Ever since 1434, when Dresden, Germany hosted a single-day meat market for residents to buy Christmas dinner provisions, the tradition of open-air holiday markets has gradually become among the most cherished rituals around the world. Now, these markets typically entail months-long celebrations, complete with food and gift vendors, plus live entertainment and cheery activities (ice skating, anyone?). While a visit to Europe’s festive markets is on every yulephile’s bucket list, there are plenty of destinations around the states that channel a similar spirit.
The best US Christmas markets take place across the country, from Chicago’s iconic Christkindlmarket, to Solvang’s quaint festivities that unfold all across the Dutch-inflected village. Ahead, your guide to the best markets for sipping mulled wine, shopping handcrafted ornaments, and soaking in the feel-good fun of the season.
Christkindlmarket (Chicago, Illinois)
Location: Daley Plaza
When: Ends December 24
What to Expect: Since 1995, Christkindlmarket Chicago has translated the Old World spirit of Nuremberg, Germany’s open-air Christmas market to the United States. Locals and travelers alike are treated to European holiday traditions, from artisan stalls to vendors selling strudel, pretzels, and Glühwein. Now a well-oiled machine, expect a touch of everything at this beloved destination in the heart of the Chicago Loop.
Peoples Gas Holiday Market (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Location: 7th St. Penn Ave.
When: Ends December 24
What to Expect: Taking vibe cues from traditional German markets, this annual Pittsburgh event transports guests to the Alpine chalets of Europe where they can soak up holiday cheer while perusing hand-blown glass ornaments and nibbling on freshly roasted cinnamon almonds. Also of note: Peoples Gas Holiday Market encourages visitors to make a donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
Julefest (Solvang, California)
Location: Downtown Solvang
When: Ends January 4
What to Expect: Everyone’s favorite Dutch-inspired village knows a thing or two about holiday spirit. Solvang’s annual Julefest is a months-long celebration offering plenty of shopping, a tree-lighting ceremony, festive parade, and beyond. If you’re on the hunt for gifts, the Maker’s Market runs on December 3, 7, and 10 and highlights local artisans and food vendors.
Bryant Park Winter Village (New York, New York)
Location: Bryant Park
When: Ends January 4
What to Expect: New York City is home to several open-air Christmas Markets, but the Winter Village at Bryant Park consistently ranks high thanks to its smattering of vendors, the city’s only free-admission ice skating rink, and the New York City Public Library as the backdrop. This is an excellent destination for picking up a fresh ornament, accompanied by a German bratwurst or toasty churro.
European Christmas Market (Saint Paul, Minnesota)
Location: East Plaza of Union Depot
When: Ends December 21
What to Expect: Yet another German and Austrian-inspired Christmas market, this family-friendly event takes place on weekends and offers handmade crafts and European-influenced drinks and bites. Perhaps you’re on the hunt for a wood-carved ornament? Or an artisanal alpaca accessory? Both can be found here, as can Danish aebleskivers (pancake balls) and Glühwein, served in a 2025 collectible mug.
Christkindlmarket (Denver, Colorado)
Location: Auraria Campus
When: Ends December 23
What to Expect: A true winter wonderland, Denver’s Christkindlmarket celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and is spreading yuletide cheer with glass ornament workshops and commemorative mugs and steins by local artist Pat Mulberry. Also new for this year: a restored Herschell Carousel inspired by the 19th-century American West that features hand-carved horses.
Christmas Village (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Location: Love Park City Hall
When: Ends December 24
What to Expect: It should come as no surprise that Philadelphia’s take on the German Christmas market goes all in on food and drink. There are Belgian fries, gooey raclette, a spatzle booth, bratwursts, schnitzel, and heaps of mulled wine and beer to go with it. The artisan booths are equally enchanting, with handcrafted wooden gifts and unique toys to slip beneath the tree.
Downtown DC Holiday Market (Washington D.C.)
Location: F Street Between 7th and 9th streets NW
When: Ends December 23
What to Expect: Whether you’re a local or visiting for the weekend, Washington D.C.’s holiday market is a treat for all. Pick up a few festive decor pieces for the house (a retro ornament, perhaps), or tend to your shopping list with thoughtful gifts like handmade leather journals. There’s live music on the weekends, and after you’re done perusing, head to the indoor ice skating rink located within the National Building Museum.
Kersmarkt (Holland, Michigan)
Location: 8th Street Marketplace
When: Ends December 20
What to Expect: Translating to “Christmas market” in Dutch, the Kersmarkt in Holland (in operation since 1997) takes inspiration from the Netherlands for holiday cheer. Local artisans and specialty shops can be discovered throughout the outdoor venue, while traditional food, drink, and entertainment set a jolly tone.
Christkindlmarkt (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania)
Location: PNC Plaza SteelStacks
When: Ends December 21
What to Expect: Known for its rich Moravian roots and nicknamed “Christmas City,” it’s little wonder that the city of Bethlehem (in Pennsylvania) offers an exceptional holiday market. Now in its 33rd year of operation, this cheery tradition treats guests to atmospheric offerings, including an eight-week residency by the German ornament manufacturer Käthe Wohlfahrt.
