I have cherished the memories of Christmas celebrated with my family when I was a little girl. I always loved how I was pampered with gifts and homemade cookies. From choosing ‘that perfect’ Christmas tree to adorning it with love and ornaments was always my favourite. I still run from place to place to select gifts and Christmas decorations for my loved ones. And I still remember how disappointed I was when someone suggested me to order something online and explained how it was convenient. Call me old-fashioned if you want but I am not very fond of online shopping. Choosing something that has no personal touch or looks exactly like thousands of other gifts is not something I can do. That’s when I started searching for the Christmas markets in the USA where I will find unique and creative gifts. From hundreds of places, I managed to select 20 best markets where you can enjoy this festival of love and joy.
Now, when Christmas is just around the corner, pull out all the stops to make it memorable and start shopping! Here is the list of Christmas Markets in the USA where twinkling lights illuminate the skies, aroma of sizzling sausages dances around, and music soothes your mind.
1. Union Square Holiday Market, New York
Image Source: Benny Wong/flickr.com
I was so used to seeing Union Square where someone was sipping a coffee, reading a book, practicing their dance-moves or mumbling a song that when I saw this Square in November last year, I was dazzled by its ethereal beauty. It becomes the hustling and bustling market where local vendors and artists come together to make your Christmas all the more exciting. Search for the best gifts for your loved ones ends here. There are beautifully crafted bowls, posters, paintings, leather goods, stuffed animals, wooden board games and puzzles along with numerous scented soaps, candles, skin care products and some unique winter accessories. And here is the best part - you will find many things to do with kids as a kid’s craft studio has also been added this year. This is no doubt the busiest Christmas market in NYC.
Dates - November 16th – December 24th
Hours - Monday through Saturday: 11 AM to 8 PM, Sunday: 11 AM to 7 PM
Location - W 14th St & Union Square West, New York
What’s cool - Your shopping spree can turn into an eating spree anytime here as you will get anything from traditional Persian soup, delicious jams, cookies to comforting hot chocolates.
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2. Downtown Holiday Market, Washington DC
Image Source: Elvert Barnes/flickr.com
It is never easy to find something perfect for everyone only in a day. But, visiting Downtown Holiday Market will give you an opportunity to buy gifts for everyone from your 2-year-old niece to 85-year-old grandparents. This is the 13th year of this market and there are more than 150 exhibitors who are offering things like thoughtfully designed jewelry, paintings, trendy yet comfortable clothes and elegant crockery. And of course, you will be delighted by the live music and art performances. Visit this quirky market located right in the middle of Downtown DC, where you can shop for a whole day and enjoy a hot cup of coffee and soak in the Christmas spirit.
Dates - November 14th - December 23rd
Hours - 12 PM to 8 PM
Location - 8th St NW & F St NW, Washington DC
What’s cool - A good food and shopping always go hand in hand here. Do not worry about your diet and enjoy mini donuts and cream-filled churros.
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3. Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Image Source: Kaitlin/flickr.com
You cannot beat Germans when it comes to celebrating. And you can experience this jubilant atmosphere even in Philadelphia. This is the place where Christmas Village was designed after traditional Christmas markets in Germany. There are many markets where local vendors play a huge role. But, here in Philadelphia, you will see many German vendors selling authentic ornaments, Christmas ornaments, wooden trinkets, traditional spices, jewelry, and toys. Great place to pamper your taste buds as schnitzel, goulash, Bavarian pretzels, German bratwursts, gingerbread cookies, waffles, chocolate covered fruits and cotton candy are the identity of this market. Do not forget to have a glass of Gluhwein to keep you warm.
Dates - November 23rd to December 24th
Hours - Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm, Friday to Saturday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm, Thanksgiving Day: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Christmas Evening: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location - 1500 Arch Street, Philadelphia
What’s cool - Watching the live demonstrations of glass painting and glass blowing will leave you awestruck.
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4. Christkindlmarket, Chicago
Image Source: Flickr.com
If you want to explore a place with German Christmas market traditions and magical European charm, then visiting Christkindlmarket in Chicago is perfect for you. This is one of the best Christmas markets in USA and attracts around one million people every year. This is the 22nd year of this market and it’s gaining more and more popularity with each passing year. Vendors from Germany, Austria and Ukraine come here to make your shopping exciting. You will get to see a specially designed nativity scene here along with the much-loved Santa house. The scent of baked goods in the air feels refreshingly welcoming. Come here and be delighted by lovely Christmas choirs and wonderful dance performances.
Dates - November 17th - December 24th
Hours - Sunday to Thursday: 11 AM - 8 PM, Friday to Saturday: 11 AM - 9 PM
Location - 50 W Washington St, Chicago, Illinois
What’s cool - Unique souvenirs cups which will remind you of Christmas all year.
