21 Best Christmas Markets in the US for 2025
One of my favorite things to do during the holidays is visiting Christmas markets. This guide has been fully updated for the 2025 holiday season and includes dates, locations, and helpful planning tips for this year’s most festive US Christmas markets.
Christkindlesmarkts were originally started in Germany dating back to the Middle Ages with vendors setting up all around to offer art, gifts, and of course holiday treats. Today there are hundreds all around the world, with Europe being known for them. But did you know there are some great Christmas markets in the US!
Many of the markets in America have been modeled after traditional European markets, which will make you feel like you’ve taken a trip across the pond for the holiday season. If you’re looking for a fun holiday activity with the family, or just looking for a fun shopping experience, consider making a visit to a US Christmas market. This post does contain affiliate links so I may earn a commission if you purchase from my link.
I have put together my top 21 picks of the best US Christmas Markets, and I’m sure you’ll find one to add to your holiday agenda this season!
Christkindlmarket – Chicago, IL
The Chirstkindlmarket in Chicago was first opened in 1995 and has since become so popular that it not only has expanded to multiple locations within the city of Chicago but also into other states in the US as well.
During your visit, you can expect more than 100 unique vendors offering high-quality gifts, art, holiday décor, and delicious seasonal treats! Special events offered during the market include the Lantern Parade, face painting, Scavenger hunts, and more.
Location: The Chicago Chriskindlmarket is actually hosted in three various locations across the city of Chicago. You can find locations at the following:
- Daley Plaza – 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
- RiverEdge Park – 360 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505
- Wrigleyville – 3635 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
Cost of Admission: All locations offer free admission
Where to stay: Because there are multiple locations offered, I’ve found a great hotel option that is nearby, convenient, and within walking distance of each location. Check them out below:
- If visiting Daley Plaza: Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago (11 S La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60603)
- If visiting RiverEdge Park: The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Aurora-Naperville (111 N Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505)
- If visiting Wrigleyville: Hotel Zachary (3630 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613)
Seattle Christmas Market – Seattle, WA
The Seattle Christmas Market is one of the newer Seattle Christmas events, as it just opened in 2023. The market is modeled after traditional European Christmas markets featuring vendors with hand-made, high-quality gifts, seasonal décor, and good holiday eats! And don’t forget to get your collectible mug for some glühwein, aka spiced warm red wine, one of my favorite treats during the holiday season!
The event includes a walk-through Christmas Tree, Christmas Karaoke, live shows and entertainment, as well as a Christmas-themed carousel. And Seattle Center is a great place for other holiday experiences, like meeting Santa at the Space Needle!
Location: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
Cost of Admission: General admission tickets range from 7 to 12 dollars, depending on the day and time you visit, and kids age 6 and under are free. The market also sells higher priced packages and special event tickets, including the Cider and Cheese Holiday Pairing Experience and the popular Date Night option.
Where to stay: Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown (201 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109) closest to Seattle Center; or Sheraton Grand Seattle if you want to stay downtown (they have a great Gingerbread holiday display).
Columbus Circle Holiday Market – NYC, NY
It is always pretty special to spend the holiday season in New York City, and the Columbus Circle Holiday Market is one of the city’s classic December traditions. It sits right at the southwest corner of Central Park, which makes it easy to wander through the market, shop for gifts, and then head straight into the park for more holiday fun.
The Holiday Market is free to visit and brings together a big mix of artisan vendors, handmade gifts, holiday treats, and plenty of festive energy. More than 100 stalls fill the space each year, and the location gives you quick access to Central Park, the nearby shops on 59th Street, and winter activities like ice skating at Wollman Rink.
Location: Columbus Cir & Central Park S, New York, NY 10019
Cost of Admission: FREE
Where to stay: Carnegie Hotel (160 W 56th St, New York, NY, 10019)
Union Square Holiday Market – NYC, NY
The Union Square Holiday Market is one of the most popular holiday markets in New York City and such a fun stop during the season. It fills the south and west sides of Union Square Park with rows of brightly decorated booths, local makers, and seasonal treats, and it has a lively, energetic feel that makes it easy to get swept up in the holiday spirit.
The market usually features more than 150 vendors, so you can expect a big mix of handcrafted gifts, artwork, ornaments, and food stalls. The neighborhood around Union Square is also full of great shops and restaurants, so it is easy to make an afternoon of exploring. It is free to visit and a great addition to any NYC holiday itinerary.
