The holiday season is finally here and Christmas markets are a fun way to get into the spirit of the season. You can stock up on some of the most unique Christmas gifts and holiday treats and they’re a great way to enjoy all the festive sights, sounds, tastes, and smells that they have to offer. Also known as Christkindl Markets since they originate in Europe (check out The Best Christmas Markets in Europe here) don’t feel sad if you can’t make it to Europe as this list of the best Christmas Markets in the USA give some of the European markets competition!
The Best Christmas Markets in the USA on the East Coast
Union Square Market, New York
New York City is one of the most magical places to spend Christmas and a Christmas Market is the perfect stop to add to your itinerary. More than 100 booths fill Union Square Park for its annual Holiday Market. You can discover unique items made locally and abroad. You’ll also be able to find coupons for local businesses offered at the information booth. This is a great perk if you want to save money during the holiday.
Open: November 17th-December 24th 2022 – More information here.
Downtown Holiday Market, Washington DC
Kickoff your holiday season at DC’s one-stop winter wonderland. The Downtown Holiday Market is Washington DC’s outdoor holiday shopping village and features a variety of different small businesses and entrepreneurs. Located in the heart of the district, embark on a unique, safe, and secure shopping experience amongst over 70 vendors. Additionally, this holiday market also features 6 different food vendors who will be providing delicious treats and hot beverages. Stay entertained with live performances by talented local performers.
Open: November 18th-December 23rd 2022 – More information here.
Christmas Village, Baltimore
Another great traditional Christmas market is Baltimore’s Christmas Village in West Shore Park. Inspired by the famous Christkindl Market in Nuremberg, Germany, this market offers an indoor and outdoor experience filled with the smell of warm waffles and gingerbread. You’ll walk through a variety of wooden booths and vendors selling German foods, drinks, and sweets, so make sure you arrive hungry. The shopping is just as generous as you’ll find plenty of international holiday gifts, jewelry, ornaments, and high-quality arts and crafts.
Open: November 24th-December 24th 2022 – More information here.
The Best Christmas Markets in the USA in the MidWest
Old World Christmas Market, Wisconsin
Reminiscent of the centuries-old Christkindlesmarkt of Nüremberg, Germany, the Old World Christmas Market at The Osthoff Resort Wisconsin offers the warmth of holiday tradition. Under a massive heated tent decorated with fresh evergreens and festive holiday décor, stroll through multiple aisles of booths. Discover a variety of unique items made both internationally and locally. Find hand-carved smokers, nutcrackers, stained glass, and so much more. Delight in the many delicious German foods offered at the Old World Food Court including hot glühwein, sauerbraten, dumplings, schnitzel, potato pancakes, red cabbage, pulled pork and apple strudel.
You’ll also be able to take a horse-drawn wagon ride while you’re there. Looking to ski or snowboard while visiting? Check out our winter itinerary for Wisconsin Dells to add more adventure to your trip. If you head back to Wisconsin in the summer or fall, I highly recommend spending some time in Door County, see our itinerary here.
Open: December 2nd-December 11th 2022 – More information here.
Holidazzle, Minnesota
Get into the holiday spirit at downtown Minneapolis’ holiday tradition, Holidazzle. This holiday festival is for people of all ages to come together and be jolly. Holidazzle features local people, places, and products to highlight the food, art, and lifestyle of the city. Holidazzle is a great place to explore the uniqueness of Minneapolis and celebrate wintertime around entertainment and fun.
Open: November 25th-December 18th – More information here.
The Christkindl Market, Chicago
While Christkindl Markets have their roots in Europe, The Christkindl Market Chicago is one of the most authentic traditional Christmas markets in the USA. If you plan to spend your Christmas in the states, but want a taste of a traditional European market this is one of the perfect holiday markets for you and your family. This German holiday market offers plenty of unique items from abroad, family-friendly events, and intercultural activities. If you’re looking to plan some other family friendly activities while visiting Chicago, check out our Chicago with kids itinerary here.
Open: November 18th- December 24th 2022 – More information here.