Looking for places to stay in Chicago, Illinois? Check this link and book right away!
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5. Columbus Circle Holiday Market, New York
Image Source: Charley Lhasa/flickr.com
This holiday market is loved by locals and tourists alike for its celebratory vibes and liveliness. Though small, this market still has something to offer to everyone. This can be the best place if you want to buy winter accessories. There are scarves, caps, and gloves along with other clothes here. You can also buy jewelry, lamps, and pottery for your loved ones. Kids will definitely love wooden puzzles that can be found here. Coming here and admiring decorations while taking a stroll through booths can also be fun.
Dates - November 28th – December 24th
Hours - Monday to Saturday: 10 AM to 8 PM, Sunday: 10 AM to 7 PM
Location - Columbus Circle, 59th Street, Central Park West, New York
What’s cool - The food section where you can eat delicious food at pocket-friendly prices.
Looking for places to stay in New York? Check this link and book right away!
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6. The Old World Christmas Market, Wisconsin
Image Source: charley1965/flickr.com
I love Christmas as it gives me a chance to shower my loved ones with unique gifts. The Old World Christmas Market in Wisconsin is my go-to place for such items. I have found Russian nesting dolls and lovely glass ornaments from Czech here. Pashmina scarves and shawls, German decorations, hand-painted Santa from Russia and handmade jewelry make it even more interesting. I love how family-friendly shopping place this is! Munch on food items like dumplings, potato pancakes, apple strudel, Nüremberg bratwurst and red cabbage when you are tired of all the wandering around.
Dates - December 1st - December 10th
Hours - 10 AM - 5 PM
Location - The Osthoff Resort, 101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
What’s cool - This market is packed with activities for children. And seriously, who wouldn’t love breakfast and brunch with Santa?
Looking for places to stay in Wisconsin? Check this link and book right away!
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7. Georgetown Christmas Market
Image Source: Mitch Bennett/flickr.com
Georgetown in Colorado is a lovely, little town which has succeeded in maintaining the old charm of Christmas. Tucked away in snowy mountains, this quaint town becomes something out of a fairy tale in December. This is the 57th consecutive year where you will see people casually strolling around wearing traditional Victorian costumes. And you know what makes it even more interesting? You get to see St. Nicholas in his traditional dress and daily precession of the Santa Lucia. A simple sight of people dancing on some folk music will fill your heart with joy.
Dates - December 2nd - 3rd and December 9th - 10th.
Hours - 10 AM - 5 PM
Location - Georgetown, Colorado
What’s cool - Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through this town and feel like you have stepped back in time.
Looking for places to stay in Colorado? Check this link and book right away!
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8. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, Daly City
Image Source: Kevin Dooley/flickr.com
Oh, how I love novels by Charles Dickens and how I long for the times he has penned down! When I first heard about The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, I was so excited about the idea of being able to enjoy the spirit of festivities which will take me back in time. And believe me, this fair did not let me down! Hundreds of live performers unfolding the stories by Dickens gave me Goosebumps. There are tearooms, dance parties and of course, traditional cuisine to make it even more charming. This part of town becomes a small European village and welcomes you to have a glimpse of the glorious era.
Dates - Five Weekends including the Friday from November 18th to December 17th
Hours - 10 AM - 7 PM
Location - Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City, California
What’s cool - There are special tours for children which will let them explore Victorian London in a fun-filled way.
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9. Christkindlmarkt, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Image Source: charley1965/flickr.com
One of the most visited markets by locals and tourists alike, Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem can actually be described as a unique family event. This will be the 25th year of this market and those who have already visited this place will be surprised to see that many new booths have been added over the years. You can shop for everyone here even including your four-pawed friends. It feels wonderful to stroll around, take in the scent of freshly baked cookies and listen to the live Christmas music all day long. Ice carvings and glass ornament sessions are always entertaining. More than 150 booths in 4 different sections will spoil you for choice.
Dates - Weekends from November 17th to December 23rd
Hours - 11 AM – 6 PM
Location - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
What’s cool - Calligraphy and children’s book which are popular amongst locals.
Looking for places to stay in Pennsylvania? Check this link and book right away!
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10. Texas Christkindl Lane, Arlington
Image Source: Pixabay.com
You will change your definition of a ‘grand Christmas market’ after visiting Texas Christkindl Lane. This lane is home to world’s largest light maze which will leave you dazzled with its ethereal beauty. Being surrounded by more than 2 million sparkling, shiny lights will be a memorable experience. There are many things to do with family here. Gliding around the ice-skating pond with your loved one while listening to the live music performances is something you can look forward to. Kids will surely love unique Santa’s Palace. Enjoy this big Christmas event in North Texas at this one-of-a-kind market.
