10 Must-See Christmas Markets Across America
Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by visiting some of the best Christmas markets in the United States? From coast to coast, markets are offering unique gifts, delicious food, and festive entertainment. Here are ten that merrymakers love to make an annual visit to year after year.
New York City, New York
New York City is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a magical Christmas experience. The city is home to several markets that offer a wide variety of holiday shopping, food, and entertainment.
One of the most popular markets is the Union Square Holiday Market, which features over 150 vendors selling handmade gifts, jewelry, and food. Visitors can also enjoy live music and hot cocoa while browsing the stalls.
Where Else Should You Go For a Festive New York Visit?
Another must-visit market is the Bryant Park Winter Village, which boasts over 170 vendors and an ice skating rink. Visitors can shop for unique gifts and enjoy delicious food and drinks from local vendors.
No trip to New York City during the holidays is complete without a visit to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. This iconic tree is over 75 feet tall and is adorned with thousands of sparkling lights. Visitors can also ice skate at the famous Rockefeller Center rink.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is known for its beautiful architecture, deep-dish pizza, and its famous Christmas market, Christkindlmarket. Located in the heart of downtown, the market offers a unique experience for locals and tourists alike.
Visitors can stroll through rows of festive wooden huts, browsing handmade ornaments, toys, and other holiday gifts. The market also features traditional German foods such as bratwursts, potato pancakes, and glühwein (mulled wine).
One of the highlights of the Christkindlmarket is the giant Christmas tree, which is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. Visitors can also enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the market.
Where Else Should You Check Out?
In addition to the Christkindlmarket, Chicago has several other holiday markets worth checking out. The Randolph Street Market Festival and the One-of-a-Kind Show and Sale are popular destinations for holiday shoppers.
And don’t forget to go ice skating while you’re downtown.
Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado, offers a unique Christmas market experience. The Christkindl Market is held annually in downtown Denver and boasts various vendors selling traditional German gifts, food, and drinks. Visitors can enjoy authentic German cuisine such as bratwurst, schnitzel, strudel, and hot mulled wine, known as Glühwein.
The best part of the Denver Christmas Market is that it opens in mid-November, giving you lots of time to get into the holiday spirit.
Cincinnati, Ohio
For those looking for a more traditional Christmas market experience, the Germania Society Christkindlmarkt is a must-visit. This market in Cincinnati features traditional German food, drinks, gifts, live music, and entertainment. Visitors can also ride horse-drawn carriages through the market and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a charming city known for its rich history and Christmas traditions. It is home to the Christkindlmarkt, one of the best Christmas markets in the United States.
The Christkindlmarkt is a traditional German-style Christmas market held annually in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It features over 150 vendors selling handmade gifts, ornaments, and decorations. Visitors can also enjoy live music, food, and drinks.
It’s A Unique One
One of the unique features of the Christkindlmarkt is the glassblowing demonstrations. Visitors can watch as skilled artisans create beautiful glass ornaments right before their eyes.
Another highlight of the Christkindlmarkt is the ice carving demonstrations. Talented ice carvers create intricate sculptures that are indeed a sight to behold.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is home to the Union Square Holiday Market; located in the heart of downtown San Francisco, the Union Square Holiday Market offers a wide variety of handmade goods, artisanal foods, and festive drinks. Visitors can enjoy live music and entertainment while browsing the stalls.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina, is known for its vibrant arts and music scene, and during the holiday season, it transforms into a winter wonderland with several Christmas markets. The biggest of which is the Biltmore Village Artisan Christmas Market.
This market is located in the historic Biltmore Village and features local artisans selling handcrafted gifts, jewelry, pottery, and more. Visitors can enjoy live music and food trucks while shopping for unique gifts.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine, Florida, is home to one of the most charming Christmas markets in the United States. The annual event is held in the historic downtown area and features over 100 vendors selling unique gifts, crafts, and holiday treats.
Visitors can stroll through the market while enjoying live music and entertainment, sipping hot cocoa, and enjoying the beautiful holiday decorations. The market also offers a variety of food options, including traditional German fare like bratwurst and spätzle.
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Frankenmuth, also known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” is a charming town that hosts one of the most popular Christmas markets in the country. The market is held annually from mid-November to late December and features over 100 vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to traditional German food.
Visitors can stroll through the outdoor market while sipping hot cocoa or mulled wine and enjoying the festive atmosphere. The market also offers live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, and visits from Santa Claus himself.
What Other Festive Activities Are There?
In addition to the Christmas market, Frankenmuth is home to several other holiday attractions, including Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store, and the Bavarian Inn, which offers a special Christmas dinner menu.
Overall, Frankenmuth is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the magic of Christmas in a quaint and charming setting.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, Washington, is a charming Bavarian-style village that transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The town’s Christmas market is a must-visit for a festive and cozy atmosphere.
Visitors can shop for unique gifts at the Leavenworth Christmas market, enjoy traditional German food and drinks, and take in the holiday lights and decorations. The market features over 20 vendors selling everything from handmade ornaments to local crafts and treats.
Don’t Miss The Evening Activities
One of the highlights of the Leavenworth Christmas market is the daily tree lighting ceremony. At dusk each day, locals and visitors gather in the town square to watch as the tree is lit up with thousands of twinkling lights. The ceremony also includes carol singing and a visit from Santa Clause.
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