For a long time, festive markets have been a big part of Christmas celebrations. To complete your holiday journey, we’ve handpicked the Best Christmas Markets that you shouldn’t miss in the United States. From the snow-dusted stalls of the North to the twinkling lights of the South, you’re in for a treat.
For your convenience, here is the list of Christmas markets in Rome:
Northern States Christmas Markets
New York Christmas Market: Winter Village at Bryant Park
The Winter Village at Bryant Park is an iconic holiday market located in the heart of Manhattan. This European-inspired market features artisanal shops, festive treats, and New York’s only free admission ice-skating rink, making it a must-visit destination during the holiday season.
- Location: Bryant Park, 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, New York City.
- Dates & Hours: Oct 27, 2024 – Jan 2, 2025.
- Mon-Fri: 11 AM – 8 PM | Sat-Sun: 10 AM – 8 PM.
- Highlights: Over 170 unique vendors offering crafts, holiday gifts, and gourmet food. The market includes cozy igloos for private gatherings, a lodge serving warm drinks, and an open-air skating rink under dazzling lights.
- Getting There: Accessible via the B, D, F, or M subway lines to 42nd Street-Bryant Park Station.
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible.
Boston Christmas Market: Snowport Holiday Market
Snowport Holiday Market, located in the Seaport District, is Boston’s largest and most festive Christmas market. This European-style market is known for its wide range of unique vendors, delicious food options, and fun activities, making it a must-visit holiday destination.
- Location: 100 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA
- Dates & Hours: Nov 9 – Dec 29, 2024
- Sun-Thu: 11 AM – 8 PM | Fri-Sat: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Highlights: Over 120 vendors offering handmade crafts, jewelry, home decor, and local goods. Enjoy Swiss-style raclette, warm mulled cider, themed bars like the “Jingle Bar,” and free iceless curling. Daily craft workshops, live music, and photo-friendly decorations like the 10-foot mistletoe arch add to the charm.
- Getting There: Accessible via the Silver Line to Courthouse Station or a short walk from South Station.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with plenty of open-air space
Philadelphia Christmas Market: Christmas Village
The Christmas Village in Philadelphia is a beloved German-style open-air market located in Center City. Featuring festive decorations, traditional food, and over 120 vendors, it transforms LOVE Park and City Hall into a magical holiday wonderland.
- Location: LOVE Park and City Hall, Philadelphia, PA
- Dates & Hours: Nov 23 – Dec 24, 2024
- Sun-Thu: 12 PM – 8 PM | Fri-Sat: 12 PM – 9 PM | Thanksgiving Day: 9 AM – 5 PM | Christmas Eve: 12 PM – 5 PM
- Highlights: Enjoy wooden vendor chalets, a double-decker carousel, Ferris wheel rides, and the Festival of Trees, which features beautifully decorated Christmas trees and supports a charitable cause. Indulge in German bratwurst, schnitzel, and mulled wine while shopping for handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and unique arts and crafts.
- Getting There: Accessible via SEPTA public transit, including the Market-Frankford Line, Broad Street Line, and multiple bus routes to 15th Street or City Hall.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible throughout. Family-friendly with stroller and dog allowances in designated areas
Washington, DC Christmas Market: DowntownDC Holiday Market
The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a vibrant, open-air marketplace that transforms F Street NW into a festive shopping and entertainment hub. Celebrating its 20th year, this market is a cornerstone of Washington, DC’s holiday traditions.
- Location: F Street NW (between 7th and 9th Streets NW), Washington, DC.
- Dates & Hours: Nov 22 – Dec 23, 2024, 12 PM – 8 PM daily (closed on Thanksgiving).
- Highlights: Featuring over 100 vendors, this market offers handcrafted goods, local art, and festive food options like empanadas, churros, and apple cider donuts. Visitors can enjoy live music on the main stage, holiday-inspired drinks at the Winter Chalet, and interactive installations like the “Chilling with My Snowmies” photo setup.
- Getting There: Easily accessible via the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro Station (Red/Yellow/Green lines).
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible and family-friendly
Southern States Christmas Markets
Texas Christmas Market: Texas Christkindl Market (Arlington, TX)
The Texas Christkindl Market is one of the state’s most cherished German-inspired holiday markets, offering a festive blend of traditional food, gifts, and family-friendly entertainment. Located in Arlington, this market is a perfect destination for holiday cheer in Texas.
- Location: North Plaza at Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
- Dates & Hours:
- Nov 22-24, 2024
- Nov 29 – Dec 23, 2024: Daily from 11 AM – 8 PM (closed Christmas Day).
- Highlights: Enjoy traditional German treats like bratwurst, stollen, and Glühwein, alongside locally crafted pecan pies and Texas BBQ. The market features unique German imports, including Käthe Wohlfahrt ornaments, handcrafted gifts, and live entertainment. Don’t miss family-friendly activities like photos with Santa.
- Getting There: Ample parking is available, but visitors are encouraged to use public transportation to reduce congestion. Parking is free except on special event days.
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with options for all dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free
Austin Christmas Market: Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, a beloved Austin tradition since 1976, blends art, music, and holiday cheer. Held at the Palmer Events Center, it showcases local culture and creativity in a festive atmosphere.
- Location: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX.
- Dates & Hours: Dec 14 – Dec 23, 2024, daily from 11 AM to 9:30 PM.
- Highlights: This market features over 200 artists offering handcrafted gifts, fine art, and unique items. Visitors can enjoy live music from local bands, an onsite bar, and a variety of food options, creating a vibrant holiday experience.
- Getting There: Parking is available at the Palmer Events Center garage for $10. Ride-sharing services can drop you off directly at the entrance.
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible, with a welcoming environment for all ages.