Location: Union Square West & E 17th St, New York, NY 10003
Cost of Admission: FREE
Where to stay: Hyatt Union Square New York (134 Fourth Avenue, New York, NY, 10003)
NOTE: there are quite a few Christmas markets around NYC, one of the most famous is Winter Village at Bryant Park. It’s open from late October into the new year and features over 180 kiosks as well as a famous free ice-skating rink (just pay for skate rentals).
Nevada City Victorian Christmas – Nevada City, CA
Go back in time and surround yourself with Victorian architecture and crafts as you stroll along the main street of Nevada City for their Victorian Christmas. Every Sunday and Wednesday during the first half of December, the small historic town lights up to offer visitors a bit of holiday magic. It’s one of my favorite Christmas towns in California!
You’ll wander the hilly streets with authentic gas lamps and carolers dressed in Victorian attire sharing holiday cheer and good tidings. This annual event features holiday activities for all ages including live entertainment, yuletide treats, and libations, in addition to seeing the collectible Dickens Village town model.
Location: Broad Street, Nevada City, CA 95959
Cost of Admission: FREE
Where to stay: National Exchange Hotel (1211 Broad St, Nevada City, CA, 95959)
Denver Christkindlmarket – Denver, CO
This annual holiday event in Denver is a favorite for anyone looking for a fun West Coast Christmas destination. For 2025 the market is celebrating its twenty fifth season and is now held on the Tivoli Quad at the Auraria Campus. The new layout gives it a more festive, open feel with room for extra vendors and seasonal activities.
You can stroll past traditional wooden huts filled with handcrafted gifts, German and European inspired treats, and warm drinks like gluhwein and hot cocoa. The entertainment lineup changes each year, but you can usually expect music, cultural performances, and plenty of holiday cheer. For 2025 the market has also added a restored vintage carousel and a glass ornament workshop, which makes it a fun outing for families and friends.
Location: Tivoli Quad, Auraria Campus, 1000 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80204
Cost of Admission: FREE
Where to stay: Hotel Teatro (1100 14th St, Denver, CO, 80202)
Atlanta Christkindl Market – Atlanta, GA
The Atlanta Market is a cheerful holiday tradition and a fun way to experience a German style Christmas market in Georgia. For 2025 the market is being held at the Lawrenceville Lawn, giving it a spacious setting with plenty of room to wander, shop, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
You will find wooden vendor stalls offering handcrafted gifts, ornaments, seasonal treats, and warm drinks like gluhwein and hot chocolate. The market also hosts family friendly entertainment, holiday lights, and visits with Santa. It is the kind of place where you can grab something warm to eat, browse the booths, and enjoy a cozy evening with friends or family.
Location: Lawrenceville Lawn, 210 Luckie St, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Cost of Admission: FREE
Where to stay: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Atlanta Lawrenceville (1740 LAKES PARKWAY, Lawrenceville, GA, 30043)
DC Holiday Market – Washington, D.C.
Are you visiting the nation’s capital this holiday season? The DC Holiday Market has a brand new home for 2025, and it is such a fun change. This year the market takes place in Dupont Circle along New Hampshire Avenue, just north of the park. The new layout offers more space for vendors and visitors, along with the same festive atmosphere the market has always been known for.
You will find a big mix of local and regional artisans selling handmade gifts, artwork, holiday decor, jewelry, and seasonal treats. There are daily live performances, food stalls, and plenty of spots to wander and enjoy the lights. It is free to visit and a great place to spend a festive afternoon or early evening during the holidays..
Location: 11 Dupont Circle on New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
Cost of Admission: FREE
Where to Stay: Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown (2401 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 20037); or Swann House Historic Dupont Circle Inn (1808 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20009)
Great Dickens Christmas Fair – San Francisco, CA
One of our family’s favorite Christmas traditions is enjoying the traditional holiday story of A Christmas Carol, told by Charles Dickens. If your family also enjoys the story of A Christmas Carol, you will not want to miss out on a visit to the Great Dickens Christmas Fair near San Francisco.
This holiday market and event features Victorian London traditions and offers vendors that will allow you to shop, play, and eat – they even have fish n’ chips! Enjoy a traditional Victorian London Holiday party featuring costumed characters, performances, music and dancing, and more.
