10 Unforgettable U.S. Christmas Markets You Have To Visit In 2025 For The Ultimate Holiday Magic

Christmas markets in the U.S. bring a special kind of holiday magic. You get festive lights, local eats, and all sorts of unique gifts—no passport required.

A lot of these markets borrow from European traditions, so you’ll catch that classic holiday vibe right here at home.

Curious about the best authentic Christmas markets? You’ll find handmade goods, seasonal treats, and entertainment for everyone. These markets really make it easy to celebrate with friends and family in a cozy, festive setting.

1) Christkindlmarket Chicago, Illinois

Christkindlmarket is probably Chicago’s most famous Christmas market. You’ll spot it every winter right downtown in Daley Plaza.

They kicked things off in 1996, inspired by traditional German holiday markets.

You can shop for German ornaments and nutcrackers. Vendors serve up pretzels, sausages, and hot drinks like glühwein (spiced wine) in those cute keepsake mugs.

Families and groups love the lively music and festive mood. Admission is free, and everyone’s welcome.

The open-air setup means you’ll want to bundle up—December in Chicago isn’t exactly balmy. Tons of hotels are nearby, so you can stay close if you want.

Check the official site for dates and hours before you go. It gets crowded, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, so plan ahead if you want to beat the rush.

Dates for 2025	Times (Typical)	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 21–Dec 24, 2025	Sun–Thu: 11am–8pm	50 W Washington St, Chicago	Free admission	Booking.com hotels near Daley Plaza	Christkindlmarket Chicago
	Fri–Sat: 11am–9pm

2) Union Square Holiday Market, New York City

The Union Square Holiday Market is a holiday staple in Manhattan. It pops up in mid-November and runs right up to Christmas Eve.

Over 150 vendors crowd into red-and-white striped stalls, selling gifts, crafts, and tasty holiday foods.

You’ll find it at E 14th St in Union Square Park. It’s busy—locals and tourists both show up in droves, especially on weekends.

The decorations are festive, and you’ll see products from local artists and sellers from around the world.

Food stalls dish out seasonal snacks, hot chocolate, and classic street eats. A lot of folks grab a treat and wander while shopping for gifts.

The subway drops you right there, and there’s no shortage of nearby restaurants or shops.

Here’s the key info:

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay (Nearby, via Booking.com)	Website
Mid-November–Dec 24	Daily, usually 11am–8pm	Union Square, E 14th St, NYC	Free entry	Hyatt Union Square New York	Union Square Holiday Market details

3) Denver Christkindl Market, Colorado

You’ll spot the Denver Christkindl Market right downtown at the Auraria Campus. Organizers bring a traditional German holiday experience to Colorado every year.

Vendors show off handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and German snacks.

The 2025 market opens Friday, November 21 and runs through Tuesday, December 23. Admission? Totally free.

The market’s outside and family-friendly, with live music and local performers.

You can try bratwurst, pretzels, and mulled wine at the food stalls. Booths stock everything from Christmas decorations to wooden toys.

Hotels in downtown Denver are close, so you can walk or hop on public transit. The festive scene draws families, couples, and out-of-towners.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to stay nearby	Website
Nov 21 – Dec 23, 2025	Not released	1300 Lawrence St, Denver, CO	Free entry	View hotels near Auraria Campus	Denver Christkindl Market

4) Old Town Holiday Market, Alexandria, Virginia

The Old Town Holiday Market happens on Saturday, December 13, 2025. You’ll find it at John Carlyle Square in Alexandria, Virginia, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Vendors pack the square with handmade gifts, ornaments, and holiday decorations. Local crafters show off their work everywhere you look.

Carolers and a DJ keep things lively with music. Food and drink stalls sell warm snacks and holiday sweets.

Entry won’t cost you a thing.

Old Town Alexandria is famous for its historic storefronts and charming streets. Hotels and shops are just steps away, so you can stroll around at your own pace.

Want more details or updates on vendors? Head to the official event listing.

Date	Time	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Dec 13, 2025	11:00 AM–4:00 PM	John Carlyle Square, Alexandria, VA	Free	Hotels near John Carlyle Square	Old Town Holiday Market Info

5) Portland Christmas Market, Oregon

You’ll find the Portland Christmas Market at the Portland Expo Center every November. This one mixes handmade crafts, gift shops, and a solid lineup of food vendors.

You can catch live entertainment and chat with local makers. The event is family-friendly and you can get there easily by public transit.

The Portland market blends traditional and modern holiday items. Local vendors bring home décor, clothing, and treats with a Northwest twist.

Food stalls serve up fresh baked goods and holiday drinks. Lots of folks stop by to grab unique gifts for friends and family.

Plan ahead—crowds can get big during peak hours. The indoor venue keeps you dry and warm, even if winter weather hits.

Parking’s available onsite for a fee. You can stay at a nearby hotel or check out other winter events around the city.

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Where to stay (nearby)	Website
Nov 14-16, 2025	Varies	2060 N Marine Dr, Portland, OR	$10 (adult)	Holiday Inn Portland Airport	Portland Holiday Market

6) Pike Place Market Holiday Market, Seattle

Pike Place Market in Seattle turns into a festive hub every holiday season. Vendors decorate their stalls, and you’ll see local crafts and specialty foods everywhere.

You can hunt for unique gifts or just snack on small batch treats from local makers. Each year, the Magic in the Market event kicks off the festivities with a burst of energy.

