Winter markets across the US bring together the charm of holiday traditions, handcrafted gifts, delicious treats, and family-friendly activities. These markets are the perfect way to experience the season, explore unique local goods, and enjoy a festive atmosphere. Here’s your guide to the best winter markets in the U.S. to add to your holiday travel plans.
1. Christkindlmarket Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
- Location: Daley Plaza, Downtown Chicago
- Dates: Late November – Christmas Eve
- Highlights: Authentic German Christmas market experience, holiday-themed events, German food and drink
Inspired by Germany’s Christkindlesmarkt, Chicago’s Christkindlmarket is a beloved tradition. Located in Daley Plaza, this market offers an authentic European holiday experience with German handicrafts, glass ornaments, and traditional Bavarian treats like bratwurst and mulled wine. Be sure to try a mug of glühwein (hot spiced wine) and browse stalls for unique gifts from Europe and beyond.
2. Union Square Holiday Market – New York City, New York
- Location: Union Square, Manhattan
- Dates: Mid-November – Christmas Eve
- Highlights: Handcrafted gifts, New York artisans, gourmet food
This bustling market in the heart of Manhattan features hundreds of vendors offering an array of handcrafted goods, jewelry, artwork, and gourmet foods. Known for its warm atmosphere and local artistry, the Union Square Holiday Market is an ideal spot for finding unique gifts. Don’t miss out on hot cocoa and the NYC-themed ornaments for a memorable souvenir.
3. Classic Christmas – Dallas, Texas
- Location: Choctaw Stadium
- Dates: Late November – Late December
- Highlights: Largest Christmas light maze, ice skating, Texas vendors
Classic Christmas brings holiday magic to Texas with the largest light maze in the world, a skating rink, and a charming village featuring local artisans. Shop for Texas-inspired gifts, enjoy delicious seasonal treats, and snap photos in front of twinkling displays that make for the ultimate holiday Instagram moment.
4. Great Dickens Christmas Fair – San Francisco, California
- Location: Cow Palace Arena, Daly City
- Dates: Weekends, Mid-November – Christmas
- Highlights: Victorian England theme, live performances, holiday shopping
Step into Victorian London at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair. This immersive experience recreates 19th-century England with street vendors, actors in period costumes, and performances inspired by Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Browse artisan booths for handmade holiday gifts and enjoy mulled cider, roasted chestnuts, and mince pies in a one-of-a-kind holiday setting.
5. Denver Christkindl Market – Denver, Colorado
- Location: Civic Center Park, Downtown Denver
- Dates: Late November – December
- Highlights: German-inspired market, live music, cultural events
The Denver Christkindl Market offers a cozy, European-style experience with handcrafted goods, festive decorations, and live entertainment. With stalls selling everything from cuckoo clocks to holiday decorations, this market brings German holiday traditions to the Rocky Mountains. Warm up with a glass of glühwein, sample German sausages, and enjoy the festive music and performances.
6. Holiday Market at Bryant Park Winter Village – New York City, New York
- Location: Bryant Park, Midtown Manhattan
- Dates: Late October – Early January
- Highlights: Ice skating rink, international vendors, free admission
Bryant Park’s Winter Village is an NYC holiday must-see, featuring a European-inspired outdoor market and an iconic ice skating rink. With over 100 vendors offering goods from around the world, it’s the perfect place to shop for unique gifts. Admission to the rink is free, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals.
7. Old World Christmas Market – Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
- Location: The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake
- Dates: Early December
- Highlights: Bavarian-inspired, authentic German goods, live entertainment
The Old World Christmas Market at Elkhart Lake brings Bavarian charm to Wisconsin, with handcrafted gifts, German sweets, and live music. This small but festive market is set against the scenic Osthoff Resort and offers traditional foods like schnitzel, bratwurst, and lebkuchen. It’s a Midwest gem for anyone looking to enjoy a European-style holiday market.
8. Downtown Holiday Market – Washington, D.C.
- Location: F Street, Penn Quarter
- Dates: Late November – December
- Highlights: Local artisans, global cuisine, live music
Located just steps from the National Mall, the Downtown Holiday Market in Washington, D.C., features over 70 rotating vendors offering art, crafts, and international cuisine. This market is known for its diverse artisan goods and vibrant live music performances. With a mix of local and global flavors, it’s a must-visit for holiday shoppers in the capital.
9. Christmas Village – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Location: LOVE Park and City Hall
- Dates: Late November – Christmas Eve
- Highlights: European-inspired, German food, festive lights
Philadelphia’s Christmas Village brings a European flair to the City of Brotherly Love. Set in LOVE Park and City Hall, the market features over 80 vendors with handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and holiday decor. Enjoy bratwursts, strudels, and mulled wine while listening to live holiday music in one of the city’s most iconic locations.
10. Holiday Market at The Battery – Atlanta, Georgia
- Location: The Battery Atlanta
- Dates: December weekends
- Highlights: Local artisans, festive decor, holiday activities
Atlanta’s Holiday Market at The Battery is the perfect place to shop local, with vendors offering everything from handmade jewelry to unique artwork. This family-friendly market offers holiday-themed activities, live entertainment, and an array of festive decor that will put anyone in the holiday spirit.
Final Tips for Visiting U.S. Winter Markets:
- Plan Ahead: Check each market’s dates and times, as they can vary from year to year.
- Bundle Up: Many markets are outdoors, so be sure to dress warmly!
- Bring Cash: While most vendors accept cards, cash is often quicker and appreciated.
From New York to San Francisco, these winter markets capture the spirit of the season, offering something special in every corner of the country. Start planning your winter market tour, and get ready to embrace the magic of the holidays!