Christmas market trips to European cities like Strasbourg and Vienna are growing in popularity—and for good reason. Between the mulled wine, artisan crafts and sparkling décor, there’s something utterly magical about these cities in winter. Vienna, home to the first official Christmas market in 1928, now welcomes more than two million visitors each year to its festive Wiener Christkindlmarkt (also known as Rathausplatz) and the Viennese Dream Christmas Market, where visitors can ice skate past twinkling lights, browse stalls filled with gingerbread and handcrafted gifts and admire the glowing “Tree of Hearts.”
But you don’t have to cross the Atlantic to find that same festive spirit. Across the U.S., cities and small towns alike host their own Christmas markets—some with decades of history, others newer but no less charming. From Bethlehem, Pennsylvania’s Christkindlmarkt to New York City’s Union Square Holiday Market, each offers twinkling lights, delicious seasonal treats and one-of-a-kind gifts that make the holidays shine a little brighter.
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Union Square Christmas Market, New York City
Photo by L. Toshio Kishiyama on Getty Images
Named the best holiday market in America in 2023, Union Square’s annual market transforms the park into a festive winter village filled with over 180 red-and-white booths. Here, you’ll find handmade crafts, ornaments, jewelry, candles, artwork and cozy winter wear from independent artisans. As you browse for the perfect gifts, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate, German pretzels or gingerbread—and don’t miss the diverse food stalls serving everything from Asian street food and empanadas to handmade pasta and melty raclette. The market gets crowded as Christmas approaches, so go early to soak in the atmosphere. Pro tip: For the perfect photo op, head to the upper floors of the Burlington Coat Factory nearby—you’ll get a bird's eye view of the booths from above. Dates: November 13–December 24, 2025.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Photo by titoslack on Getty Images
Now in its 33rd year, Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem is one of the country’s largest and most beloved holiday markets—fitting for a town nicknamed Christmas City. Spanning more than 10 acres, the German-inspired market features hundreds of artisans, live music, festive food and plenty of family-friendly fun. Shoppers can browse handcrafted ornaments, Moravian glass stars and one-of-a-kind gifts from local and regional makers, as well as international favorites like Käthe Wohlfahrt, the famed German ornament manufacturer (pick up one of its handmade Nutcrackers). Here, there’s something for everyone: ice carving demonstrations, kids’ craft zones and even adult-only Cookie Decorating + Martini Nights. Local favorites such as Donegal Square & McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub, Stroopies and Eight Oaks Farm Distillery bring Pennsylvania-made flavor to the festivities. Dates: Running weekends November 14-December 16.
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Christkindlmarket—Chicago, Illinois (Chicago, Wrigleyville & Aurora)
Christkindlmarket Chicago at Daley PlazaPhoto by Scott Olson on Getty Images
Inspired by the 16th century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, one of the first outdoor markets of its kind, Chicago’s iconic German-style Christkindlmarket drew a record 1.4 million visitors in 2024—and this year it spreads the cheer across three locations: Daley Plaza (Downtown), Wrigleyville and Aurora. Admission is always free and the vibe is pure holiday magic: the scent of roasted nuts, pretzels and bratwurst; mugs of hot spiced wine; festive music; and stalls glittering with ornaments and handcrafted gifts. For a deeper dive, book the Culture & Cheer Tour (Thu–Sun, 10:15–11:00 a.m.), a behind-the-scenes stroll through Daley Plaza before the market opens. Dates: Still TBD.
Kerstmarkt—Holland, Michigan
Christmas lights on a Dutch windmill in Holland MichiganPhoto by liveslow on Getty Images
In true Dutch tradition, Holland, Michigan’s Kerstmarkt brings a bit of Europe to the Great Lakes every holiday season. Held weekends at the 8th Street Marketplace, this open-air market features around 35 rotating vendors selling artisan crafts, holiday décor and European treats. Inspired by the Christmas markets of the Netherlands and Germany, Kerstmarkt began in 1997 with just 10 booths and has since grown into one of Michigan’s most beloved holiday traditions. Visitors can sip hot beverages in collectible glühwein mugs, shop for handmade gifts and enjoy festive touches like dog-sled demos, carolers, handbell concerts and appearances by Santa, Mrs. Claus and Sinterklaas. Between the European snacks, cozy wooden stalls and twinkling lights, it’s easy to see why families—and visitors from as far as Texas—return year after year. Dates: November 21 through December 20
Breckenridge Holiday Markets—Breckenridge, Colorado
Photo by Sean Pavone on Getty Images
In the heart of the Rockies, Breckenridge transforms into a snow-globe town each December, with twinkle-lit streets, horse-drawn sleighs and a festive lineup of holiday markets. At the Breck Create Handmade Holidays Market, local artists showcase ceramics, jewelry and prints alongside hands-on workshops, ornament-making and live music. Nearby, the Holiday Market fills downtown with artisan crafts, baked goods and plenty of mountain-town cheer. The celebrations don’t stop there—join the Race of the Santas, watch the tree lighting and torchlight parade, or simply stroll Main Street under the glow of alpine holiday lights. Dates: All throughout November and December.
Christkindlesmarkt—Baltimore, Maryland
Photo by The Washington Post on Getty Images
Set along the Inner Harbor, Baltimore’s Christmas Village brings European holiday magic to Maryland’s waterfront. Inspired by Nuremberg’s 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt, this beloved market has been a city favorite since 2013 and was named one of Time Out’s Best Christmas Markets in the U.S. for 2024. More than 60 vendors fill charming wooden booths with handmade gifts, ornaments and festive foods, while thousands of twinkling lights—including the towering Glühwein Pyramid—create a stunning holiday glow. Visitors can sip hot spiced wine, sample bratwurst, schnitzel and raclette, or take a spin on the carousel and Ferris wheel. With a heated tent, indoor and outdoor sections and plenty of German beer, it’s one of the East Coast’s most spirited winter traditions. Dates: Nov 22 - Dec 24, 2025
Related: 4 U.S. Cities That Feel Just Like a European Fall Fairytale
Carmel, IndianChristkindlmarkt—Carmel, Indiana
Photo by Kyle Kuhlman / 500px on Getty Images
Named one of the top holiday markets in the U.S. multiple times, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt brings authentic Old World charm to the heart of Indiana. Inspired by traditional German markets, it features rows of wooden huts selling handmade ornaments, nutcrackers, and artisan gifts, along with cozy food stalls serving bratwurst, raclette, and warm mugs of glühwein. Families can skate on the outdoor ice rink, listen to live carolers, and explore cultural exhibits that celebrate German holiday traditions. With its festive atmosphere and community spirit, it’s no wonder this market has become one of the Midwest’s favorite holiday destinations. Dates: November 22 – December 24, 2025
Texas Christkindl Market—Arlington, Texas
Everything’s bigger—and a little bit cozier—in Texas at the Texas Christkindl Market, held each year in Arlington’s North Plaza. One of the largest open-air holiday markets in the Southwest, it blends traditional German charm with Lone Star spirit. Visitors can browse rows of wooden stalls filled with handcrafted gifts, ornaments and festive décor, then warm up with bratwurst, strudel and a mug of glühwein. With twinkling lights, live music and plenty of Texas hospitality, it’s a spirited holiday celebration with a European twist. Dates: November 28–December 23, 2025
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