The 25 Best Holiday Markets in the U.S. For a Special Experience

When holiday time rolls around, certain cities across America transform into magical wonderlands. At the heart of this transformation are holiday markets, each a treasure trove of local crafts, delicious treats, and enough festive spirit to melt even the Grinchiest of hearts. Let’s take a walk through 25 of the best holiday markets. 

Christkindlmarket, Chicago, Illinois

Christkindlmarket, Chicago, Illinois
Credit: DepositPhotos

Imagine strolling through a little slice of Germany right in the heart of Chicago. The Christkindlmarket brings the old world to the Windy City, with wooden stalls selling everything from hand-blown ornaments to steaming mugs of Glühwein.

Union Square Holiday Market, New York City, New York

Union Square Holiday Market, New York City, New York
Credit: DepositPhotos

In the city that never sleeps, the Union Square Holiday Market is a festive dream come true. With over 160 vendors, it’s a one-stop-shop for unique gifts, from artisanal chocolates to quirky jewelry that screams ‘New York.’

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Downtown Holiday Market, Washington, D.C.

Downtown Holiday Market, Washington, D.C.
Credit: DepositPhotos

D.C.’s Downtown Holiday Market is where politics takes a backseat to holiday cheer. Nestled among historic buildings, it’s a charming spot to find gifts from local craftsmen and far-flung corners of the world.

Denver Christkindl Market, Denver, Colorado

Denver Christkindl Market, Denver, Colorado
Credit: DepositPhotos

Denver’s Christkindl Market brings a touch of Alpine magic to the Mile High City. It’s where you can practice your ‘Prost!’ while sipping spiced wine and swaying to traditional oompah bands.

Texas Christkindl Market, Arlington, Texas

Texas Christkindl Market, Arlington, Texas
Credit: DepositPhotos

Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the holiday spirit at Arlington’s Christkindl Market. It’s a place where lederhosen meets cowboy boots, and German traditions get a hearty Texan howdy.

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European Christmas Market, St. Paul, Minnesota

European Christmas Market, St. Paul, Minnesota
Credit: DepositPhotos

St. Paul’s European Christmas Market is like a postcard from the Old World come to life. Here, you can munch on potato pancakes and pretend you’re in a quaint European village without leaving the Midwest.

Philadelphia Christmas Village, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia Christmas Village, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Credit: DepositPhotos

Philly’s Christmas Village turns LOVE Park into a winter wonderland that even the Founding Fathers would approve of. It’s a place where history meets holiday cheer, and cheesesteaks make way for German bratwurst.

Savannah Christmas Market, Savannah, Georgia

Savannah Christmas Market, Savannah, Georgia
Credit: DepositPhotos

Savannah’s Christmas Market adds a dash of Southern charm to holiday traditions. It’s where you can sip hot cocoa under Spanish moss and shop for gifts as unique as the city itself.

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Cambria Christmas Market, Cambria, California

Cambria Christmas Market, Cambria, California
Credit: DepositPhotos

The Cambria Christmas Market proves you don’t need snow for a winter wonderland. With over two million lights, it’s like stepping into a holiday snow globe, California-style.

Cincinnati Winter Market, Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati Winter Market, Cincinnati, Ohio
Credit: DepositPhotos

Cincinnati’s Winter Market at Washington Park is where holiday dreams come true. It’s a magical place where local artisans and seasonal treats come together to create the perfect Midwest winter day.

Charlottesville Farmers Market Holiday City Market, Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville Farmers Market Holiday City Market, Charlottesville, Virginia
Credit: DepositPhotos

Charlottesville’s Holiday City Market is where farm-fresh meets festive. It’s a charming spot to find locally-made gifts and decorations that capture the spirit of this historic Virginia town.

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Old World Christmas Market, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

Old World Christmas Market, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Credit: DepositPhotos

The Old World Christmas Market at The Osthoff Resort is like a European vacation without the jet lag. It’s where Wisconsin charm meets German tradition, creating a holiday experience that’s as cozy as it is magical.

