Christmas Markets in the US 2025: Best Festive Destinations and Dates

When the holidays roll in, there’s nothing quite like a Christmas market to spark some cheer. You wander through the crowds, hands warming up around a hot drink, and everywhere you look—lights, music, and food. The air smells like sweet pastries and grilling sausages, and every booth seems to offer something tempting.

You don’t need to dust off your passport for this festive vibe. All over the U.S., cities and small towns set up their own take on these classic holiday markets.

Each one blends old traditions with local flavor. Whether you’re after handmade gifts, a new snack, or just the sparkle of lights, there’s a market waiting for you.

Christkindlmarket – Chicago, IL

Fast Facts Table

When December hits Chicago, this is the spot. Christkindlmarket shows up in three places: Daley Plaza, Wrigleyville, and RiverEdge Park in Aurora.

Each location brings its own personality. Daley Plaza gives you the classic city holiday scene—hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, and lights everywhere.

Wrigleyville buzzes with energy right by the stadium, and sometimes you can even go ice skating. RiverEdge Park, farther out, feels peaceful but still packs in music and holiday decorations.

There’s no ticket needed—just walk in and enjoy. Stalls brim with handmade gifts, sweets, and festive drinks, so it’s easy to find something fun or just people-watch.

If you’re in Chicago for the holidays, you’re never too far from one of the Christkindlmarket locations.

Market Area	Nearby Hotel	What You’ll Find
Daley Plaza	Residence Inn by Marriott	Lantern walks, classic snacks
Wrigleyville	Hotel Zachary	Skating, shopping, surprises
RiverEdge Park	Holiday Inn Express & Suites	Holiday lights, music, food

Seattle Christmas Market – Seattle, WA

If you’re in the mood for sparkle and a bit of classic charm, Seattle’s got you. Take a stroll through the Christmas Market at Seattle Center—there’s a giant walk-through tree for photos and a carousel spinning under the lights.

Sing some holiday karaoke, catch a performance, or shop for gifts from the stalls. Warm snacks and cups of glühwein (the mug is yours if you want it) help you fight off the chill.

Quick Facts:

Location	Entry Price	Nearby Hotel
305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109	$13.99–$19.99	Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown

You might even spot Santa near the Space Needle. For all the details, check the Seattle Christmas Market website.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market – NYC, NY

Step off the Manhattan sidewalk and into a pocket of holiday buzz. The Columbus Circle Holiday Market sits right on the edge of Central Park, so you can blend people-watching with gift hunting.

You don’t pay to enter, but with a hundred booths selling crafts, treats, and hot drinks, you’ll probably end up reaching for your wallet.

Why Visitors Love It:

• Free entrance
• Stalls packed with handmade goods and snacks
• Live music and a lively holiday vibe
• Steps from Wollman Rink and close to the Bryant Park Winter Village

Union Square Holiday Market – NYC, NY

At Union Square, you can wander through rows of red-and-white booths loaded with gifts you probably haven’t seen anywhere else. Over 150 local vendors bring something different—quirky jewelry, hand-knit hats, or candles that actually smell like gingerbread.

This market is always buzzing, and the air feels sweet with cinnamon or cider floating by.

What You’ll Find:

• Handmade crafts and art
• Seasonal snacks and drinks
• Warm accessories
• Holiday decorations

Location Tip: Find it at Union Square West & E 17th St, right in the middle of downtown. It’s free to enter, so come and go as you like.

Still want to shop? Other NYC markets, like Bryant Park Winter Village, are just a subway ride away and worth a look.

Nevada City Victorian Christmas – Nevada City, CA

Strolling through Nevada City in December, you’ll feel like you’ve time-traveled. Victorian carolers sing in old-fashioned outfits—bonnets, tall hats, the works—while the streets glow with lights and gas lamps.

Holiday music drifts by, cocoa warms your hands, and even the shop windows look like something out of a storybook.

There’s no entry fee, so take your time on Broad Street. Check out the Dickens Village display—people love it for photos and window gazing.

The crowd is a mix: families, couples, friend groups, all sampling hot drinks and snacks from local stalls. If you want to stay, the National Exchange Hotel is right there.

Quick Facts:

What to Expect	Details
Location	Broad Street, Nevada City, CA 95959
Entry Fee	Free
Hotel Nearby	National Exchange Hotel
Events	Carolers, food, drinks, live music

Want more info? Check the schedule and updates for Nevada City Victorian Christmas.

Denver Christkindlmarket – Denver, CO

If you want a lively scene, Denver’s Christkindlmarket is packed with music and lights. Stalls overflow with handmade ornaments, holiday snacks, and souvenirs.

