One of my favorite things to do during the holidays is visiting 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 and even 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 a brand-new Seattle Christmas event, with its grand opening in November 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 — great for photos, 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: Starting at $13.99 – $19.99 (cost varies depending on date of visit and time of purchase – buy in advance to save)
Where to stay: Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown (201 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109)
Columbus Circle Holiday Market – NYC, NY
It’s pretty special to spend the holiday season in New York City. The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is one of many popular holiday markets in the Big Apple, and it’s located in one of the city’s iconic spots, Central Park!
The Holiday Market is a great free event for visitors and locals to enjoy traditional Christmas experiences, take in the sights of the city, and indulge in the holiday cheer! During the event, you will find over 100 vendors, plenty of festive fun, and exciting attractions nearby including the famous Central Park and 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
Visit New York City’s largest Green Market along with its annual holiday event, the Union Square Holiday Market! The event features more than 150+ vendors featuring holiday gifts, décor, and more.
Additionally, you will find dozens of incredible retail shops and award-winning restaurants that will ensure you have a magical holiday in NYC. If you’re into live entertainment and performance, every year the Union Square entertainment venue features a number of great performers!
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 offers authentic German traditions and experiences for visitors of all ages. It’s a spot for those looking for a West Coast Christmas destination! During the event not only will you get the chance to shop a number of unique vendors and shops throughout the market but you will also get the chance to meet holiday icons in St. Nikolaus, Krampus, and the Christkindl!
Don’t forget to enjoy traditional German food and treats at local food booths including the Pierogies Factory, Bob’s Roasted Nuts, and more!
Location: Denver Civic Center Park – 101 W. 14th Ave, Denver, CO 80202
Cost of Admission: FREE
Where to stay: The Art Hotel Denver (1201 Broadway, Denver, CO, 80203)
Atlanta Christkindl Market – Atlanta, GA
The Atlanta Market offers vendors, live entertainment, and delicious eats! You will find the location in Buckhead Village District is convenient and easily accessed from anywhere in Atlanta. The Atlanta Christkindl Market blends the traditions of Old Time German markets with the exciting traditions of modern-day Atlanta.
Vendor booths feature handcrafted gifts and décor, seasonal eats and treats, and more. Enjoy live entertainment, delicious food, hot beverages, and more as you stroll through the aisles of the Atlanta market. Be sure to check the event’s calendar for special opportunities including Pictures with Santa Claus.
Location: Buckhead Village District, 290 East Paces Ferry Road NE/Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Cost of Admission: FREE
Where to stay: Kimpton Sylvan Hotel (374 East Paces Ferry Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30305)
Downtown Holiday Market – Washington D.C.
Visiting the nation’s capital this holiday season? Be sure to check out the famous Downtown Holiday Market in Penn Quarter, Washington D.C. The market has been an annual tradition for several years now with this year’s market being the 19th annual.
The market covers two blocks in downtown Washington featuring vendors from locally owned businesses including many black and minority owned businesses. Additionally, the Market Stage will feature more than 75 live shows and performers for you to enjoy as you stroll the aisles of this market. Popular attractions nearby include the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Location: Conveniently located in Downtown Washington between 8th and F Street, NW
Cost of Admission: FREE
Where to Stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC (700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004)
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: $7 per adult (age 15+), Ages 14 and under are FREE
Where to stay: The Osthoff Resort (101 Osthoff Avenue, Elkhart Lake, WI, 53020)
Christmas Village – Philadelphia, PA
Christmas Village is located in the heart of Philadelphia making it conveniently located from wherever you may be in the city. Additionally, there are many nearby attractions to enjoy.
There is so much to enjoy at the Christmas Village market including 120+ Vendors for shopping, fun rides for the family to enjoy including a Ferris wheel, Carousel, and a train ride for kids. Additionally, visitors can enjoy delicious German eats and the traditional German Beer Garden in Love Park.
Location: 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 has often been referred to as “Christmas City”, making it an excellent choice for spending your holiday season. The Chriskindlmarkt features a number of retail vendors, fun activities for the family, and delicious food and treats.
Popular activities during the event include ice skating at SteelStacks Ice Rink, the Christkindlmarkt Hot Glass Experience, and the Crayola Creativity Station for little ones. Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem has been awarded “One of the best holiday markets in the U.S.” by Travel + Leisure.
Location: 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Cost of Admission: $11 for General Admission, Children under 5 are free
Where to stay: Wind Creek Bethlehem (77 Wind Creek Boulevard, Bethlehem, PA 18015)
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 was voted the #1 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 for three weekends 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, 8th Street and Pine Avenue, Holland – Ottawa, 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 transforms into the Frankenmuth ChrisKindlMarkt, 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: 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: 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, and hey, kids eat free on Wednesdays! You can even rent a heated igloo tent for the night, or take a ride down the four-lane holiday ice slide.
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, Texas has become an annual tradition first beginning in 2011. Arlington partners with its sister cities, Bad Konigshofen and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, to bring German holiday traditions and Christmas cheer to Arlington.
Visitors will earn the opportunity to see and purchase handcrafted art and collectibles as well as enjoy live entertainment and activities. Families will also have the chance to visit with, take pictures, and chat with St. Nickolas himself! Bonus tip: If you have a fur baby, every Friday the market hosts Fur Family Fridays to allow fur families to meet with Santa as well!
Location: 1650 E. Randol Mill Road, 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
Over 40 vendors line the street near the historic Bicentennial Park during the Williamsburg Christmas Market. Stroll the booths selling everything from handmade soaps, Holiday décor such as Christmas wreaths and ornaments, and artwork. Visitors will also enjoy live performances, craft beers and gluhwein, visits with Santa, and enjoying cookies with Santa at York Hall!
Location: 320 W Court 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 will have the chance to see the historic Hamill House (which is absolutely stunning during the Holidays!) and enjoy the beautiful holiday décor in the area.
Location: 305 Argentine St, 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?