Holidazzle, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Holidazzle, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Credit: DepositPhotos

Minneapolis’s Holidazzle turns Loring Park into a winter playground that would make even Santa jealous. It’s where you can shop, skate, and sip cocoa all in one festive swoop.

Portland Saturday Market – Festival of the Last Minute, Portland, Oregon

Portland Saturday Market - Festival of the Last Minute, Portland, Oregon
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Portland’s Festival of the Last Minute is a procrastinator’s paradise. It’s where you can find the perfect quirky gift for everyone on your list, even if you’ve waited until the eleventh hour.

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Omaha Holiday Market, Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha Holiday Market, Omaha, Nebraska
Credit: DepositPhotos

Omaha’s Holiday Market brings big city festivity to the heartland. It’s a place where local vendors and live music create a holiday atmosphere that’s as warm as it is welcoming.

Kris Kringle Market, Chicago, Illinois

Kris Kringle Market, Chicago, Illinois
Credit: DepositPhotos

Chicago’s Kris Kringle Market in Lincoln Square is like a holiday hug from the neighborhood. It’s where community spirit meets festive cheer, creating a market that feels like coming home for the holidays.

Winter Village at Bryant Park, New York City, New York

Winter Village at Bryant Park, New York City, New York
Credit: DepositPhotos

The Winter Village at Bryant Park is where New York City pulls out all the stops for the holidays. It’s a place where you can shop, skate, and sip hot chocolate with the city’s iconic skyline as your backdrop.

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Georgetown Christmas Market, Georgetown, Colorado

Georgetown Christmas Market, Georgetown, Colorado
Credit: DepositPhotos

Georgetown’s Christmas Market is like stepping into a Dickens novel, Rocky Mountain style. It’s where Victorian charm meets alpine beauty, creating a holiday experience that’s truly timeless.

Christkindlmarkt, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Credit: DepositPhotos
Credit: DepositPhotos

Bethlehem’s Christkindlmarkt brings old-world charm to the Christmas City. It’s a place where you can watch glass-blowers at work, sample European treats, and feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

Denver’s Jackalope Holiday Market, Denver, Colorado

Denver's Jackalope Holiday Market, Denver, Colorado
Credit: DepositPhotos

Denver’s Jackalope Holiday Market is where holiday tradition gets a hip, modern makeover. It’s a celebration of indie craft and design that’s as cool as a Colorado mountain breeze.

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Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Credit: DepositPhotos

The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market is a love letter to local artisans and designers. It’s where you can find gifts that are as unique as the City of Brotherly Love itself.

Snowland Holiday Marketplace, Park City, Utah

Snowland Holiday Marketplace, Park City, Utah
Credit: DepositPhotos

Park City’s Snowland Holiday Marketplace is like shopping inside a snow globe. It’s where mountain town charm meets holiday magic, creating a festive atmosphere that’s pure Park City.

Mayor’s Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting, Houston, Texas

Mayor's Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting, Houston, Texas
Credit: DepositPhotos

Houston’s Mayor’s Holiday Celebration is where the biggest city in Texas shows its holiday spirit. It’s a place where you can shop, be merry, and watch the city light up for the season.

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Great Dickens Christmas Fair, San Francisco, California

Great Dickens Christmas Fair, San Francisco, California
Credit: DepositPhotos

San Francisco’s Great Dickens Christmas Fair is where Victorian London comes to life in the Bay Area. It’s an immersive experience where you can shop, dine, and rub elbows with Dickens characters.

Atlanta Christkindl Market, Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta Christkindl Market, Atlanta, Georgia
Credit: DepositPhotos

Atlanta’s Christkindl Market is where German tradition meets Southern hospitality. It’s a place where you can sample authentic German treats, shop for unique gifts, and experience a little bit of Europe in the heart of the South.

Markets Where Memories Are Made

Markets Where Memories Are Made
Credit: DepositPhotos

From coast to coast, these markets capture the magic of the holiday season, each with its own local twist. They’re more than just places to shop – they’re where memories are made, traditions are born, and the spirit of the season comes alive in twinkling lights and cheerful sounds.

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