Holiday lights, music, and themed activities fill the market. People from all over the region—families, friends, visitors—show up for the celebration.

You’ll find Pike Place Market right in downtown Seattle, so getting there’s a breeze. Shop for gifts, grab some fresh food, and catch a glimpse of local traditions all in one spot.

This market isn’t just about shopping. You’ll catch performances and family-friendly activities happening throughout the day.

If you’re planning to stay overnight, several hotels are just a short walk away. The main event happens outdoors, so don’t forget to dress for Seattle’s wild weather.

For schedules and event details, check the Pike Place Market holiday page.

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Late Nov–Dec 2025	11am–6pm	85 Pike St, Seattle, WA	Free	Inn at the Market (booking.com)	https://www.pikeplacemarket.org/10-magical-things-to-do-for-chrismas-in-seattle-pike-place-market-in-2023/

7) Holiday Market at Bryant Park, New York City

You’ll find the Holiday Market at Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan. Every year, Bryant Park transforms into a lively holiday village that feels straight out of Europe.

The event has more than 100 vendors selling gifts, crafts, and holiday foods. It runs from late fall through winter, so you’ve got plenty of time to visit.

As you wander the aisles, you can browse handcrafted goods and sample local treats. The market wraps around Bryant Park’s ice skating rink, which is free to enter and always bustling.

You’ll spot cozy seating areas and even heated igloos for warming up after shopping or skating. Vendors come from New York City and beyond, so you’ll stumble across items you just won’t see anywhere else.

It’s easy to get here by subway or bus, which is perfect if you don’t want to drive in the city. Admission is free, though you’ll want to bring extra cash for food and fun finds.

If you’re staying overnight, there are plenty of hotels within walking distance on Booking.com. For vendor lists and updates, check the Bryant Park Winter Village website.

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 1, 2025 – Mar 1, 2026	Hours vary by day	41st Street & 6th Ave, NYC	Free entry	Hotels at Booking.com	Bryant Park Winter Village

8) Minnesota State Fairgrounds Holiday Market, Minnesota

If you swing by the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in December, you’ll find a big holiday market in St. Paul. Local vendors set up shop with handmade crafts, seasonal foods, and gifts from the region.

The fairgrounds are super simple to get around, and parking’s never really a hassle. Families and groups like coming here because of the wide walkways and indoor spaces.

If you’ve got mobility needs, the venue’s accessible. You’ll spot plenty of Minnesota traditions too, like Scandinavian decorations and classic baked goods.

Shopping for ornaments, tasting regional treats, and catching live performances are some of the highlights. The market sits close to hotels and public transit in St. Paul, so you can get in and out without much fuss.

Nearby hotels make it easy to crash after a long day, and there are lots of local places to eat. For all the details, check out the Minnesota Merry Market at the State Fair.

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
December 21-22, 2025	10:00 am – 6:00 pm	Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave N, St Paul, MN 55108	$5-10	Best Western Plus Como Park Hotel	Minnesota Merry Market

9) Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

You’ll find Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem—folks call it “Christmas City USA.” This market leans heavily into its German-inspired traditions.

It’s set in eastern Pennsylvania and attracts people from all over. Christkindlmarkt packs in over 150 vendors, so you’ll see handmade gifts, crafts, ornaments, and German holiday goodies everywhere.

Käthe Wohlfahrt, a well-known German Christmas store, opens a shop here every year. You can snag some really unique souvenirs.

Food vendors sell bratwursts, pretzels, and all kinds of seasonal treats. There’s live music and family activities, so there’s always something going on.

The event sits next to the SteelStacks campus, which is easy to get to and has parking nearby. Kids can visit Santa, watch ice carving, and snap photos with all the decorations.

Weekends get crowded, so if you want a quieter vibe, show up early. Bethlehem’s downtown is just a short walk away, with more shops and restaurants to check out.

Book a nearby hotel on Booking.com to stay close to the action. For more info, visit the official Christkindlmarkt website.

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Mid-November to mid-Dec	Varies, often 10-6	101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA	Entry fee, $10+	Hotels in Bethlehem	Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem

10) Holiday Market at the Grove, Los Angeles

If you want a classic Los Angeles Christmas vibe, you might want to check out the Holiday Market at the Grove. The Grove sits right in the heart of LA and every December, it transforms into a festive wonderland.

You’ll spot holiday lights everywhere across the outdoor mall. It’s honestly the perfect spot for an evening stroll, even if you’re just window-shopping. Decorated trees, live music, and pop-up shops with gifts pop up all over the place.

Local vendors roll out ornaments, crafts, and sweets—so there’s usually something for everyone. The Grove puts up a huge Christmas tree every year and hosts these nightly snowfall shows that feel a bit magical, even if you know it’s fake.

You can find parking onsite, and public transit will get you there pretty easily. The area sits close to major hotels and city transit lines, so it’s pretty convenient.

Families and groups love coming here to snap photos or hunt for unique presents. If you’re hungry or want even more gift ideas, the nearby Original Farmers Market is just a quick walk away.

A lot of people end up combining both spots for a full-on holiday outing. For details and updates, check the official event page.

Dates (2025)	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)	Website
Late Nov–Dec	10am–9pm (varies)	189 The Grove Dr, LA, CA	Free entry	Nearby Hotels	The Grove