15 Festive Christmas Markets to Explore in the US
What’s better than stepping into a veritable snow globe to mark the start of the season? Christmas markets check all the boxes, including merriment, wonder, tantalizing trinkets, and a bevy of beverages. Whether you stroll hand in hand with a lover or take the whole family along, these are precious moments that only come around once a year. Together, let’s take a tour through the nation to see where you’d like to toast the season.
Winter Village at Bryant Park | New York, NY
Few cities do Christmas like New York – although we’re about to get pretty close to the mark in places like Baltimore and Chicago. Once Santa kicks off the holiday season at the end of the Thanksgiving Day Parade, it’s game on. Bryant Park is perfectly situated to delight in all of Manhattan’s Christmas lights, given its location behind The New York Public Library on 5th Avenue. Once you’ve bought some trinkets from the artisanal geniuses running their stalls, sipped on some hot cocoa, and gazed up at the Christmas tree near the skating rink, you can make your way to Rockefeller Center to see the true star of the show.
Christkindlmarkt | Bethlehem, PA
It’s only fitting we go to Bethlehem for Christmas, right? As you can tell by the name, Christkindlmarkt doesn’t just bring Christmas to life – it brings Germany to America. Spread out over 10 acres, you’ll find over 100 vendors offering every type of craftsmanship you can imagine. When it’s time for a snack, you can stick with the festival’s German roots and save some strudel or pretzels, or keep it American with some chicken and waffles.
Christmas Village | Baltimore, MD
Not too far from Bethlehem, you have another Christmas Market that could’ve been named Christkindlesmarkt for Nuremburg’s spectacular market by the same name. Instead, with a nice American twist, Christmas Village still pays homage to Germany with a bevy of Belgian delights. Here, the Glühwein – mulled wine – is flowing amidst a sea of lights. Take a romantic spin on the ferris wheel in between shopping and sipping. Take the kids to meet Santa. No matter which approach you take, Christmas Village will put everyone in the spirit.
D.C. Holiday Market | Washington, D.C.
North of Dupont Square, there’s an ongoing block party that will lure you in as the sounds – and scents – of the season float through the air. Sip on your hot cocoa, nibble on some mini donuts, and pick up a pair of earrings crafted by local hands as you dance through the market. Like New York, there’s much to see beyond the market like the National Christmas Tree, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, and the soft winter glow emitted by Mount Vernon.