Top 10 Best Christmas Markets To Visit In The US

Top 10 Best Christmas Markets To Visit In The US. Photo KnowInsiders

So often, we forget that the holidays are supposed to be delightful, whimsical, and mysterious. Christmas is the most magical season of the year! Don’t get bogged down in shopping lists, mall runs, and stress this year. Instead, treat yourself to a classic Christmas adventure: a trip to one of the top Christmas markets in the U.S. Here are the best markets to relax, shop, dine, and have a magical Christmas time!

When do Christmas Markets Usually Open in the US?

Exact Christmas market dates in the US usually aren’t known until a few months before the festive season, but there are (of course) patterns.

It’s important to note that dates vary a lot more for US Christmas markets compared to their European counterparts, which are typically anchored around Advent weekends.

Some larger US Christmas markets are open for several weeks, while others are simply one day affairs.

Generally speaking though, Christmas markets in the US open as early as Thanksgiving weekend and go as late as New Years or early January.

Top 10 Best Christmas Markets In The US

1.Christmas Village (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

2.Old World Christmas Market (Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin)

3.Texas Christkindl Market (Arlington, Texas)

4.Downtown Holiday Market (Washington DC)

5.Union Square Holiday Market (New York City)

6.Christkindlmarket Chicago

7.Columbus Circle Holiday Market (New York City)

8. Christmas Village (Baltimore, Maryland)

9. Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt (Cincinnati, Ohio)

10. Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park (New York)

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What Are The Best Christmas Markets In America?

1.Christmas Village (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

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There are dozens of vendors at Philadelphia’s Christmas Village, which sells lots of holiday gifts and delicious foods. Favorites foods of the festival include sausages and waffles. This market carries a very authentic German vibe and is also famous for its mulled wine. This market is located downtown at Love Park just west of City Hall. It runs from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve and often has a “sneak peek” weekend before the official opening to get visitors excited for what’s to come.

On the Christmas Village in Philadelphia’s website, it is stated that the village will be open for a whole month, lasting from November 25 to December 24th.

2.Old World Christmas Market (Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin)

Photo Detroit News

One particularly fun place to bring in the Christmas season is Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. This market has traditionally been held at the Osthoff Resort and features a heated tent full of German crafts, apparel, nutcrackers, and gingerbread houses. You’ll also find gift ideas inspired by Russian and Czech traditions too. This market typically lasts for about 10 days in early December. Favorite foods to enjoy here include bratwursts, dumplings, potato pancakes, red cabbage, and apple strudels.

The 2021 Old World Christmas Market is open daily from 10 AM – 5 PM, December 3 – 12, 2021.

READ MORE: Top 10 Biggest & Best Shopping Malls in America Today

3.Texas Christkindl Market (Arlington, Texas)

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Arlington, One of Texas’ largest cities, also puts on one of the state’s most popular Christmas markets. This family-friendly German-inspired market is nestled next to Globe Life Park and features holiday gifts, decorations and other traditional festive goods, as well as an array of live entertainment. Visitors can ensconce themselves in the Warming Haus while kids will enjoy catching a glimpse of the Christkindl Angel and getting their photo taken with Santa himself. The market also claims to be the only place in the southwest where you can find exclusive Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas decorations and designs from the renowned Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village in Germany.

READ MORE: Christmas Eve: History, Meaning and Celebrations

4.Downtown Holiday Market (Washington DC)

Consistently ranked among America’s best Holiday Markets, and anyone who’s visited will testify as to why. Located on Washington’s F Street between 7th & 9th streets NW, outside the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum, it features a rotating selection of exhibitors and artisans offering fine art, crafts, jewellery, pottery, clothing, and specialty food items. The market takes place every day from mid-November all the way through to Christmas Eve. Visit the market website here.

5.Union Square Holiday Market (New York City)

While some Christmas markets are best suited for a quick wander, you could easily set aside an entire day to explore this internationally renowned version located in the heart of Manhattan. As well as a choice of more than 150 vendors showcasing handcrafted goods and unusual items, there’s also a whole host of entertainment, including a kid’s craft studio and live musical performances. Some great gift ideas to be found here include brew-your-own beer kits from the Brooklyn Brew Shop and monogrammed stuffed animals from Hazel Village. There’s also plenty of food and drink on offer, either to enjoy as you walk or to take home for the fridge or pantry.

6.Christkindlmarket Chicago

Photo Choose Chicago

This is the biggest Christmas market in the United States! It draws a crowd of over a million people every year. Join the fun when you visit Chicago this year! If you can’t visit the famous Christmas markets of Germany, this is the next best thing. In fact, this market was modeled after Christkindlesmarkt, an annual market in Nuremberg, Germany! The market includes German favorites, like beer, German treats, and décor, as well as American-style elements and entertainment.

7.Columbus Circle Holiday Market (New York City)

Photo Times of India

This is one of the best known Christmas markets anywhere in the US, thanks in some measure to its iconic location at the entrance to Central Park. Visitors can – and very often do – lose themselves in the glittering array of aisles where art, jewellery, homeware and delicious food and drink are on display, much of which has been created by gifted artisans and independent designers. For the first time there’ll be German Gluhwein and Beer at a dedicated Bratwurst Stand. If you need help navigating your way around, dedicated on-site concierge staff will guide you to your preferred stalls.

8. Christmas Village, Baltimore, Maryland

This is a fairly new Christmas market, but it’s not any less awesome than the more established events. Visit West Shore Park in Baltimore to enjoy German traditions that summon the spirit of the Old World! Like its Chicago counterpart, this market is inspired by the Christmas market in Nuremberg. Walk along the harbor while browsing handmade gifts, unique décor, and more. You’ll get to see Santa, check out the nativity scene, try new foods, and enjoy outdoor entertainment. This market may be inspired by Germany, but it features elements from around the world! You can traverse the globe in a day when you visit this market.

9. Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt (Cincinnati, Ohio)

This market is actually part of a broader celebration called Macy’s Light Up the Square, which takes place each year in the heart of Cincinnati and features the annual lighting of a Christmas tree along with live music, a fireworks display and an ice skating rink. The market itself is authentically German in style and boasts a wide range of vendors and local artisans selling traditional German fare, gifts and other festive-themed products.

10. Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park (New York)

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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.

Dates: October 31^st, 2021–March 1st, 2022

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