18 Best Christmas Markets In The USA For 2019
I have cherished the memories of Christmas celebrated with my family when I was a little girl. I always loved how I was pampered with gifts and homemade cookies. From choosing ‘that perfect’ Christmas tree to adorning it with love and ornaments, Christmas was always my favorite. I still run from place to place to select gifts and Christmas decorations for my loved ones. That’s why I started searching for the best Christmas markets in the USA for 2019 where I know for sure I will find unique and creative gifts. From hundreds of places, I managed to select 18 best markets where you will also get to enjoy this festival of love and joy.
Now, when Christmas is just around the corner, pull out all the stops to make it memorable and start shopping! Here is the list of top Christmas Markets in the USA where twinkling lights illuminate the skies, aroma of sizzling sausages dances around, and music soothes your mind.
1. Union Square Holiday Market, New York
Image Source: Benny Wong/flickr.com
I was so used to seeing Union Square where someone was sipping a coffee, reading a book, practicing their dance-moves or mumbling a song that when I saw this Square in November last year, I was dazzled by its ethereal beauty. It becomes the hustling and bustling market where local vendors and artists come together to make your Christmas 2019 all the more exciting. The search for the perfect gifts for your loved ones ends here. There are beautifully crafted bowls, posters, paintings, leather goods, stuffed animals, wooden board games and puzzles along with numerous scented soaps, candles, skincare products, and some unique winter accessories. And here is the best part - you will find many things to do with kids as a kid’s craft studio has also been added last year.
Dates - November 21st, 2019 - December 24th, 2019
Hours - Monday to Friday - 11:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Saturday - 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Sunday - 11:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Location - Union Square Park, Southern Side, New York
What’s cool - Your shopping spree can turn into an eating spree anytime here as you will get anything from traditional Persian soup, delicious jams, cookies to comforting hot chocolates.
Check out the top tours and activities in New York City
2. Downtown Holiday Market, Washington DC
Image Source: Elvert Barnes/flickr.com
It is never easy to find something perfect for your loved ones only in a day. But, visiting Downtown Holiday Market in Washington DC will give you an opportunity to buy gifts for everyone from your 2-year-old niece to 85-year-old grandparents. No doubt it is one of the best places to shop for Christmas in the USA! This is the 15th year of this market and there are more than 150 exhibitors who are offering things like thoughtfully designed jewelry, paintings, trendy yet comfortable clothes, and elegant crockery. And of course, you will be delighted by the live music and art performances. Visit this quirky market located right in the middle of Downtown DC where you can shop for a whole day and enjoy a hot cup of coffee and soak in the Christmas spirit.
Dates - November 22nd, 2019 - December 23rd, 2019
Hours - 12:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Location - Downtown Washington, DC: Centered at 8th and F Streets, NW
What’s cool - Good food and shopping always go hand in hand here. Do not worry about your diet and enjoy mini donuts and cream-filled churros.
3. Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Image Source: Kaitlin/flickr.com
You cannot beat the Germans when it comes to celebrating and you can experience this jubilant atmosphere even in Philadelphia. This is the place where Christmas Village was established after the traditional German Christmas markets. There are many markets where local vendors play a huge role. But, here in Philadelphia, you will see many German vendors selling authentic Christmas ornaments, wooden trinkets, traditional spices, jewelry, and toys. It is also a great place to pamper your taste buds as schnitzel, goulash, Bavarian pretzels, German bratwursts, gingerbread cookies, waffles, chocolate covered fruits, and cotton candy are the identity of this market. Do not forget to have a glass of Gluhwein to keep you warm.
Dates - November 28th, 2019 to December 24th, 2019
Hours - Sunday to Thursday - 11:00 AM to 07:00 PM; Friday to Saturday - 11:00 AM to 08:00 PM;
Thanksgiving Day - 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM;
Christmas Evening - 11:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Location - Love Park, JFK Plaza, 1500 Arch Street, Philadelphia
What’s cool - Watching the live demonstrations of glass painting and glass blowing will leave you awestruck.
Looking for places to stay in Philadelphia? Check this link and book right away!
4. Christkindlmarket, Chicago
Image Source: Flickr.com
If you want to explore a place with German Christmas market traditions and magical European charm, then visiting Christkindlmarket in Chicago is perfect for you. This is one of the best Christmas markets in the USA and attracts around one million people every year. This is the 24th year of this market and it’s gaining more and more popularity with each passing year. Vendors from Germany, Austria, and Ukraine come here to make your shopping exciting ensuring to offer the best Christmas shops in the USA. You will get to see a specially designed nativity scene here along with the much-loved Santa house. The scent of baked goods in the air feels refreshingly welcoming. Come here and be delighted by lovely Christmas choirs and wonderful dance performances.