Dates - November 24th - December 31st
Hours - 11 AM - 5 PM
Location - Globe Life Park, Arlington, Texas
What’s cool - Winter themed drinks to make your evening even more enchanting
Looking for places to stay in Texas? Check this link and book right away!
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11. Christmas Village in Baltimore
Wandering through snow-covered streets where twinkling lights cast a magical glow makes this Christmas Village in Baltimore special. This is the place where more than fifty vendors from all over the world come together to sell high-quality wooden ornaments, glass ornaments, scented candles, spices, nativity sets, and jewelry. There are solo artistic performances, school children singing choirs and wine tasting ceremonies to make your evenings marvellous. Do not worry about prices as this market is quite pocket-friendly. Come here and enjoy special themed weekends.
Dates - November 23rd - December 24th
Hours - Sunday to Thursday: - 11 AM - 7 PM, Friday & Saturday: 11 AM - 8 PM, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas evening: 11 AM - 5 PM
Location - 501 Light St, Baltimore.
What’s cool - This is the village to enjoy mulled hot wine with cheese, German chocolates, and marzipan
Looking for places to stay in Baltimore? Check this link and book right away!
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12. Grand Central Holiday Fair, New York
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
I know shopping is always exciting. But, Christmas shopping means wandering the streets when it’s snowing and try to bear an unbearable cold. Grand Central Holiday Fair is one of the few indoor fairs with climate-controlled space. Started in 1993, Grand Central Holiday Fair is one of the longest running fairs in the city. This fair is all about handcrafted items made from American products. The process for choosing the artists and vendors is pretty long and it is hard to fit the criteria. This fair is where you will find everything from art to body care products. Around one million people visit this place every day and the number keep increasing as the Christmas starts approaching.
Dates - November 13th - December 24th
Hours - Monday to Friday: 10 AM - 8 PM, Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM, Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Location - Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd St, New York
What’s cool - There are many fun activities which will keep your kids engaged.
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13. Chicago's Irish Christmas Market
Image Source: Flickr.com
There are many German markets in the USA which are famous for Christmas decorations and celebrations. But, there aren't markets which carry Irish theme successfully. Visiting Irish market in Chicago is something you will cherish for a long time. Though the market is Irish, that does not mean you will not find any other products here. The place is full of goods from all over the world. Started only before 2 years, this market is already in limelight for its creative experiences. This applies to the food section too! The mouth-watering dishes and unique mocktails and cocktails will satisfy your taste buds. Come here and enjoy shopping amidst warm and welcoming people.
Dates - First four weekends in December
Hours - 11 AM – 9 PM
Location - Mrs. Murphy and Sons Irish Bistro 3905 N Lincoln Ave
What’s cool - Specially designed kids zone where children can explore their creative side
Looking for places to stay in Chicago? Check this link and book right away!
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14. Winter Village at Bryant Park
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
New York is and always will be the best place to spend Christmas in the USA. There are hundreds of enticing places here and it is hard to choose from the list. But, Winter Village, located at the famous Bryant Park, is a must-visit. This park is something that you must have seen in numerous Hollywood movies. But, when you come here before Christmas, you will be amazed to see how beautifully it is transformed into something magical. More than 150 shopping kiosks open for business, huge ice-skating rink and of course, the food section help in setting the Christmas vibe all over the city. There is no entry fee for the rink and though it is open even after the new year, going here during Christmas celebrations is something you shouldn’t miss.
Dates - October 28th - January 2nd
Hours - Monday through Friday: 11 AM –8 PM, Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM – 8 PM
Location - 476 5th Ave, New York
What’s cool - Observation deck on the second floor where you can leisurely enjoy a game of chess or look over the rink for hours.
Looking for places to stay in New York? Check this link and book right away!
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15. Annual Lovettsville Christmas Market
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
I have always looked forward to visiting Germany during Christmas celebrations. But, this ambitious plan never really works out. That has not stopped me from seeing how Germans celebrate Christmas. Festivities at Christkindlmarkt in Lovettsville always take you to Germany. Though the market here is only for a weekend, it still gives you a feel of gala time in a faraway land. You can make your own German Christmas ornaments, enjoy some of the finest poem readings and get your face painted creatively. If you are looking for a place to spend some quality time with your family, then head to Lovettsville and soak yourself in a unique mix of culture and traditions.
Dates - December 2nd & December 3rd
Hours - Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM, Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
Location - 16 North Berlin Turnpike, Lovettsville
What’s cool - Storefront displays which will remind you of old German villages.
