Get ready for holiday shopping with Euro vibes at these adorable Christmas markets near you. 'Tis the season!
11 Best Christmas Markets in the U.S. Brimming with Holiday Cheer/megha
Updated on Nov. 27, 2024
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, New York City
Picture it: glassed-in vendor kiosks that glow like jewel boxes, ice skating on an outdoor rink, views of the Empire State Building and Christmas lights that look like they’re straight out of a movie. That’s what you’ll find at the open-air holiday market at Bryant Park in midtown Manhattan—and what makes it one of the best Christmas markets in the U.S. Browse the stalls for art, crafts, jewelry and kitchen and bath provisions created by New York artisans. When business is taken care of, enjoy cocktails and canapes in a private, heated dome “igloo,” or try your hand at the ultimate low-key, cold-weather pastime: curling.
Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
With a name that evokes the spirit of the season, it’s no wonder this little town is called “Christmas City.” But Bethlehem exceeds holiday expectations with its open-air Christkindlmarkt, which features more than 100 vendors whose stalls are curated to showcase local artisans. In between shopping for handmade wooden toys or hand-knit wool sweaters, indulge in traditional German Christmas fare like bratwurst and glühwein (mulled wine). Live music, ice sculpting and glassblowing round out the entertainment.
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, San Francisco
Time-travel back to Christmas in Victorian London at this holiday fair that turns Cow Palace Arena into a lamp-lit streetscape complete with the sound of hawking vendors and the enticing aroma of roasted chestnuts. You can find “flameworked” glass ornaments and sculptures; one-of-a-kind trinkets like brooches, hair combs and medallions (the latter of which are hammered right in front of you!); period clothing (from feathered hats to custom corsets); and enough Dickens references to make a former English major cry with delight.
It’s easy to see why this San Fran gem is one of the best Christmas markets in the U.S. And the Dickensian atmosphere is further enhanced by costumed characters from literature and history (think: chimney sweeps and Ebenezer Scrooge). After browsing the London-themed shops for a jolly old gift, enjoy parlor games, shows, intricate hair-braiding or a pint at the alehouse.
Savannah Christmas Market, Savannah, Georgia
One of America’s most captivating cities piles on the charm at Christmas when the Savannah Plant Riverside District transforms into a holiday wonderland with lights, garlands and a Santa parade. Merrymakers can expect live performances, holiday-cookie decorating and a Festival of Trees for decor inspiration. Special events like Shop, Sip & Stroll really give off the Euro vibes by letting you sip wine while searching for the perfect Christmas present.
Christkindlmarket Chicago, Chicago
Inspired by one of the world’s original holiday markets—the 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany—this outdoor market decks the stalls with holiday lights to deliver a fairy-tale shopping experience. Find everything from handmade ornaments and soaps to more niche presents, like Bavarian pewter and Black Forest cuckoo clocks. Entertainment and food amplify the festivities: Listen to carolers singing your favorite Christmas songs, devour fresh-baked pretzels and toast the season with mulled wine imported from Germany.
Christmastown Village of Lights, Leavenworth, Washington
If you can’t travel to Germany to see its famed Christmas markets, do the next best thing: Visit a Bavarian village stateside that’s, hands down, one of America’s best Christmas towns. Every holiday season, Leavenworth transforms into a snow-globe scene: Its pine trees and Bavarian alpine–style buildings twinkle with lights, children ride toboggans in the park, carolers roam the snowy streets, and lederhosen-clad residents play alpenhorns. Daily activities include photos with Santa, shopping, free gift wrapping, food vendors and holiday crafts.
Bonus: If life gets too busy around the holidays, you can check out this picture-perfect area after the madness subsides. While the Christmastown festivities go from Nov. 29 through Dec. 24 this year, the village’s half-a-million lights will keep sparkling daily (from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.) until Feb. 28, 2025!
Old World Christmas Market, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
German hand-carved nutcrackers, Czech blown-glass ornaments and European woolens are just a few of the authentic Christkindl gifts you’ll find at Elkhart Lake’s annual holiday market held at the Osthoff Resort. After you find the perfect gift, join a seasonal activity. The resort offers horse-drawn wagon rides, Christmas stocking decorating and brunch with Santa and his reindeer.
If you’re looking for a fantastic winter getaway in addition to one of the best Christmas markets in the U.S., this is an excellent choice. The lakeside Osthoff also features the best spa in the state (according to Spa of America), cooking classes, kids activities and vacation packages that include—you guessed it—the Christmas Market.
Christmas Around the World, Cleveland
Circle the globe in one day for a taste of Christmas in 16 countries, including Australia, England, Italy and Mexico, at Cleveland’s new holiday event that takes place at the Lake Erie Crushers Stadium. During this Epcot-esque experience, visitors travel between “countries” (themed, visually stunning rooms) collecting passport stamps while they immerse themselves in holiday traditions through food, music, decorations and performances. A visit to the North Pole Sweet Shop might help you recover from “jet lag.”
Denver Christkindlmarket, Denver
Denver’s Civic Center Park shines with a giant tree, thousands of twinkling lights and the gold dome of the Colorado State Capitol during the Mile High City’s annual German-style holiday market. Shop for stocking stuffers and gifts from more than 40 vendors set up in charming wooden huts. Then, send the kids to play in the Kinder Wunderland and toast the season with a Bavarian-style beer or spiced wine.
Time your visit right, and you may even get to meet St. Nikolaus, Krampus (yes, he’s a German Christmas tradition too!) and Christkind, the fairy-like Christmas gift-bringer in German-speaking countries.
Christmas in Natchez, Natchez, Mississippi
With historic architecture, stunning homes and a serious dose of Southern hospitality, this city on the Mississippi River charms year-round. But it’s especially endearing during Christmas in Natchez, a monthlong holiday fair featuring lights, singing, rides, food trucks and visits with Santa. A highlight is the European Village, open on select days, with an artisan market and ice-skating rink. But the market isn’t the only draw here. You’ll be wowed by holiday lights and garlands everywhere downtown—the whole city embraces the holiday spirit.
Christmas Village, Philadelphia
Set around a towering Christmas tree and performance stage in Philly’s Love Park, the city’s Christmas Village oozes European holiday charm. Vendors sell ornaments, locally made gifts and international handicrafts from timber booths, and you’ll find the usual festive food on offer (think: spaetzle, schnitzel and Swiss raclette sandwiches). Bring the little ones down for the old-timey rides, including a carousel, Ferris wheel and Christmas Village Express train.
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