You don’t need to travel to Europe this holiday season to enjoy the beauty and wonder of a Christmas market. Hot chocolate, mulled wine, authentic German foods, and handmade gifts from local vendors await you at these 10 Christmas markets right here in the U.S. So grab your scarf (and your wallet) and make your way to the nearest Christmas market – or even better, plan a little getaway and discover a new city while ringing in the holiday season.
New York, NY – Bryant Park Winter Village Dates: Oct. 28, 2023 - Jan. 2, 2023
New York City has a handful of great Christmas markets, but Bryant Park Winter Village tops the list for a few reasons. First, there’s an ice-skating rink with FREE admission (just bring your own skates or rent some there). It’s truly magical to be gliding across the ice as you look up at the skyscrapers all around you. This is also the longest running market – so you can visit from the end of October all the way through New Year’s Day. The booths feature uniquely New York gifts (like Chopstick Art, vintage collectibles from Brooklyn, and NYC-themed ornaments and artwork). And last (but not least), the food options are endless – from truffle cheesesteaks and baked cheese to doughnuts and design-your-own s’mores. Learn More
Chicago, IL – Christkindlmarket Dates: Nov. 17 – Dec. 24, 2023 One of the longest-running Christmas markets in the U.S., Christkindlmarket (which means “Christ Child Market” in German) is popular for its German food and vendors that sell traditional German gifts such as cuckoo clocks, nutcrackers, and handmade ornaments. There is also a kids club that organizes scavenger hunts and a Lantern Parade where the kids can pick up lanterns and goodie bags and stroll around the market singing Christmas Carols with the market’s very own star, the Christkind fairy.
Philadelphia, PA – Christmas Village
Dates: Nov. 18 – Dec. 24, 2023
Highlights of Philly’s German-inspired market include its double-decker carousel, lighted Ferris wheel, beer and wine tastings, and authentic European foods such as homemade Belgian fries and waffles; German spätzle, sausage, and pretzels; and Raclette Cheese Stube (freshly melted Alpine cheese on a crispy baguette). There are also plenty of hot beverages to warm you up as you shop including mulled wine, hot chocolate, and farm fresh apple cider with caramel & cream. The kids will love meeting with Santa and the festival’s mascot, Phil the Reindeer.
San Francisco, CA – The Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party
Dates: Weekends Nov. 18 – Dec. 17, 2023
This one-of-a-kind Christmas market and holiday party pays homage to the famous author of A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens. You’ll be transported to a village inspired by London during the Victorian era – complete with pubs serving up fish ‘n’ chips, French onion soup, craft ales and wine; lamp-lit lanes lined with actors in costumes interacting with the guests; and ongoing performances from a cast of characters including Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim. Don’t forget to shop while you’re there: the market offers lots of unique gifts including fine art, drinkware, jewelry, ceramics, journals, and toys for kids. Victorian costumes are encouraged (but not required).
Frankenmuth, MI - ChristKindlMarkt
November 24-26, December 1-3, and December 8-10, 2023
We have to include this small town known as both “Michigan’s Little Bavaria” and “Christmas Town, USA” because this town celebrates Christmas all year. The town definitely kicks it up a notch in late November when it is entirely decorated with sparkling Christmas lights. There are also horse-drawn carriage rides, and free music and lights shows daily. And don’t forget to stop by the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland.
Denver, CO – Denver Christkindlmarket
Dates: Nov. 17 – Dec. 23, 2023
Wander through alleys lined with wooden huts and festive décor as you shop for gifts from both local and international small businesses at Denver’s Christkindlmarket. It’s known for bringing old world European charm to Colorado with its live music, authentic German foods and beer, and holiday traditions. Check its entertainment calendar for a list of events that include a Parade of Lights, the Polka Folka, Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, and a Canine Christmas.
Carmel, IN – Carmel Christkindlmarkt
Dates: Select dates Nov. 18 – Dec. 24, 2023; check its schedule for the most up-to-date calendar
This market was voted the top holiday market in the U.S. by the readers of USA Today, and if you get a chance to visit, you’ll see why. It definitely brings the old-world charm of Germany to Indiana with its wooden huts and massive Christmas light display, and it boasts the one of the only Gluhwein Pyramids in the U.S. The ice-skating, authentic German foods, and artisan shops make it the perfect spot for a date night or a festive day out with the family.
Uncasville, CT - New England Christmas Festival at Mohegan Sun
Dates: Nov. 3-5, 2023
Check off everyone on your holiday shopping list at this massive event voted the “Best Craft Festival in New England” by Sunshine Artist magazine. It takes place at the Mohegan Sun Earth Expo Center, and there are more than 350 pop-up boutiques featuring gift items in every price range and for all ages. It’s only 3 days long, so plan ahead and buy tickets online to skip the line. Or if you’re willing to wait, its website offers a coupon to save $2 at the door. Event organizers describe it as “a food festival inside a craft festival inside a resort.”
Arlington, TX – Texas Christkindl Market
Dates: Nov. 24 – Dec. 23, 2023
Texas’ Christkindl Market is one of the largest in the Southwest, and it prides itself on bringing the magic of Germany’s Christmas markets to Texas with exclusive merchandise and designs straight from Arlington’s “sister city” Bad Königshofen in Germany. There are also many events for children including puppet shows, a petting zoo, and a lantern parade.
Baltimore, MD – Christmas Village
Dates: Nov. 18 – Dec. 24, 2023
Head to the Inner Harbor for a taste of Germany at Baltimore’s Christmas Village, inspired by the famous Christkindl Market in Nuremberg. Grab a cup of mulled wine at its authentic Gluhwein Pyramid or take a ride on their 65’ feet high Ferris wheel to take in the lights and sites of this holiday village. There are more than 50 local and international vendors selling something for everyone on your holiday shopping list, and food options include fresh baked gingerbread cookies, schnitzels, crispy potato pancakes, bratwurst, and warm waffles.
Please note: Check out each event’s websites for the latest dates and schedules. Many markets are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Have you visited any of these Christmas markets? Did we miss one of your favorites? Email us at winniwanderer@winni.com. We’d love to hear from you! Top 10 Christmas Markets in the U.S.
By Staff Contributor
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