7 Must-Visit Christmas Markets in the U.S.
From twinkling lights to handcrafted gifts, these Christmas markets bring holiday magic to cities across the U.S.
- Chris Graciano
- 2 min read
Christmas markets provide a joyous blend of entertainment, dining, and shopping. They’re influenced by European holiday customs. Charming winter towns with mulled wine, craft vendors, and happy carolers appear all throughout the nation. The spirit of the season is captured in these seven of the top Christmas markets in the United States.
1. Christkindlmarket (Chicago, IL)
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Modeled after Germany’s famous holiday markets, Christkindlmarket transforms downtown Chicago into a winter wonderland. Wooden stalls offer handcrafted ornaments, nutcrackers, and warm pretzels, while visitors sip on spiced glühwein in collectible mugs.
2. Bryant Park Winter Village (New York, NY)
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Nestled in the heart of Manhattan, this market features over 170 boutique vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to gourmet chocolates. The real highlight is the ice-skating rink, which offers free admission for visitors looking to glide under the city’s skyscrapers.
3. Great Dickens Christmas Fair (San Francisco, CA)
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More than just a market, this immersive event transports visitors to Victorian-era London with costumed performers and historic-themed shops. Roaming carolers, lively stage performances, and classic holiday treats set the scene.
4. Georgetown Christmas Market (Georgetown, CO)
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Set in a charming former mining town in the Rocky Mountains, this market feels straight out of a holiday postcard. Horse-drawn wagon rides, roasted chestnuts, and festive parades add to the old-fashioned appeal.
5. Downtown Holiday Market (Washington, D.C.)
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Located just steps from the National Portrait Gallery, this open-air market is a festive highlight of the nation’s capital. Dozens of local artists and vendors offer unique gifts, from handmade candles to original artwork.
6. Texas Christkindl Market (Arlington, TX)
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This Texas-sized holiday market brings a taste of Germany to the Lone Star State with bratwurst, strudel, and traditional beer gardens. Inspired by Nuremberg’s famous Christkindlmarkt, it features artisans selling authentic German gifts, from cuckoo clocks to wooden toys.
7. Old World Christmas Market (Elkhart Lake, WI)
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Inspired by the famous markets of Germany, this charming Wisconsin event takes place inside a cozy resort. Guests browse handcrafted European gifts, including blown-glass ornaments, delicate lace, and wooden figurines.