Location: Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City, CA
Cost of Admission: Starting at $45+ for Adult General Admission
Where to stay: DoubleTree by Hilton San Fransisco Airport North Bayfront (5000 Sierra Point Pkwy, Brisbane, CA, 94005)
Old World Christmas Market – Elkhart, WI
The Old World Christmas Market has been a tradition in Elkhart for 25 years. The market is based on the traditional German market, Chriskindlesmarkt of Nuremberg. During this event, guests can stroll through the aisles of the market to find vendors offering handmade crafts and gifts including blow-glass, hand-carved nutcrackers, and handmade jewelry.
Special activities featured during the event include Breakfast with Santa, Horse-Drawn wagon rides, and Cookie Decorating. If you’re feeling hungry be sure to check out the Old-World Food Court for traditional German eats including dumplings, schnitzel, potato pancakes, and more.
Location: Osthoff Resort, 101 Osthoff Avenue, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020
Cost of Admission: $8 per adult (age 15+), Ages 14 and under are free with adult ticket
Where to stay: The Osthoff Resort (101 Osthoff Avenue, Elkhart Lake, WI, 53020)
Christmas Village – Philadelphia, PA
Christmas Village is set in the heart of Philadelphia and stretches across LOVE Park and the City Hall Courtyard, which makes it easy to reach from anywhere in the city. The whole area feels festive with holiday lights, seasonal music, and plenty of nearby attractions to explore before or after your visit.
The market features more than 120 vendors offering handcrafted gifts, ornaments, artwork, and festive treats. Families can enjoy classic holiday rides like the Ferris wheel and carousel, along with plenty of spots to grab warm German food, mulled wine, and other seasonal favorites. It is a lively place to shop, snack, and enjoy the holiday spirit.
Location: LOVE Park and City Hall Courtyard, 1500 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Cost of Admission: FREE
Where to stay: The Windsor Suites (1700 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103)
Christkindlmarkt – Bethlehem, PA
Bethlehem is often called “Christmas City,” which makes it a perfect place to enjoy the holiday season. The Chriskindlmarkt brings together artisan vendors, handmade gifts, festive food, and plenty of holiday cheer, all set against the backdrop of the SteelStacks campus.
Visitors can watch glassblowing demonstrations at the Hot Glass Experience, shop from dozens of unique vendors, and enjoy seasonal activities for kids, including creative stations and rotating family friendly events. Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem has been named one of the best holiday markets in the United States by Travel and Leisure, and it continues to grow each year.
Location: PNC Plaza at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Cost of Admission: $12-$14.50 for General Admission, Children under 5 are free
Where to stay: Wind Creek Bethlehem (77 Wind Creek Boulevard, Bethlehem, PA 18015); or Hotel Bethlehem, A Historic Hotel of America (437 Main St, Bethlehem, PA, 18018)
Peoples Gas Holiday Market – Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh gets extra festive during the holiday season, simply walking through the city lights and taking in the holiday cheer around you is a special holiday experience. The Peoples Gas Holiday Market is regularly voted as a top Holiday Market in the country by USA Today so you know that it’s a good one!
The market features a number of vendors and activities that bring European market traditions to Pittsburgh. Enjoy live entertainment, shopping, the glittering lights display featuring 150,000 LED Lights, Christmas trees, and more Holiday fun!
Location: Market Square in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh
Cost of Admission: FREE
Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh Downtown (250 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222)
Kerstmarkt – Holland, MI
Kerstmarkt is the Dutch word for “Christmas Market’ and this holiday market brings Dutch holiday traditions to Holland, Michigan. The market originally opened in 1997 with just 10 booths. Today the market has grown in size and is open on select weekends throughout November and December at the 8th Street Market Place in front of the Civic Center. Enjoy a variety of vendors offering specialty items, traditional Dutch food and drinks, and live entertainment!
Location: 8th Street Marketplace, 150 West 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423
Cost of Admission: FREE
Where to stay: Tulyp, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (61 E 7th St, Holland, MI 49423)
Frankenmuth ChristKindlMarkt – Frankenmuth, MI
Frankenmuth has earned popularity among many as a great spot in the US for celebrating Christmas and has even become known to some as “Christmas Town, USA”.
Each year the Frankenmuth Farmers Market hosts the ChristKindlMarkt on select weekends throughout the holiday season, celebrating traditional German Holiday markets and traditions. The market hosts more than 40 vendors each year and offers delicious food & drinks for the whole family to enjoy! In addition to shopping, visitors can also enjoy live music, a visit with Santa, and more!