German American Society of Tulsa Christkindl Market, Oklahoma
Experience all of the wonder of a German Christkindl Market at this unique holiday market in Oklahoma City. The German American Society of Tulsa Christkindl Market is decorated top to bottom with Christmas touches including plush trees, twinkling lights, garland, ribbon and much more. Enjoy the variety of local artisans, crafters, and vendors stationed throughout the market. You can find plenty of different items like candles, jewelry, books, decorations, wine, and more. Indulge in the various hot and fresh German foods featured here that are sure to feed your holiday spirit. Explore the market’s Bethlehem Village which features over 100 figurines. Also, you’ll be able to participate in a raffle for a quilt made by members of the German American Society of Tulsa.
Open: December 2, 3, and 4, 2022 – More information here.
The Best Christmas Markets in the USA in the South
Texas Christkindl Market
Enjoy the magic of a German Christkindl Market in Arlington at the Texas Christkindl Market. The almost 70-year relationship between Arlington and its sister city, Bad Königshofen, is what inspired Texas Christkindl Market to start its first season back in 2011. At this holiday market explore a variety of wonderfully handcrafted gifts, collectibles, and exclusive merchandise from Käthe Wohlfahrt that is also offered at the popular Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village in Germany. Make sure to bring your appetite to this market as you’ll find a roundup of traditional German desserts, entrees, cocktails and side dishes. If you end up in Austin, Texas you have to explore some of our favorite things to do there which I have written out in this itinerary.
Open: November 25th-December 23rd 2022 – More information here.
Atlanta Christkindl Market
Taking place in The Buckhead Village, Atlanta Christkindl Market offers a unique and family-friendly holiday market experience. Enjoy authentic German food, drinks, and discover a variety of items and holiday gifts. Afterwards, take pictures with Santa at the photo station. Bring your friends and family to this festive event and explore the various vendors that will be at this Christmas market. Be sure to explore more than the Christmas Market in Atlanta as the city is filled with amazing sites and food, check out our things to do in Atlanta itinerary for ideas.
Open: November 25th-December 24th 2022 – More information here.
The Best Christmas Markets in the USA on the West Coast
Nevada City Victorian Christmas
Stroll through the lamp-lit streets with the smell of roasted chestnuts in the air as you explore the array of vendors that Nevada City Victorian Christmas has to offer. Enjoy the Christmas treasures, live entertainment, and Victorian touches that make this holiday event so special. There are holiday activities for all ages that your family will love. You will also be able to indulge in festive treats and take pictures with Father Christmas.
Open: Sundays-Dec 4, 11, & 18 and Wednesdays-Dec 7 & 14 – More information here.
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in Novato California is a one-of-a-kind immersive adventure into Victorian London. A truly unique experience, this festive holiday party features hundreds of costume players performing and interacting with visitors. Explore over 140,000 square feet of music halls, pubs, dance floors, and shops. Victorian costumes are not required to attend, but encouraged. Stroll through an array of shops inspired by London and try various delicious foods including, English bangers and fish ‘n’ chips, exotic Greek delicacies, French onion soup, and enticing desserts.
Open: November 19/20, 25/26/27 and Dec. 3/4, 10/11, 17/18 – More information here.
Georgetown Christmas Market, Colorado
If you love a traditional Christmas celebration that takes you into nostalgia the Georgetown Christmas Market in Clear Creek County Colorado is where you want to be. Walk through a bustling Christmas market and enjoy the smell of roasted chestnuts, the sight of beautiful Christmas lights, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more. Not only will you be able to delight in holiday shopping, you’ll get a visit from St. Nicholas and festive live entertainment, including a Santa Lucia Children’s procession. Colorado is one of the best ski areas in the USA as well so definitely check out Keystone Ski Resort or plan a fun few days in Denver while you’re visiting for the Christmas Market.
Open: December 4th-5th & December 11th-12th 2022 – More information here.
There are plenty of amazing Christmas markets to visit in the states, some that will even give you a taste of Europe. Overall, I hope you get to make it to one of the best Christmas Markets in the USA. Did you find this article helpful? If so, please share it!