German holiday characters like St. Nikolaus and Krampus wander the market—you can snap a photo with them if you’re brave enough.

Snacks here are worth the calories. Grab some pierogies, roasted nuts, or a spiced drink.

Quick Look Table

Details	Info
Where	Denver Civic Center Park
Entry	Free for everyone
Closest Hotel	The Art Hotel Denver

Atlanta Christkindl Market – Atlanta, GA

Step into a cozy world of twinkle lights and handmade finds at the Atlanta Christkindl Market in Buckhead Village District. No admission fee here, so you can splurge on German treats and gifts.

Rows of wooden stalls offer hand-painted ornaments, festive decorations, and treasures you won’t find at big retailers.

Tasty Highlights:

• Freshly baked pretzels
• Hearty pastries
• Hot drinks for chilly nights

Catch live music or snap a photo with Santa during special events. The market’s at 290 East Paces Ferry Road NE, and getting there is pretty straightforward.

If you want to stay close, try the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel. For more info, check the Atlanta Christkindl Market official website.

Downtown Holiday Market – Washington D.C.

Want to shop outdoors with cocoa in hand? This is your spot. The Downtown Holiday Market stretches over two blocks with a big mix of local vendors, including many Black-owned and minority-owned shops.

Browse for candles, jewelry, and creative gifts, all while catching live music—over 75 performances are lined up.

The market sits at 8th and F Street NW, close to the Kimpton Hotel Monaco DC. If you need a break, the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum are nearby.

Quick Tips

• Free admission
• Great for people-watching with friends
• Loads of crafts and festive energy

Great Dickens Christmas Fair – San Francisco, CA

Step into the past at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair at the Cow Palace in Daly City. Actors in Victorian getup, street performers, and carolers fill the place with energy.

Old-style booths brim with handmade gifts and English snacks (don’t skip the fish and chips).

What you’ll find:

• People in historical outfits
• Shows with music and dancing
• Carolers everywhere
• Unique crafts and handmade goods

Ticket prices:

Ticket Type	Starting Cost
Adult General	$45+

If you’re from out of town, the DoubleTree by Hilton San Francisco Airport North Bayfront is close. Details and ticket info are on the official Dickens Fair website.

Old World Christmas Market – Elkhart, WI

At the Old World Christmas Market in Elkhart, rows of wooden booths overflow with holiday gifts. You’ll see shiny glass ornaments, mustachioed nutcrackers, and unique jewelry.

The whole thing feels like a winter postcard. Bring the kids for breakfast with Santa, cookie decorating, and wagon rides. Come hungry—there’s schnitzel, dumplings, and crispy potato pancakes.

Admission is $7 for adults, and kids 14 and under get in free. You can stay right at the Osthoff Resort for the full festive experience. Find all the details at Old World Christmas Market Elkhart Lake.

Where	Price	What to Eat	Where to Stay
Osthoff Resort, Elkhart	$7 (adults), Free (kids 14-)	German comfort food classics	Osthoff Resort

Christmas Village – Philadelphia, PA

Step into the excitement of Philadelphia’s Christmas Village at Love Park. Over 120 vendors line up with sparkling lights and the scent of sweet treats and bratwurst in the air.

Browse for handmade gifts or sample German snacks at the Beer Garden. Kids can ride the carousel, hop on a mini train, or take a spin on the Ferris wheel.

Entry is free, and everything’s set up at 1500 Arch Street, just a short walk from The Windsor Suites. More info’s at the Christmas Village in Philadelphia site.

Christkindlmarkt – Bethlehem, PA

If you want holiday vibes without a long drive, Bethlehem is a solid pick. Try the Crayola Creativity Station for hands-on fun or test your skills on the ice at SteelStacks.

If you’re feeling crafty, the Hot Glass Experience lets you make your own creation. Booths line up with handmade gifts and festive snacks, and you’ll see families, couples, and friends wandering together.

Key Information

Where	101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Entry Fee	$11 for adults, free for kids under 5
Nearby Hotel	Wind Creek Bethlehem

Peoples Gas Holiday Market – Pittsburgh, PA

You’ll find the Peoples Gas Holiday Market glowing in Downtown Pittsburgh, with over 150,000 LED lights and rows of wooden stalls. The vibe feels cozy and a bit European, even if skyscrapers are just across the street.

Explore gifts from Pittsburgh creators and worldwide vendors. It’s free to enter, so wander as long as you want. You can listen to live holiday music, snack on warm festive food, and see giant Christmas trees sparkle nearby.