Location: Frankenmuth Farmers Market Pavilion, 534 North Main Street, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Cost of Admission: FREE
Where to stay: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Frankenmuth (430 S Main St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734)
Baltimore Christmas Village – Baltimore, MD
The Baltimore Christmas Village is an annual tradition held at West Shore Park at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. The set-up is modeled after the famous Christkindl Market in Nuremberg, Germany.
Visitors get the chance to see thousands of beautiful holiday lights, a number of vendors set up in wooden booths with traditional European food such as waffles and bratwurst, drinks including mulled wine and cider, and beautiful handmade collectibles. Families are sure to be immersed in the holiday spirit with a visit to the Baltimore Christmas Village!
Location: West Shore Park and the Inner Harbor Amphitheater, 501 Light Street, Baltimore, MD, 21230, USA
Cost of Admission: FREE
Where to Stay: The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore (550 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21202)
Cincinatti Christkindlmarkt – Cincinnati, OH
The Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt offers German food, drinks, lights, choral and musical entertainment. While at the festival, you can browse some of the local crafts as well as sample German treats. You can even rent a heated igloo tent for the night and enjoy other seasonal activities and family fun, which vary each year.
In addition to the larger market, the Germania Society Klubhaus hosts an authentic Christkindlmarkt, for one weekend in November. The market features handmade décor, gifts, and collectibles such as nutcrackers, glass-blown ornaments, and bier steins. Additionally, visitors will have the chance to enjoy traditional German food and drinks as well as a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Location: Moerlein Lager House, 115 Joe Nuxhall Wy, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Cost of Admission: FREE
Where to stay: AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks (135 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45202)
Texas Christkindl Market – Arlington, TX
The Texas Christkindl Market held in Arlington has become a favorite holiday tradition for many visitors. The market brings German inspired holiday charm to the city with festive vendor booths, handmade gifts, seasonal treats, and a cheerful atmosphere that is easy to enjoy with family or friends.
Visitors can shop for handcrafted art and collectibles, listen to live entertainment, and take part in holiday activities throughout the market. Families can often meet and take photos with St. Nickolas, which makes this a fun stop for kids during the season.
Location: North Plaza at Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX 76011
Cost of Admission: FREE
Where to stay: Live! By Loews (1600 E Randol Mill Rd, Arlington, TX 76011)
Williamsburg Christmas Market – Williamsburg, VA
The Williamsburg Christmas Market is a charming outdoor market set at Bicentennial Park, and it brings a festive European style experience to Colonial Williamsburg each holiday season. More than 40 vendors line the marketplace with handmade soaps, ornaments, artwork, and holiday decor, which makes it a great spot to find unique gifts.
Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, seasonal treats, craft beer, and warm gluhwein while wandering through the decorated stalls. Santa also makes appearances throughout the season, adding a fun touch for families.
Location: Bicentennial Park, 320 W. Francis Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Cost of Admission: FREE
Where to stay: Fife and Drum Inn (441 Prince George Street, Williamsburg, VA, 23185)
Christmas Market – Georgetown, CO
The Christmas Market has been a holiday tradition in Historic Georgetown for many years with the 2023 event being its 63rd Annual event! During the first two weekends of December, visitors will have the chance to embrace the holiday spirit with horse-drawn carriage rides through historic Georgetown, holiday shopping, and visits with St. Nicholas himself!
Additionally, you can visit the nearby historic Hamill House (which is absolutely stunning during the Holidays!) and enjoy the beautiful holiday décor in the area.
Location: 6th Street Historic District, Georgetown, CO
Cost of Admission: FREE
Where to stay: Clear Creek Inn (610 Seventh St, Georgetown, CO 80444)
Carmel Christkindlmarket – Carmel, IN
The Christkindlmarket in Carmel, Indiana features dozens of vendors featuring handcrafted gifts, collectibles, and artwork such as jewelry, wood art, and glass gifts. Additionally, visitors can enjoy traditional German foods and drinks including mulled wine, gourmet Belgian Waffles, hot chocolate, and class German dishes such as Schnitzel and Sauerkraut. Events and activities during the market include Ice Skating, arts & crafts, a train display, and more!
Location: 10 Carter Green, Carmel, IN 46032
Cost of Admission: FREE
Where to stay: Hotel Carmichael, Autograph Collection (1 Carmichael Square, Carmel, IN 46032)
The holidays are a magical time and a visit to a Christmas market is a great way to celebrate the season! I hope that you have enjoyed my list of top picks for the best Christmas Markets in the US.
Which are you most excited to visit? Did I miss one that you think should be on my list?
