You’re sipping hot mulled wine out of a collectible mug as chestnuts roast on a nearby open fire. And Jack Frost really does seem to be nipping at your nose. You might swear you’re in some romantic European city enjoying one of its deeply rooted holiday traditions — the Christmas market.
With roots in Germany in the late Middle Ages, the Christmas market has jumped over the pond to the United States, with many cities and towns offering up quaint wooden stalls filled with holiday wares and artisan goods as scents of hearty Yuletide food fill the air. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in experiencing, then head to one of these U.S. cities and towns for a taste of Christmas cheer…and maybe a Stroopwafel or two!
Bryant Park Winter Village — New York City
Bryant Park – New York City
In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Bryant Park Winter Village is a winter wonderland that transforms the park into a magical holiday destination. This beloved Christmas market typically runs from late October through early January, offering visitors a wide array of festive attractions. Explore more than 150 boutique-style shops housed in charming wooden kiosks, where you can find interesting gifts, artisanal crafts, and delicious holiday treats.
The centerpiece of the market is the ice skating rink, at the foot of a picturesque holiday tree. Warm up with hot chocolate, savory snacks, and of course, mulled wine, while enjoying the twinkling lights and holiday decorations that adorn the park. Bryant Park Winter Village is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a quintessential New York City holiday experience.
Union Square Holiday Market — New York City
Union Square Christmas Market by Mack Male licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED
During the festive holiday season, New York City’s famed Union Square transforms into a bustling holiday market. Running from mid-November through December, the Union Square Holiday Market boasts over 150 artisanal vendors, offering an impressive array of unique gifts, handcrafted jewelry, gourmet foods, and more.
Slightly funkier than its more traditional uptown cousin, the Union Square market has more of a downtown vibe, with a festive ambiance is enhanced by the scent of roasting chestnuts and the sound of carolers singing classic holiday tunes. Whether you’re searching for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts or simply want to soak in the seasonal spirit, Union Square Holiday Market is a must-visit destination in the heart of New York City.
Christkindlmarket — Chicago, Illinois
Image via Flickr – CC BY 2.0 – Marcin Wichary
Melding both German and general European traditions, this outdoor market in the Chicago Loop has been a fixture of the holiday season in the Windy City for years. Held in three different locations across the greater Chicago area — including Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville — Christkindlmarket runs from mid-November all the way up to December 24. Not only can you find hand-blown ornaments, classic German nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks, and beer steins, but you can sample foods like strudel and pretzels, and partake of such cold-weather libations as glühwein (hot mulled wine) and Bavarian hot chocolate. Christkindlmarket is accented by other events like a Children’s Lantern Parade and live bands. .
Christmas Village — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Image via Flickr – CC BY 2.0 – Opeyemi
Located at City Hall in Philadelphia, Christmas Village takes place from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. Offering the authentic charm of a real European Christmas market, this outdoor holiday celebration welcomes vendors to more than 80 wooden booths and two large tents. You can expect to find authentic European food, holiday ornaments, and arts and crafts from all over the world for purchase. Partnering with the City of Nüremberg in Germany, home to one of the world’s oldest Christmas Markets, Christmas Village in Philadelphia has plenty of bratwurst and mulled wine sloshing about. The village is also located close to several other holiday attractions, including the Rothman Ice Rink and the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market.
Denver Christkindl Market — Denver, Colorado
Denver Christkindl Market by Aranami licensed under CC BY 2.0 DEED
The Denver Christkindl Market is a cherished holiday tradition that transports visitors to a magical European village. This traditional German-style Christmas market typically runs from late November through December and features charming wooden huts adorned with twinkling lights. Explore the market to discover handcrafted ornaments, gifts, and delectable Old World treats like bratwurst, schnitzel, and hot spiced wine. Live music and entertainment add to the festive atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for families and couples alike. Don’t forget to warm up by the fire pits scattered throughout the market while enjoying the crisp Colorado air.
Georgetown Christmas Market — Georgetown, Colorado
Image via Flickr – CC BY-S.A – Amy Aletheia Cahill
For over 55 years, the Colorado mountain town of Georgetown has held its own notable Christmas market called the Georgetown Christmas Market. Spanning two weekends, the event features plentiful Christmas lights and usually a fine blanket of snow. Lording over 6th Street in town, the market features an abundance of festive foods, holiday shopping, horse-drawn wagon rides, and appearances by St. Nick himself in traditional dress. The event also includes a daily procession of Santa Lucia, carolers in Victorian costume, and plenty of Victorian-style items for sale.
Old World Christmas Market — Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
At the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, you might have to blink twice to realize you aren’t at a real German Christmas market. Taking a note from its inspiration in Nüremberg, the Old World Christmas Market takes place in a grand heated tent accented by boughs of fresh evergreen. You’ll find stalls offering unique and specialty items from international and regional artisans, so you can finish off (or start) your holiday shopping with Czech blown-glass ornaments and German hand-carved nutcrackers, all while satisfying your appetite for German bratwurst. Father Christmas also roams the market throughout its 10 days.
Related: Festive Yet Budget-Friendly European Cities to Visit Over the Holidays
Great Dickens Christmas Fair — San Francisco, California
Image via Flickr – CC BY-S.A. – alijava
If you want to step into a Charles Dickens novel for Christmas, you just need to head to San Francisco for The Great Dickens Christmas Fair. Set in the world of Dickens’ Victorian London, the Christmas fair presents over 750 performers interacting with patrons as they feast on hearty food and drink. Located the Daly City, not far from Candlestick Park, the event sprawls across three acres of vintage exhibition halls, transformed into lamp-lit streets, theaters, and shops offering one-of-a-kind items. A Bay Area tradition, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair spans five weekends beginning in November.
FAQs:
Q: What are the typical operating hours for these Christmas markets?
A: Operating hours may vary, but most Christmas markets open in the late morning and close in the evening. Some may have extended hours on weekends or special events.
Q: Is there an admission fee to enter these Christmas markets?
A: Generally, admission to Christmas markets is free. However, you may need to purchase tickets for certain activities or attractions within the market.
Q: Are the Christmas markets cash-only, or do they accept credit cards?
A: Most vendors at Christmas markets accept both cash and credit cards, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases and food stalls.
Q: Is parking available near these Christmas markets, and what is the cost?
A: Parking availability and costs vary by location. It’s advisable to check the specific market’s website or nearby parking facilities for information on parking options.
Q: Can I bring my pet to these Christmas markets?
A: Policies regarding pets vary by market, but generally, it’s best to leave pets at home. Check the market’s website or contact organizers for their specific pet policies.
Q: Is there public transportation available to these Christmas markets?
A: Yes, many Christmas markets are conveniently located near public transportation options such as buses, subways, and trains. Check with local transit authorities for routes and schedules.
Q: Are the Christmas markets open on holidays like Christmas Day or New Year’s Day?
A: Christmas market schedules may change on holidays, so it’s recommended to check the market’s official website or contact organizers for holiday-specific opening hours.
Have a favorite Christmas market in the U.S.? Share your pick with us in the comments below!