Event Snapshot

Where	Cost	Closest Hotel
Market Square	Free	Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh Downtown

Kerstmarkt – Holland, MI

Step onto 8th Street and feel the town’s festive energy. At Holland’s Kerstmarkt, you can wander through booths filled with handmade ornaments and local snacks.

Admission is free, so bring the whole crew. Here’s what you’ll find:

• Dutch food: Stroopwafels, hot chocolate
• Gift shopping: Artisans and specialty shops
• Live music: Seasonal tunes to keep spirits up

Want to stay close? The Tulyp hotel is right there. Get ready for some festive cheer at this European-style Michigan market.

Frankenmuth ChristKindlMarkt – Frankenmuth, MI

Over 40 wooden booths line up in downtown Frankenmuth, each one loaded with handmade gifts, ornaments, and snacks. The whole scene glows with string lights and live music, and Santa’s a regular here.

Admission is free, so bring friends and grab some cocoa. If you want a short walk home, the Fairfield Inn & Suites is nearby. Get more info at the Frankenmuth ChristKindlMarkt page.

Baltimore Christmas Village – Baltimore, MD

Step into a slice of Europe in Baltimore at the Inner Harbor’s Christmas Village. Rows of wooden booths serve up warm waffles, bratwurst, and mulled wine.

Shop for handmade goods from local and international vendors—these are the gifts you won’t find at the mall. Lights glow all around the waterfront, making the place feel extra welcoming.

The best part? It’s free to enter. Bring friends or just wander solo. If you want a getaway, the Royal Sonesta is nearby.

Fast Facts

Address	Dates	Cost
501 Light St	Nov 22 – Dec 24, 2025	Free

For more info or to plan your trip, check the German Christmas Village in Baltimore page.

Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt – Cincinnati, OH

Head to Moerlein Lager House and you’ll land in the middle of a glowing holiday scene—twinkling lights, rows of wooden booths, and loads of handmade gifts and snacks. Snack on German pretzels, hunt for ornaments, or sip something warm while live music plays nearby.

Want to treat yourself? Rent a heated igloo for cozy hangouts. Try the four-lane ice slide, or let kids eat free on Wednesdays. Santa and Mrs. Claus sometimes pop in for photos, keeping the vibe festive.

Details	Information
Admission	Free
Address	115 Joe Nuxhall Wy, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Nearby Hotel	AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks

Find out what’s on and see more at the Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt website.

Texas Christkindl Market – Arlington, TX

If you’re into twinkling lights and the smell of gingerbread, you’ll want to check out this German-inspired holiday event. Every year, the Texas Christkindl Market pops up in Arlington, with rows of stalls selling crafts, glass ornaments, and wooden toys.

Shop for gifts, snack on holiday treats, and catch live performances from musicians and carolers.

What can you do at the market?

• Browse crafts and decor
• Take photos with St. Nickolas
• Enjoy music, dancing, and festive snacks
• Bring your dog on Fur Family Fridays

Location:
Right outside Globe Life Field at 1650 E. Randol Mill Road.

Admission:
Free for everyone, and easy to access.

If you need a hotel, Live! By Loews is steps away. For times and updates, visit the Texas Christkindl Market’s official site.

Williamsburg Christmas Market – Williamsburg, VA

With more than 40 vendors near Bicentennial Park, you’ll find everything from handmade soaps and wreaths to unique ornaments and local art. If you’re in the mood, sip on craft beer or gluhwein while you listen to live music.

Highlights:

• Free entry for all
• Santa visits and cookies for kids
• Beverages for grown-ups
• Walkable stalls full of gifts

Need a cozy place to stay? The Fife and Drum Inn fits the bill. Dates and more info are at the Williamsburg Christmas Market website.

Christmas Market – Georgetown, CO

Bundle up and head to Georgetown for a classic holiday market with sparkle. Twinkling lights and live carolers fill the air. Stroll past booths packed with crafts, winter treats, and gifts you’ll want to snag.

Snap a photo with St. Nicholas or grab a hot chestnut. The market runs the first two weekends of December at 305 Argentine Street, and admission is free.

Don’t miss:

• Horse and wagon rides through snowy streets
• Visits to the decorated Hamill House
• Easy walks from Clear Creek Inn to the festivities

Find more on the Georgetown Christmas Market.

Carmel Christkindlmarket – Carmel, IN

Walk into a winter wonderland in Carmel, where wooden huts brim with hand-blown ornaments, classic wooden toys, and unique jewelry. The market glows with lights, and holiday tunes fill the air.

Hungry? Grab German favorites like schnitzel and sauerkraut, or try a warm Belgian waffle. Hot chocolate and mulled wine are a must on cold days.