Dates - November 15th, 2019 - December 24th, 2019
Hours - Sunday to Thursday - 11:00 AM to 08:00 PM; Friday to Saturday - 11:00 AM to 09:00 PM;
Thanksgiving Day - 11:00 AM to 04:00 PM; Christmas Evening - 11:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Location - Daley Plaza - 50 W Washington St, Chicago, Illinois
What’s cool - Unique souvenirs cups which will remind you of Christmas all year.
Check out the top tours and activities in Chicago
5. Columbus Circle Holiday Market, New York
Image Source: Charley Lhasa/flickr.com
Columbus Circle Holiday Market is loved by locals and tourists alike for its celebratory vibes and liveliness. Though small, this is amongst the best holiday markets and has something to offer to everyone. This can be a great place if you want to buy winter accessories. There are scarves, caps, and gloves along with other clothes here. You can also buy jewelry, lamps, and pottery for your loved ones. Kids will definitely love wooden puzzles that can be found here. Coming here and admiring decorations while taking a stroll through booths can also be fun.
Dates - December 4th, 2019- December 24th, 2019
Hours - Monday to Saturday - 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Sunday - 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Location - Columbus Circle, 59th Street, Central Park West, New York
What’s cool - The food section where you can eat delicious food at pocket-friendly prices.
6. The Old World Christmas Market, Wisconsin
Image Source: charley1965/flickr.com
I love Christmas as it gives me a chance to shower my loved ones with unique gifts. The Old World Christmas Market in Wisconsin is my go-to place for such items. I have found Russian nesting dolls, lovely glass ornaments, and pretty Christmas decorations from Czech here. Things like Pashmina scarves and shawls, German decorations, hand-painted Santa from Russia and handmade jewelry make it even more interesting. I love how family-friendly shopping place this is! Munch on food items like dumplings, potato pancakes, apple strudel, Nüremberg bratwurst, and red cabbage when you are tired of all the wandering around.
Dates - December 6th, 2019 - December 15th, 2019
Hours - 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Location - The Osthoff Resort, 101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
What’s cool - This market is packed with activities for children. And seriously, who wouldn’t love breakfast and brunch with Santa?
Looking for places to stay in Wisconsin? Check this link and book right away!
7. Georgetown Christmas Market
Image Source: Mitch Bennett/flickr.com
Georgetown in Colorado is a lovely, little town that has succeeded in maintaining the old charm of Christmas. Tucked away in snowy mountains, this quaint town becomes something out of a fairy tale as soon as December starts. This is the 60th consecutive year where you will see people casually strolling around wearing traditional Victorian costumes. Do you know what makes it even more interesting? You get to see St. Nicholas in his traditional dress and daily precession of the Santa Lucia. A simple sight of people dancing to some folk music will fill your heart with joy.
Dates - December 7th - 8th, 2019 and December 14th - 15th, 2019
Hours - 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Location - 6th Street, Downtown Georgetown, Colorado
What’s cool - Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through this town and feel like you have stepped back in time.
8. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, Daly City
Image Source: Kevin Dooley/flickr.com
Oh, how I love novels by Charles Dickens and how I long for the times he has penned down! When I first heard about The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, I was so excited about the idea of being able to enjoy the spirit of festivities which will take me back in time. And believe me, this fair did not let me down! Hundreds of live performers unfolding the stories by Dickens gave me Goosebumps. There are tearooms, dance parties and of course, traditional cuisine to make it even more charming. This part of town becomes a small European village and welcomes you to have a glimpse of the glorious era.
Dates - Five weekends including Fridays from November 23rd to December 22nd, 2019
Hours - 10:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Location - Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City, California
What’s cool - There are special tours for children which will let them explore Victorian London in a fun-filled way.
9. Christkindlmarkt, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Image Source: charley1965/flickr.com
One of the most visited Christmas markets in Pennsylvania by locals and tourists alike, Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem can actually be described as a unique family event. This will be the 27th year of this market and those who have already visited this place will be surprised to see that many new booths have been added over the years. You can shop for everyone here even including your four-pawed friends. It feels wonderful to stroll around, take in the scent of freshly baked cookies and listen to the live Christmas music all day long. Ice carvings and glass ornament sessions are always entertaining. More than 150 booths in 4 different sections will spoil you for choice.
