Many people now choose to make a weekend trip out of visiting Christmas markets in the United States – a quick city break to get some shopping in, have a few drinks and soak up the festive delights.
Most of the markets kick off in late November, with many running until early January. So it’s time to get planning, grab a few friends and visit one of these best Christmas markets in the US.
Mulled wine, gifts for loved ones and that wonderful Christmas feeling here we come…
Best Christmas Markets In The United States
How do these rankings work?
1. Christkindlmarkt – Leavenworth, Washington
Want to soak up the Christmas vibe but can’t make it to Germany? Leavenworth is a Bavarian-styled village in the Cascade Mountains. Every winter the “Village of Lights” comes alive during the holidays for a unique winter experience. There’s Alpine lodge buildings and hotels, Christmas markets and Bavarian beer and food.
Booths sell sweet treats, such as chocolates, cakes, pastries, cookies and candies, with live music. The market itself is a one-day event, but honestly? The entire village is a winter wonderland for the whole holiday season.
2019 Dates: 29th November
2. Christkindlmarket Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
The traditional German-Style Christkindlmarket has been a Chicago favourite since 1996. It’s inspired by the 16th century Christmas market in Nuremberg, Germany and is a wonderful way to embrace the festive spirt in the city.
Enjoy international and local food, sip on German beer or warm up with a cup of Glühwein, which is served in a cute collectible souvenir mug. A unique tradition here is the Stammtisch, a special table gathering that you book with family and friends to feast on German food and drinks in a cosy hut.
2019 Dates: 15th November – December 24th
3. Koziar’s Christmas Village – Pennsylvania
When people first catch a glimpse of this fairyland, “Wow!” is a common expression as over one million Christmas lights light up the nighttime sky. This family-owned Christmas attraction dates back to 1948 when William M. Koziar began decorating his home and dairy farm for his family, with the display growing into this huge spectacle that it is today.
At this world-famous Christmas wonderland you’ll find a village of outdoor and indoor lights, Christmas displays, train displays, unique shops, and, of course, Santa.
2019 Dates: 2nd November 2019 – 1st January 2020
4. Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park – New York
One of the prettiest Christmas Markets in New York is the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. More than 150 glass kiosks line Bryant Park during the holiday season. The market has goods from local and international artisans, who sell artwork, home goods, beauty products and toys as well as a wide selection of food.
In the center of the park is a rink where you can ice-skate, and warm up with some hot cocoa.
2019 Dates: October 31st, 2019–March 1st, 2020
5. Kerstmarkt – Holland, Michigan
No surprises here for guessing which European spot this US city is named after! The annual open-air European holiday market, hosted by the Holland Friends of Art, is an ideal place to shop for unique, handcrafted gifts and locally-made holiday treats.
The market is easy to navigate and offers all of the holiday magic. Enjoy sweet treats, mulled wine and shopping for special gifts.
2019 Dates: 23rd November – 14th December
6. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair — San Francisco, California, USA
One of the most unique Christmas markets in the United States, you’ll meet Old Father Christmas, Oliver Twist, Ebenezer Scrooge, and a host of colourful characters from Dickens’ novels and the pages of history.
A huge exhibition hall transforms into Victorian London, where it is always Christmas eve. Aromas of roasted chestnuts and hearty foods fill the air, with detailed Dickensian holiday-themed shops, pubs, stages and dance halls filled with over 800 performers.
2019 Dates: 23rd November – 22nd December
7. The Denver Christkindl Market – Denver, Colorado
Skyline Park is transformed into a miniature German village during this favourite Denver event, where Bavarian musicians play classic carols and dance-worthy melodies, and vendors dish up specialties served at traditional German Christmas markets, including baked apples, gingerbread biscuits, charcoal-grilled sausages and, of course, spicy mulled wine (gluehwein).
Each charming wooden hut offers finely crafted artisan gifts and holiday treats sold by local Coloradan and international merchants.
2019 Dates: 22nd November – 23rd December
