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.
Christmas Village | Philadelphia, PA
All the big cities keep on turning when it comes to holiday cheer. Like Bryant Park’s Winter Village, Philly’s Christmas Village comes to life in the perfect setting – LOVE Park. Of course, you’ll find oodles of local goods. But you’ll also find other fascinating things from all over the world. With rides to make the kiddos giggle and wine tastings to keep the adults warm, you’ll leave here coated in Christmas bliss.
People’s Gas Holiday Market | Pittsburgh, PA
All the way over in Pittsburgh, there’s a market with a name unique enough to make you pause and wonder. The name comes from People’s Gas, Pennsylvania’s and Kentucky’s supplier of natural gas. While you’re here, there’s no shortage of wonder to be found amidst the Alpine-style wooden chalet stands in Market Square. Inspired by the original German Christkindlmarkts, this has become a full-blown institution filled with stocking stuffers, hand-crafted candles, and oodles of opportunities to taste the flavors of the season.
Denver Christkindlmarket | Denver, CO
You’re probably noting a theme by now, right? Americans love their German Christmas markets, and Denver certainly makes its guests feel like they’re over in Europe, not America’s Wild West. When you’re here, it’ll feel like the sky is dripping with Christmas garland and lights. With live music floating through the air, countless vendors selling artisanal goods, and a special Family Day on Sunday, there’s ample opportunity to savor the season in a beautiful, snowy city.
Georgetown Christmas Market | Georgetown, CO
About 50 minutes east of Denver, there’s a majestic mountain town waiting to dazzle and delight you. As a historic community, Georgetown is beautiful in its own right. Like something straight out of a snow globe, you’ll see horse-drawn carriages trotting around as you snack on roasted chestnuts and fulfill all your holiday shopping needs. When you see St. Nicholas walk by in traditional dress, rest assured it wasn’t just a dream – neither are those carolers in Victorian costume.
Christkindlmarket | Chicago, IL
We warned you! Chicago’s version of a Winter Wonderland also pays homage to Nuremberg one of America’s prettiest cities. Over in Daley Plaza, you’ll find countless vendors selling all kinds of goods, including luxury handmade items like lotions and soaps to indulge in throughout the winter months. This is also the time to warm your heart and soul with some Glühwein while nibbling on bratwurst and pretzels.
Carmel Christkindlmarkt | Carmel, IN
Every year, Central Indiana transforms into a winter wonderland that draws families from all over the country. The air is crisp, the hot cocoa is flowing, and you can’t escape the feeling that you’re actually in a German Christmas market, not an American one. Filled with countless moments of wonder, from ice skating to unique stalls trimmed in twinkling lights, this is a Christmas market that will live on in your mind all year long, luring you back year after year as a cozy Christmas tradition.
Helen’s Christmas Market | Helen, GA
Have you ever seen Helen, GA? It’s an actual Bavarian Village right in the mountains of Georgia. It’s pretty as a picture all year long, but Christmas is its time to shine. As you gaze upon the Bavarian buildings, nibble on sweet treats, and sip on some Glühwein, you’ll forget you’re only 90 minutes outside of Atlanta – not a small village in Germany.
Savannah Christmas Market | Savannah, GA
As the quintessential Southern Belle, Savannah is not to be outdone by any means. Nestled into the Plant Riverside District, you can watch the sunset over the Savannah River as you stroll along from stall to stall, sipping on mulled wine and taking in the outstanding art. Savannah is a naturally artistic city, thanks to SCAD – Savannah College of Art and Design – so this is one of your best chances to pick up a unique piece of art for someone you love.
Natchitoches Christmas Festival | Natchitoches, LA
Natchitoches has everything going for it. As the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase Territory, it’s a fascinating place to visit all year round. At Christmas, it explodes to life with over 3000,000 lights, fireworks displays, and some of the prettiest booths in the world. This festival has been going strong for nearly 100 years and is known to be one of the most festive festivals in the south.
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair | Daly City, CA
If it’s a Christmas tradition to read the 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, it might be a surprising treat to bring the whole family into the pages of the book. At the Great Dickens Christmas Fair, you’ll meet people walking around in Victorian garb as you wander through music halls, sip on pints in old inns, and savor seasonal snacks like roasted chestnuts and Christmas pudding.
EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
If, instead of Charles Dickens, it’s all about Mickey for your family, heading to EPCOT is an easy decision. We’re talking about a Holiday Cookie Stroll and Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt. Of course, EPCOT is the place to eat your way around the world, and all the cute little country-themed buildings will certainly be bedecked for Christmas. With live music everywhere, ample opportunity to fill everyone’s bellies to the brim, and a childlike wonder floating through the air, this is the place to come to feel merry and bright.
Enjoy the Tastes of the Season
Are you ready to bundle into your jackets and don your prettiest mittens and scarves? We hope you’ll enjoy these precious moments when we can slow down, step back in time in Bavarian markets, and take a moment to remember what it’s all about.
Before you make your way to New York, Chicago, or the San Francisco Bay area, check out our destination guides. We’re here to help you amplify any trip, whether it’s holiday-themed or not. In the meantime, here’s hoping we get to raise a glass of Glühwein to you amidst the glistening streets of Chicago.