Quick Facts

Detail	Info
Admission	Free
Address	10 Carter Green, Carmel, IN
Nearby Hotel	Hotel Carmichael, Autograph Collection

There’s more than shopping and food. Try the ice skating rink, see the holiday train display, or get creative with arts and crafts. Plan your visit and see what’s on at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Top US Christmas Markets to Add to Your 2025 Itinerary

If you’re only picking five, make ‘em good ones. For sparkle, treats, and twinkle lights, here’s a quick list worth your time:

1. Chicago’s Christkindlmarket – German food, festive mugs, and a big crowd.
2. Union Square Holiday Market in NYC – Hidden gems for your gift list.
3. Downtown Holiday Market in Washington, DC – Snacks and live music in the city center.
4. Silverton Christmas Market in Oregon – Magical lights and activities for all ages.
5. Cambria Christmas Market in California – Coastal views and cozy stalls.

These spots mix big city buzz and small-town charm.

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Easy Ways to Discover Local Christmas Markets

You don’t have to travel far to feel festive. Try this:

• Check your city or town’s website for event calendars.
• Search social media for hashtags like #ChristmasMarket or #HolidayFair.
• Type “Christmas market near me” in your search bar.
• Ask neighbors or friends—someone always knows.

Chances are, there’s a cozy pop-up market closer than you think.

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Where to Shop for Unique, Handmade Gifts

Big box stores can’t compete with these finds. Search for markets featuring local makers:

Market	Special Finds
Union Square Holiday Market	Unique jewelry and art
Christkindlmarket Chicago	Hand-carved ornaments and toys
Local community bazaars	Homey crafts and gifts

Indie artists and craftspeople usually show up at these markets, especially in cities and artsy small towns.

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Family-Friendly Markets with Extra Holiday Magic

Kids want more than a pretzel and cocoa. Look for markets with:

• Santa selfies
• Live performances
• Workshops for kids (crafts and gingerbread, anyone?)
• Light displays

The Silverton Christmas Market and Cambria Christmas Market both pack in family events and glowing light trails.

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2025 Chicago Christmas Market Dates You Need to Know

Chicago’s Christkindlmarket gets busy, so timing helps. It usually runs mid-November through December 24, but check the official site as the season nears. Go early for first pick on ornaments and shorter snack lines.

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US Christmas Markets That Feel Just Like Europe

If you love the classic European market vibe, add these to your list:

• Chicago’s Christkindlmarket serves up German food and glühwein in collectible mugs.
• Philadelphia’s Christmas Village brings old-world flair from late November to December at LOVE Park and City Hall. Get more details.
• Still looking? Use a holiday market guide to find US markets with wooden stalls, carolers, and the smell of roasted nuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Christmas Markets in the US Should Be on Your List for 2025?

Big names always draw crowds. You might want to check out the Christkindlmarket in Chicago for its energy, German snacks, and mugs of hot chocolate. The Union Square Holiday Market in New York City stands out for vendor variety and city charm. For something scenic and rustic, the Leavenworth Christmas Market in Washington transforms a small town into a Bavarian-style holiday village.

If you prefer West Coast lights, the Silverton Christmas Market in Oregon is always a hit.

How Can You Find Christmas Markets Nearby in December 2025?

If you want a market close to home, here’s how to look. Many cities post lists in advance. Holiday event websites and travel guides can help you plan.

Where Can You Shop for Handcrafted or Special Gifts at Christmas Markets?

Handmade gifts make some markets really stand out. At places like Union Square in New York and Christkindlmarket in Chicago, you’ll find hand-carved ornaments, jewelry, scarves, and local art. These markets invite artists and crafters to set up shop. Look for “artisan vendors” or “handcrafted” in the event details.

Are There Any German-Styled Christmas Markets in the US?

Absolutely. The Chicago Christkindlmarket is modeled after Germany’s famous fairs. Texas has a few, like those in Tomball or Fredericksburg, that channel Bavarian traditions—think classic foods, mulled wine, and wooden huts. For a town that really commits, check out Leavenworth, Washington.

What Covid-19 Safety Changes Are US Christmas Markets Planning for Holiday 2025?

Organizers now focus on health and safety. Expect hand sanitizer stations, wider aisles, and maybe timed tickets. Some offer contactless payment or limit crowds, and others update safety rules just before opening. Always check the market’s website before you go.

When Do Major Christmas Markets Open and Close in the US for 2025?

Most big markets start in mid-November and finish after Christmas or around New Year’s Eve. Hours vary by city, but Friday nights and weekends are busiest. For example, the Silverton Christmas Market is open November 21 to December 31, 2025. Always check the official website close to your visit—weather or events can change things last minute.