating vendors.

• Foods: Traditional Dutch snacks, stroopwafels.
• Activities: Artisan demos, farmers market overlap.
• Tip: Saturdays for the full experience—fresh each visit.

Tips for Your US Christmas Market Adventure

• Make the most of these enchanting spots with these practical pointers. As a seasoned visitor, I’ve learned what elevates a good outing to great.
• Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for fewer crowds and easier parking; weekends for peak energy and events. Aim for evenings when lights sparkle brightest.
• What to Pack: Layered clothing for variable weather, comfortable walking shoes, a reusable mug for eco-drinks, and cash for small vendors (many are card-free).
• Family vs. Couples: Kid-friendly choices like Chicago’s Kinder Club or Solvang’s elf hunt; romantic picks include Pittsburgh’s illuminated square or D.C.’s cozy tents.
• Sustainability Note: Opt for local artisans to support communities—many markets feature eco-friendly crafts like recycled ornaments.
• Budget Tip: Entry is mostly free, but budget $20-50 per person for treats and souvenirs. Look for combo tickets if skating or rides are involved.
• Getting Around: Use public transit in cities like NYC or Chicago; apps like Google Maps help navigate multi-site markets.

Which market is calling your name? Share in the comments below!

Whether you crave German authenticity in Chicago or a Dickensian escape in San Francisco, the best Christmas markets in the US deliver holiday magic without international travel. These European-style events blend twinkling lights, mulled wine, and artisan treasures with American innovation, creating traditions that warm the soul.

From family outings to solo explorations, they offer unique ways to embrace the season. Start planning your 2025 itinerary now—check official websites for exact dates and secure nearby accommodations. For more inspiration, explore our guide to European Christmas markets. Happy holidays!

FAQs
Are US Christmas markets free to enter?
Yes, most Christmas markets in the US are admission-free, like Christkindlmarket Chicago and Philadelphia’s Christmas Village. You’ll only pay for food, drinks, and purchases—typically $20-50 per person for a full experience.

What’s the best Christmas market in the US for families?
Christkindlmarket Chicago or Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, top the list with kid-friendly activities like ice skating, Santa visits, and educational passports. Solvang Julefest adds fun with elf hunts and parades.

How do US Christmas markets compare to European ones?
US versions capture the essence—wooden huts, glühwein, and crafts—but add local twists like Southern foods in Savannah or urban accessibility in NYC. They’re shorter (1-2 months) but equally magical and often less crowded.

When do most Christmas markets in the US open in 2025?
The majority kick off in late November (around Thanksgiving) and run through December 24, with some extending to New Year’s. Always confirm dates, as weather can influence schedules.

Can I find non-alcoholic options at these markets?
Absolutely—most offer family-friendly alternatives like hot chocolate, cider, and nonalcoholic glühwein. Markets like Denver’s emphasize

Browse Christmas market tours & river cruises in Europe.

12 Best European Christmas Markets

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