Florida Christmas Market: St. Augustine Nights of Lights
St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights transforms the nation’s oldest city into a glowing spectacle of holiday spirit. This event, running for more than two decades, offers visitors a festive experience with millions of white lights adorning its historic district.
- Location: Downtown St. Augustine, including Plaza de la Constitución.
- Dates & Hours: Nov 18, 2024 – Jan 31, 2025. Lights are visible nightly from dusk until dawn.
- Highlights: Explore cobblestone streets illuminated with twinkling lights, take a holiday trolley or boat tour, and enjoy local shopping and dining. The highlight is the towering Christmas tree in the plaza.
- Getting There: Free parking and shuttle services are available at designated lots, or visitors can park downtown (fees may apply). Accessible by car or public transit.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible with wheelchair-friendly tours available
New Orleans Christmas Market: Deutsches Haus Christkindlmarkt
The Deutsches Haus Christkindlmarkt in New Orleans offers a traditional German holiday market experience. With handcrafted gifts, festive foods, and live entertainment, it’s a delightful holiday tradition in the heart of Louisiana.
- Location: Deutsches Haus, 1700 Moss Street, New Orleans, LA.
- Dates & Hours: Dec 6-8, 2024
- Fri: 5:30 PM – 9 PM | Sat: 11 AM – 9 PM | Sun: 11 AM – 4 PM.
- Highlights: Enjoy authentic German dishes such as bratwurst, kartoffelpuffer, and stollen. Sip on Glühwein (mulled wine) while shopping for locally made and German-imported holiday gifts like ornaments, jewelry, and candles. Entertainment includes live bands, carolers, and visits from St. Nicholas.
- Getting There: Located 15 minutes from the French Quarter; free admission, parking available for $5 on-site while spaces last.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible for wheelchairs with outdoor and indoor facilities
Miami Christmas Market: German-American Social Club
The Miami Christmas Market, hosted by the German-American Social Club, brings a traditional European holiday experience to South Florida. This festive event combines holiday shopping, cultural delights, and family fun in a warm and welcoming setting.
- Location: German-American Social Club, 11919 SW 56th Street, Miami, FL.
- Dates & Hours: Dec 7, 2024, 11 AM – 7 PM.
- Highlights: Delight in mulled wine, handcrafted gifts, and traditional German dishes like bratwurst and kartoffelpuffer. The market also features live music, carolers, and a special visit from Santa for photos and holiday cheer.
- Getting There: Located in West Miami, accessible by car with free admission. Ample parking is available.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible and family-friendly
Western States Christmas Markets
California Christmas Market: Solvang Julefest
Solvang Julefest is one of California’s most magical Christmas markets, celebrating its rich Danish heritage with festive traditions, unique shopping experiences, and delightful food in the charming town of Solvang.
- Location: Downtown Solvang, California
- Dates & Hours: Nov 30, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025
- Events like the Tree Lighting Ceremony (Dec 6) and Nativity Pageant (Dec 9) occur on specific dates.
- Highlights: Discover handcrafted gifts, holiday ornaments, and traditional Danish treats like aebleskiver and gløgg. The festival also features live music, a citywide elf scavenger hunt, and a dazzling drone light show.
- Getting There: Solvang is accessible via the 101 Freeway, located 35 miles from Santa Barbara. Shuttle services operate within town during major events.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible, with pedestrian-friendly streets and facilities
Phoenix Christmas Market: Phoestivus Holiday Market
Phoestivus Holiday Market, held in downtown Phoenix, is a festive celebration that supports local artisans and small businesses. Known for its lively atmosphere, it’s one of Arizona’s top holiday events.
- Location: Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market, 720 N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ.
- Dates & Hours: Dec 12-14, 2024.
- Thu-Fri: 5 PM – 10 PM | Sat: 8 AM – 1 PM.
- Highlights: Explore over 175 local vendors offering handmade goods, seasonal treats, and unique gifts. Enjoy live music, festive performances, and a visit from “Hipster Santa” and Phreddie the Yeti. The market is family-friendly and pet-friendly.
- Getting There: Accessible by public transit and with ample parking options nearby.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with spacious, open-air stalls
Denver Christmas Market: Denver Christkindlmarket
The Denver Christkindlmarket is a renowned German-style holiday market that transforms Civic Center Park into a festive winter wonderland. With authentic European charm, this market offers a delightful mix of cultural traditions, shopping, and holiday cheer.
- Location: Civic Center Park, 101 14th Avenue, Denver, CO.
- Dates & Hours: Nov 22 – Dec 23, 2024.
- Sun-Wed: 11 AM – 7 PM | Thu-Sat: 11 AM – 9 PM. Festival Hall remains open until 10 PM on Thu-Sat. Thanksgiving: 11 AM – 4 PM.
- Highlights: Discover wooden vendor huts selling German toys, handcrafted ornaments, and artisanal goods. Savor traditional foods like bratwurst, apple strudel, and mulled wine, and enjoy live music, dancing, and the Kinder Wunderland for children.
- Getting There: Accessible by public transit, with the market situated near major downtown attractions. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport to reduce congestion.
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible. Pets are allowed on a leash.
Conclusion
We’ve journeyed through some of the best Christmas markets in the United States. Each one is a unique blend of culture, tradition, and holiday cheer. So, if you’re in the US during the festive season, make sure to visit at least one of these markets. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
Have a happy holiday!
Tom’s travel writings are a testament to his insatiable curiosity and love for the road less traveled. Eschewing the typical tourist spots, Tom has built a reputation for uncovering hidden gems known only to locals.
From secluded mountain villages in the Himalayas to untouched beaches in the South Pacific, his adventures have taken him to the world’s most undiscovered corners.