Best Christmas Markets in the U.S.A

While many of us would love to head to Europe and spend a few days walking through the German and French Christmas markets, that is not always possible. Germany, France and Austria are especially known for their long-standing market traditions, with wooden stalls, regional foods and handmade crafts that show up every winter. Several cities in the United States make a genuine effort to recreate that experience. You will usually find small booths selling ornaments and local goods, stands serving mulled wine, hot pretzels, roasted nuts and raclette, the melted Swiss-style cheese scraped onto bread or potatoes. The setup may look different from city to city, but the basics are familiar enough.

If you want a little European charm without leaving the country, here are some of the best Christmas markets in the U.S. Each one has its own personality, but they all bring the holiday spirit in a way that feels inviting and easy to enjoy.

Christkindlmarket Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago has one of the most established Christmas markets in the country. It’s inspired by the classic markets in Nuremberg and takes over Daley Plaza with wooden stalls, ornaments, German snacks and all the warm drinks people carry around while pretending they’re not freezing.

Website: https://www.christkindlmarket.com/

Union Square Holiday Market

New York City, New York

NYC loves a big holiday moment. The Union Square market brings together dozens of artisans, food stalls and pop-up makers in one of the busiest spots in the city. It’s great for quick browsing if you like your holiday shopping with a side of city energy.

Website: https://www.urbanspacemarkets.com/union-square-holiday-market-1

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Bethlehem calls itself Christmas City, and honestly, it lives up to the name. Their Christkindlmarkt leans into old-world charm with handmade crafts, glass ornaments and live music inside heated tents.

Website: https://www.artsquest.org/christkindlmarkt/

Christmas Village in Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland

Set right on the Inner Harbor, Baltimore’s Christmas Village blends waterfront views with a German-style market feel. It’s a good mix of festive lights, food and stalls without the overwhelming crowds of the bigger cities.

Website: https://www.baltimore-christmas.com/

Old World Christmas Market at The Osthoff Resort

Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

If you want something cozy instead of chaotic, this one is perfect. The Osthoff Resort transforms into a warm, old-world–inspired holiday market with handmade crafts and an easygoing small-town atmosphere.

Website: https://osthoff.com/

(Find “Old World Christmas Market” under their events section.)

Atlanta Christkindl Market

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta brings the German-market vibe to the South with wooden booths, mulled wine and holiday performers. It’s a great option if you want the festive feel without freezing temperatures.

Website: https://www.christkindlmarketatl.com/

Denver Christkindlmarket

Denver, Colorado

Sit at the base of the Rockies while you shop through German bakeries, craft stalls and live performances. Denver’s version is lively but still easy to navigate.

Website: https://christkindlmarket.com/

(Select the Denver location on the site.)

Christmas Village in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Centered around LOVE Park, this market mixes classic Christmas market traditions with Philly’s own character. Plenty of food, gifts and festive photo spots.

Website: https://www.philachristmas.com/

Savannah Christmas Market

Savannah, Georgia

If you want charming historic streets mixed with holiday lights and milder weather, Savannah delivers. The market sits along the riverfront and stretches the season longer than most.

Website: https://visitsavannah.com/

(Search “Christmas Market” on their events page.)

Greenville Christmas Market

Greenville, South Carolina

A smaller but stylish market set near the Grand Bohemian Lodge. It’s one of the more relaxed Christmas markets and focuses on local artisans.

Website: https://www.greenvillechristmasmarket.com/

Alpine Helen Christkindlmarkt

Helen, Georgia

This Bavarian-style mountain town looks festive year-round, so Christmas just turns the charm up even more. Their market is compact, walkable and great for photos.

Website: https://helenga.org/

(Look under events or holidays.)

Carmel Christkindlmarkt

Carmel, Indiana

If you want something that feels authentically German without leaving the Midwest, Carmel’s market is surprisingly strong. Think handcrafted ornaments, pretzels, winter drinks and a big glowing pyramid.

Website: https://www.carmelchristkindlmarkt.com/

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Daly City, California

This one swaps the German theme for Victorian London. It’s theatrical, immersive and a whole different take on a holiday market.

Website: https://www.greatdickensfair.com/

Leavenworth Winter Market

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth already looks like a Bavarian village, and when the holidays hit, the whole place lights up. It’s great for people who want mountain scenery plus festive shopping.

Website: https://www.christmasinwa.com/leavenworth/

German Holiday Market

Mountain View, California

A Silicon Valley take on a traditional German market. It’s a one-day event but really popular, especially for families and people looking for unique gifts.

Website: https://germanholidaymarket.org/