The holidays are upon us — and what better way to prepare for the big day than with a trip to your local Christmas market? Christmas markets make holiday shopping an enjoyable experience, with festivities ranging from mulled wine tastings and Christmas carolers to breakfast with Santa Claus and Christmas tree lightings.
Europe gets a lot of attention for its historic Christmas markets — but as it turns out, there are plenty of festive and fun markets across the U.S. as well. Here are 11 of the best Christmas markets in the U.S., from Solvang, California to Chicago.
1. Grapevine Christmas Market in Grapevine, Texas
Dates: Dec. 7, 2024 to Dec. 23, 2024
Dubbed the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” Grapevine is one of the best places to celebrate and prepare for the holidays. The Grapevine Christmas Market boasts dozens of local artisans and vendors, as well as plenty of activities for little ones and adults alike, from outdoor Christmas movie screenings to wine tastings.
2. Peoples Gas Holiday Market in Pittsburgh
Dates: Nov. 22, 2024 to Dec. 24, 2024
The 13th annual Peoples Gas Holiday Market in Downtown Pittsburgh takes place every day leading up to Christmas Day, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy the holiday magic. There are dozens of local and international vendors, excellent European-inspired snacks, and even a life-sized Christmas creche (the only authorized replica of the Roman nativity in the world).
3. Solvang Julefest in Solvang, California
Dates: Nov. 29, 2024 to Jan. 5, 2025
The Solvang Julefest in Solvang, California, is hands-down one of the best European-style Christmas markets in the U.S. The Danish-style market boasts a maker’s market with plenty of artisan gifts, photos with Santa (including a session for pets!), carolers, and even a traditional Christmas tree burn on Jan. 3 to mark the end of the season.
4. Holland Kerstmarkt in Holland, Michigan
Dates: Nov. 23, 2024 to Dec. 21, 2024
“Kerstmarkt” in the Dutch language means “Christmas market,” and the Holland Kerstmarkt lives up to its name as an excellent example of a European-style Christmas market. The market features dozens of unique festivities throughout the month leading up to Christmas, including dog sled demonstrations, Dickens carolers, and more festive fun.
5. Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Dates: Nov. 15, 2024 to Dec. 22, 2024
The Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem (no, not that Bethlehem, but rather Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) boasts tons of Christmas fun leading up to the big day. We’re talking everything from artisans to local merchants, sip n’ shop experiences, and even a special breakfast for little ones with Santa Claus himself.
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6. Christkindlmarket in Chicago
Dates: November 22, 2024 to December 24, 2024
The Christkindlmarket in Chicago is one of those Christmas markets that feels as if it was plucked straight from Europe. There’s mulled wine and beer imported from Germany to enjoy while browsing the dozens of artisan stalls or simply enjoying the festive feeling that buzzes throughout the market.
7. DowntownDC Holiday Market in Washington, D.C.
Dates: Nov. 22, 2024 to Dec. 23, 2024
The DowntownDC Holiday Market features over 110 different vendors selling everything from artisanal food to festive arts and crafts. There’s also plenty of live music and other performances, as well as free entrance to neighboring Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery.
8. Columbus Circle Holiday Market in Manhattan, New York
Dates: December 3, 2024 to December 31, 2024
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is tucked into the southwest corner of Central Park at Central Park West and 59th Street. It boasts over a hundred vendors and lots of festive food stalls, all with the stunning backdrop of Central Park.
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9. Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington, Texas
Dates: Nov. 22, 2024 to Dec. 23, 2024
The Texas Christkindl Market is a testament to the relationship between Arlington and its German sister city, Bad Königshofen, as well as its partner Christmas city, Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This has resulted in an incredible German Christmas market that offers a smörgåsbord of entertainment and vendors to peruse.
Don’t miss the German folk dance performances which take place throughout the season.
10. Denver Christkindlmarket in Denver
Dates: November 22, 2024 to December 23, 2024
Denver is one of those cities that truly transforms into a winter wonderland, and the Denver Christkindlmarket is no exception. The authentic German Christmas market boasts charming wooden huts, mulled wine, and even an appearance from Krampus.
11. Carmel Christkindlmarkt in Carmel, Indiana
Dates: Nov. 23, 2024 to Dec. 24, 2024
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt is a beautiful example of a European-inspired Christmas market with American flair. The German-inspired market is complete with everything from German blown-glass artists and snacks like raclette sandwiches, pretzels, and more. There’s also a massive outdoor skating rink right next to the market stalls.