Dates - Weekends including Fridays from November 22nd to December 22nd, 2019; Thursdays to Sundays from December 5th to December 22nd, 2019
Hours - Thursday - 11:00 AM to 06:00 PM; Friday - 11:00 AM to 08:00 PM; Saturday - 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM; Sunday - 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
Location - SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
What’s cool - Get an opportunity to have breakfast with St. Nicholas.
10. Texas Christkindl Lane, Arlington
Image Source: Pixabay.com
You will change your definition of a ‘grand Christmas market’ after visiting Texas Christkindl Market. This market brings you all the specialties from the renowned Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village in Germany. Even though the world’s largest light maze with more than 2 million sparkling, shiny lights will not be here to welcome you in 2019, you will find a number of things to do with family here. Gliding around the ice-skating pond with your loved one while listening to live music performances is something you can look forward to. Kids will surely love unique Santa’s Palace. Enjoy this big Christmas event in North Texas at this one-of-a-kind market.
Dates - November 29th to December 22nd, 2019
Hours - Market hours to be adjusted according to weather conditions
Location - North Plaza at Globe Life Field, 1650 E Randol Mill Road, Arlington, Texas.
What’s cool - Winter-themed drinks to make your evening even more enchanting
11. Christmas Village in Baltimore
Image Source: maxpixel.net
Wandering through snow-covered streets where twinkling lights cast a magical glow makes this Christmas Village in Baltimore special. This is the place where more than fifty vendors from all over the world come together to sell high-quality wooden ornaments, glass ornaments, scented candles, spices, nativity sets, and jewelry. There are solo artistic performances, school children singing choirs and wine tasting ceremonies to make your evenings marvelous. Do not worry about prices as this market is one of the budget-friendly Christmas markets in the USA. Come here and enjoy special themed weekends.
Dates - November 28th - December 24th, 2019
Preview weekend - November 23rd - 24th, 2019
Closed on - November 25th, 26th, and 27th, 2019, and December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, and 17th, 2019
Hours - Sunday to Thursday - 11:00 AM to 07:00 PM; Friday and Saturday - 11:00 AM to 08:00 PM; Thanksgiving and Christmas evening -11:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Location - 501 Light Street, Baltimore.
What’s cool - This is the village to enjoy mulled hot wine with cheese, German chocolates, and marzipan
Looking for places to stay in Baltimore? Check this link and book right away!
12. Grand Central Holiday Fair, New York
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
I know shopping is always exciting. But, Christmas shopping means wandering the streets when it’s snowing and try to bear an unbearable cold. Grand Central Holiday Fair is one of the few indoor fairs with climate-controlled space. Started in 1993, the Grand Central Holiday Fair is also one of the longest-running fairs in the city. This fair is all about handcrafted items made from American products. The process of choosing the artists and vendors is pretty long and it is hard to fit the criteria. This is where you will find everything from art to body care products. Around one million people visit this place every day and the number keeps increasing as Christmas starts approaching.
Dates - November 18th - December 24th, 2019
Hours - Monday to Friday - 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM; Saturday - 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM; Sunday - 11:00 AM to 06:00 PM; Christmas evening - 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Location - Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd Street, New York
What’s cool - There are many fun activities which will keep your kids engaged.
13. Winter Village at Bryant Park
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
New York is and always will be the best place to spend Christmas in the USA. There are hundreds of enticing places here and it is hard to choose from the list. But, Winter Village, located at the famous Bryant Park, is a must-visit. This park is something that you must have seen in numerous Hollywood movies. But, when you come here before Christmas, you will be amazed to see how beautifully it transforms into something magical. More than 150 shopping kiosks open for business, huge ice-skating rink and of course, the food section help in setting the Christmas vibe all over the city. There is no entry fee for the rink and though it is open even after the new year, going here during Christmas celebrations is something you shouldn’t miss.
Dates - October 31st, 2019 to January 5th, 2020
Hours - Monday through Friday - 11:00 AM to 08:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Location - 476 5th Ave, New York
What’s cool - Observation deck on the second floor where you can leisurely enjoy a game of chess or look over the rink for hours.
