Which are some of the best US Christmas markets?
When most people think of Christmas markets, the holiday markets in destinations like France and Germany immediately come to mind. This kind of European tradition draws tourists from around the world every year, all eager to shop for unique gifts, try regional foods and sweets, and take in the magic and sparkling lights each market delivers with its unique holiday decor.
But you don’t actually have to book a trip to Europe to experience the wonder and joy of an elaborate Christmas market. There are quite a few highly-attended and award-winning US Christmas markets, and you may even find that some are within driving distance of where you live.
This being said, we’ve made a list of some of the best ones, so bundle up and get into the holiday spirit!
1. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Nestled in the heart of the Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem is the place where one of the most popular US Christmas markets is held. Called Christkindlmarkt, the holiday event is set up at the legendary SteelStacks venue, which features plenty of food, drinks, and craft vendors offering up goods from all over the world.
Starting November 30, Christkindlmarkt 2023 is open Thursdays through Sundays. Tickets range between $10 and $13 and are valid for certain dates; they can be bought ahead of time online. The event ends on December 17.
Whether you’re drawn to the pop-up shops that line Main Street’s Christmas Village, want to sip a deliciously hot chocolate while exploring, or love seeing huge Christmas trees lit up in all their glory, you can do all of that in Bethlehem.
2. North Pole, Alaska
Just 15 minutes south of Fairbanks, Alaska, there’s another North Pole populated with jovial holiday spirit. The place is home to one of the most stunning US Christmas markets, Winterfest. The event is held on Saturday, December 9.
Under candy cane-striped lamps, you can decorate Christmas cookies, enjoy a festive fireworks display, and peruse handicrafts from local vendors at the Holiday Bazaar.
The large holiday store that’s known as Santa Claus House is a must-see attraction in the area. While shopping for gifts and other festive goodies, you can also taste local culinary treats and arrange for Santa to send a letter to your kids.
3. Downtown Holiday Market, Washington, DC
A tradition since 2004, Washington State’s winter festival is one of the best US Christmas markets, filled to the brim with festive cheer. Running this year from November 17 through December 23, it takes place against the magnificent backdrop of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery.
This year, over 70 exhibitors, including minority-owned and Black-owned businesses, will offer an eclectic range of goods that transcend holiday kitsch. There are one-off jewelry pieces, fine art, clothing, ceramics, unique culinary items, and plenty more.
In addition to live music spanning soul, blues, rock, and country, festive enthusiasts can also sample dishes from local eateries alongside more traditional holiday delights.
By the way, here’s some lovely tissue paper to wrap the gifts for your loved ones!
4. Christkindlmarket, Chicago
Christkindlmarket Chicago is in its 27th edition this year and is one of the oldest US Christmas markets that recreates the vibe of those held in Germany. It has become so popular and of such importance that other cities striving for Christkindlmarket greatness turn to its sponsor, the German-American Chamber of Commerce in Chicago.
Along with classic Germanic culinary delicacies—giant pretzels, roasted nuts, bratwurst, lebkuchen (gingerbread), and hot spiced wine—there are sparkling lights, live music, and authentic German handicrafts like weihnachtspyramide (Christmas pyramids), whimsical tree ornaments, and ornate nutcrackers.
Chicago’s largest open-air Christmas festival draws over 1 million visitors annually across its two locations in downtown Chicago and the western suburb of Aurora.
By the way, here’s some lovely tissue paper to wrap the gifts for your loved ones!
Downtown Holiday Market, Washington, DC
A tradition since 2004, Washington State’s winter festival is one of the best US Christmas markets, filled to the brim with festive cheer. Running this year from November 17 through December 23, it takes place against the magnificent backdrop of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery.
This year, over 70 exhibitors, including minority-owned and Black-owned businesses, will offer an eclectic range of goods that transcend holiday kitsch. There are one-off jewelry pieces, fine art, clothing, ceramics, unique culinary items, and plenty more.
In addition to live music spanning soul, blues, rock, and country, festive enthusiasts can also sample dishes from local eateries alongside more traditional holiday delights.
Read on to discover other stunning US Christmas markets!
5. Peoples Gas Holiday Market, Pittsburgh
Peoples Gas Holiday Market, Pittsburgh, takes place in downtown Pittsburgh’s Market Square from November 17 to December 24. This year, the holiday market’s lovely wooden chalets showcase a selection of local and international crafts.
As one of the best US Christmas markets, here you’ll find a bevy of artisan food items, like Eastern European folk art (think: hand-painted Christmas ornaments and pottery, hand-carved Santas, nesting dolls), chocolate from Copper Coast Confections (one of Pittsburgh’s beloved chocolatiers), and a fair trade of jewelry, ceramics, and blankets from South America.
Additionally, up-and-coming local artists perform live in Market Square every week at lunchtime and intermittently through the weekend. All these things together create one of the best US Christmas markets you can visit this year.
6. Carmel Christkindlmarkt, Indiana
Carmel brings plenty of European traditions and charm to the Midwest with this picturesque Christkindlmarkt that occurs this year from November 18 to December 24.
Part of this market’s beauty is its authentic vibe and decorations (including a 33-foot-tall, 10-ton German Gluhwein Pyramid). It has a more intimate vibe than some larger US Christmas markets, with just 20 vendors selling delicious German food and libations and quality handmade crafts.
In addition to stalls packed with last-minute holiday gifts, the market offers live demos from German artisans, ice skating, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Little ones can make necklaces, decorate cookies, and meet Santa and his elves.
7. Texas Christkindl Market, Arlington, Texas
If you’re down south, you should try the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington, the largest open-air holiday market in the Southwest. It draws inspiration from Arlington’s 70-year relationship with its sibling city, Bad Konigshofen, Germany.
The Texas Christkindl Market brings European holiday vibes to the heart of the Lone Star State, and the result is a feast for the senses! From scenes that delight the eyes to irresistible smells, the place is perfect to truly enjoy the holiday vibe and is one of the most charming US Christmas markets.
You’ll be able to shop for handcrafted collectibles and gifts, including exclusive designs and merchandise from the famous Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village in Germany. The event runs this year from late November through December 23.
8. Christmas Village, Philadelphia
You can travel the world without even leaving Philadelphia. Every year, Christmas Village brings European holiday charm to Philly, with thousands of sparkling lights, plenty of ornaments, and vendors selling their goods.
Taking over Love Park and City Hall from late November through Christmas Eve, the event houses more than 60 vendors nestled in traditional timber booths, a Ferris wheel, an old-school Christmas carousel, and a train that’s a big hit with little ones.
Similar to other US Christmas markets, here you can shop for an eclectic range of international holiday gifts, jewelry, ornaments, and high-quality arts and crafts, all while sipping mulled wine or hot chocolate and eating traditional European food.
9. Union Square Holiday Market, New York City
Is there anything like Christmas in New York City? We think the festive vibe here is pretty hard to beat, and the Union Square Holiday Market contributes to the whole special Christmas setting. Although NYC has more than one Christmas market, this one is a favorite among locals and visitors.
The Union Square Holiday Market is a quintessential Christmas event and is definitely one of the best US Christmas markets you can visit. This year, it features more than 160 vendors, so there’s no way you won’t find something for your relatives and friends.
Weave your way through the labyrinth of stalls, treat yourself to savory and sweet treats, and enjoy the festive vibe floating around.
If you liked our article on US Christmas markets, you may also want to read The 8 Most Spectacular Christmas Towns in the US.