Looking for places to stay in Lovettsville? Check this link and book right away!
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16. Christkindlmarkt, Helen, Georgia
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Tucked away in mountains, this village will take you back in time and will introduce you to an entirely different yet seemingly familiar culture and celebrations. The whole village lights up for this market. The streets are adorned with Christmas ornaments, everyone is preparing for a famous Christmas parade that takes place every year and then there are many free things to do around every corner. It will be a perfect place to spend holidays with your loved ones. This is the 8th year this market is opening for a festival and locals are gearing up for welcoming visitors from all over the world.
Dates - December 2nd & December 3rd, December 9th & December 10th
Hours - Saturday: 11 AM-7 PM, Sundays: 11 AM - 5 PM
Location - Downtown Marketplatz, Alpine Helen, Georgia
What’s cool - This market is open to everyone without any admission fee.
Looking for places to stay in Helen, Georgia? Check this link and book right away!
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17. Christkindlmarkt in Leavenworth
Image Source: Sam DeLong/flickr.com
Christkindlmarkt in Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style market where the whole town prepares to welcome Christmas with numerous activities and shopping kiosks. Every street and corner start twinkling with lights. This place combines music with food and gives you a chance to wander the streets with your hands full of shopping bags. You can learn to make your own lantern here as there is a workshop arranged by enthusiastic artists. The lantern parade will give a glimpse of the perfect balance of traditions and creativity. Do not forget to try scrumptious Bavarian cuisine here.
Dates - Last weekend of November and every weekend of December
Hours - Friday: 11 AM – 7:30 PM, Saturday: 10 AM – 7:30 PM, Sunday: 10 AM - 3 PM
Location - Downtown Leavenworth
What’s cool - Every weekend is differently themed, and everyone dresses up according to that theme.
Looking for places to stay in Leavenworth? Check this link and book right away!
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18. Lake Mohawk German Christmas Market, New Jersey
Image Source: Pixabay.com
I was looking for things to do in December in the USA and internet page flooded with the results about Sparta German Christmas Market. Located on the shores of lovely Lake Mohawk, this market changes the town for 2 days. This place is one-of-a-kind as it is run by volunteers and it also helps in raising money for different NGOs. Take a stroll through this town and let the smell of sizzling German sausages and gingerbread engulf you. Sit on the shores of the Lake and let the beauty of glittering lights soothe your mind. This is the place where you can truly enjoy the holidays with a glass of mulled wine.
Dates - December 2nd and December 3rd.
Hours - Saturday: 10 AM - 9 PM, Sunday: 10 AM - 5 PM
Location - 21 Lake Mohawk Country Club Boardwalk, Sparta Township, New Jersey.
What’s cool - Kids will love a pony ride and a petting zoo here.
Looking for places to stay in New Jersey? Check this link and book right away!
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19. Tysons Corner German Christmas Market
Image Source: Pixabay.com
This is a recently established market which is already gaining ground rapidly. German Embassy and the city of Dresden partnered to convert a small bridge in town into a special outdoor recreational area. With more than 300 kiosks, it has emerged as one of the largest markets around. Modeled after the authentic German markets and combined with local culture, this is where you can enjoy the delights from far away land. It is a part of the plaza at Tysons Corner. So, you can enjoy outdoor as well as indoor shopping at one place.
Dates - December 13th to December 15th
Hours - Friday: 11 AM - 9 PM, Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM - 8 PM
Location - 1961 Chain Bridge Rd, Tysons Corner, Virginia.
What’s cool - Specially designed ice-rink that is open to all and safe for everyone.
Looking for places to stay in Virginia? Check this link and book right away!
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20. Denver Christkindl Market
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Open-air Christmas market has become the identity of Denver now. Everything from street music, concerts, performances, shopping and hot spiced wine awaits you here. Visiting this market will take you to the heart of this town where you will get a chance to understand traditions from Germany that have been followed from last hundreds of years. Along with the customs and traditions, Denver also keeps experimenting with food and shopping booths. You can browse through hundreds of gift items leisurely while sipping your favourite drink.
Dates - November 17th - December 23rd
Hours - Sunday through Thursday: 11 AM - 7 PM, Friday and Saturday: 11 AM - 9 PM
Location - Skyline Park, 16th St. Mall, Arapahoe St. Denver, Colorado
What’s cool - This is one of the few places in town where you can taste homemade German food.
Looking for places to stay in Denver, Colorado? Check this link and book right away!
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Now, as you have found Christmas markets which have so many things to offer, what are you waiting for? Let these places fill your heart with love, light and the delightful spirit this season!
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