14. Annual Lovettsville Christmas Market
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
All the jubilant Festivities at Christkindlmarkt in Lovettsville always take you straight to Germany! Though the market here is only for a weekend, it still gives you a feel of the gala time in a faraway land. You can make your own German Christmas ornaments, enjoy some of the finest poem readings, be amazed by the beautiful Christmas tree, and get your face painted creatively. If you are looking for a place to spend some quality time with your family, then head to Lovettsville and soak yourself in a unique mix of culture and traditions.
Dates - December 7th - 8th, 2019
Hours - To be declared soon
Location - Lovettsville, Virginia
What’s cool - Storefront displays which will remind you of old German villages.
15. Christkindlmarkt, Helen, Georgia
Image Source: maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com
Tucked away in the mountains, this village will take you back in time and will introduce you to an entirely different yet seemingly familiar culture and celebrations. The whole village lights up for this market. The streets are adorned with Christmas ornaments, everyone is preparing for a famous Christmas parade that takes place every year and then there are many free things to do around every corner. It will be a perfect place to spend the holidays with your loved ones. This is the 8th year this market is opening for a festival and locals are gearing up for welcoming visitors from all over the world. Visit it this year and you will understand why it is one of the best USA Christmas markets.
Dates - November 30th - December 1st, 2019, December 7th and 8th, 2019
Hours - To be declared soon
Location - Downtown Marketplatz, Alpine Helen, Georgia
What’s cool - This market is open to everyone without any admission fee.
Looking for places to stay in Helen, Georgia? Check this link and book right away!
16. Christkindlmarkt in Leavenworth
Image Source: Sam DeLong/flickr.com
Christkindlmarkt in Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style market where the whole town prepares to welcome Christmas with numerous activities and shopping kiosks. Every street and corner start twinkling with lights. This place combines music with food and gives you a chance to wander the streets with your hands full of shopping bags. You can learn to make your own lantern here as there is a workshop arranged by enthusiastic artists. The lantern parade will give a glimpse of the perfect balance of traditions and creativity. Do not forget to try scrumptious Bavarian cuisine here.
Dates - November 29th to December 1st, 2019
Hours - Friday - 11:00 AM to 07:30 PM; Saturday - 10:00 AM to 07:30 PM; Sunday - 10:00 AM to 03:00 PM
Location - Downtown City Park & Festhalle, Leavenworth WA 98826
What’s cool - Attend a lantern parade to witness the grand celebrations.
Looking for places to stay in Leavenworth? Check this link and book right away!
17. Lake Mohawk German Christmas Market, New Jersey
Image Source: Pixabay.com
I was looking for things to do in December in the USA and the internet page flooded with the results about Sparta German Christmas Market. Located on the shores of lovely Lake Mohawk, this market changes the town for 2 days. This place is one-of-a-kind as it is run by volunteers and it also helps in raising money for different NGOs. Take a stroll through this town and let the smell of sizzling German sausages and gingerbread engulf you. Sit on the shores of the Lake and let the beauty of glittering lights soothe your mind. This is the place where you can truly enjoy the holidays with a glass of mulled wine. They have also added the second location at Sparta Train Station that is designed especially for kids.
Dates - December 7th and December 8th, 2019
Hours - Saturday - 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM; Sunday - 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Location - 21 Lake Mohawk Country Club Boardwalk, Sparta Township, New Jersey.
What’s cool - Kids will love a pony ride and a petting zoo at Sparta Train Station.
Looking for places to stay in New Jersey? Check this link and book right away!
18. Denver Christkindl Market
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Open-air Christmas market has become the identity of Denver now. Everything from street music, concerts, performances, shopping, to hot spiced wine awaits you here. Visiting Denver Christkindl Market will take you to the heart of this town where you will get a chance to understand traditions from Germany that have been followed from the last hundreds of years. Along with the customs and traditions, Denver also keeps experimenting with food and shopping booths. You can browse through hundreds of gift items leisurely while sipping your favorite drink.
Dates - November 22nd - December 23rd, 2019
Hours - Sunday to Tuesday - 11:00 AM to 07:00 PM; Wednesday to - 11:00 AM to 09:00 PM; Thanksgiving Day - 11:00 AM to 04:00 PM; December 16th to 23rd -Extended Daily Hours 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Location - 1515 Arapahoe Street, 16th St. Mall, Denver, Colorado
What’s cool - This is one of the few places in town where you can taste homemade German food.
Now that you have found 2019 Christmas markets in the USA that have so many things to offer, what are you waiting for? Let these places fill your heart with love, light and the delightful spirit this season!
Looking for places to stay in Denver, Colorado? Check this link and book right away!
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