10 Most Popular Christmas Markets to See in the USA

Dec 6, 2013

Usually, when it comes to Christmas markets, people immediately conjure images of Munich, Dresden, Brussels and Prague which are world famous for their Christmas markets. However, there are many cities in the U.S. that have embraced their German heritage wholeheartedly and do have amazing Christmas markets. Now, you no longer have to spend money to fly to Europe to take in the Christmas spirit and traditional ambiance. You can enjoy it in the US.

Here are some of the best Christmas markets you will find in the USA.

1. Union Square Holiday Market, New York

Union Square Christmas Market in New York City becomes an expansive market where you can shop and eat to your heart’s content during Christmas Season. The market features over 100 vendors. You can pick up some hand-blown glass, soft handmade leather belts, beer kits to brew homemade beer and delicious jars of salsa.

When you finish shopping, you can rejuvenate yourself by tucking into desserts and savory treats from Arancini Brothers, Momofuku Milk Bar and the numerous Indian restaurants in the vicinity. The market usually opens mid-November and continues until Christmas Eve.

2. Christkindlmarket, Chicago, Illinois

This Christmas market is held at Daley Plaza in Chicago, close to the huge Picasso sculpture. It is now in its 14th year and is a huge success every year. The Christkindlmarket is a German-themed market and you can pick up delicious treats and souvenirs that have a German touch. Like most Christmas markets, this too opens in November, 18^th November to be precise, and continues until 24^th December.

3. Columbus Circle Holiday Market, New York

As the name suggests, this is circular market held at Columbus Plaza. It is celebration of holiday cheer, food and souvenirs. This is the perfect place to pick up a cup of cider and stroll through the numerous shops as you check out wooden puzzles, affordable clothes, shearling and truffles. You can walk down to the neighboring Central Park and relax before you begin exploring the wonders of this holiday market again. It usually runs from 29^th November until 24^th December and is open on all days of the week.

4. Downtown Holiday Market, Washington D.C.

This Christmas market is located between the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. It boasts of 60 vendors, which include artisans and businesses that sell ethically made items. It is a great place to pick up Christmas gifts for family and friends and you will also be motivating the crafters and artisans who are quite passionate about their work. It runs from 28^th November through 23^rd December and opens its doors at 12 noon.

5. Christmas Village, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Christmas Village is a huge Christmas market that is held at the iconic JFK Plaza, which is also known as the Love Park. The organizers of the market say that it is there endeavor to spread the love for Christmas around and it surely succeeds in this. The market runs from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve and usually begins at 11 am. You can pick up some fabulous gifts and enjoy some delicious goodies while shopping.

6. Christkindlmarkt, Lovettsville, Virginia

Held at Lovettsville Game Protective Association, this Christmas market is renowned for featuring German, Austrian, Celtic and Appalachian musical acts. These acts are more than enough to put in a merry holiday mood. The market is also a great place to enjoy the local beer brewed by the Mad Horse Brewpub. Usually, this market is held for a couple of days in the beginning of December and is open to visitors from 10 am.

7. Mifflinburg Christmas Market, Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania

The Market Street of the city turns into a venue for festivities and shopping opportunities for three days every year. You can pick up lip smacking German Christmas treats, such as gingerbread, sausage, Hungarian goulash and hot mulled wine. Once you finish satiating your stomach, you can check out the stalls selling unique handmade items and craft. This is one of the best markets to get into the festive mood, as you can enjoy holiday music and performances on outdoor stages and neighboring churches.

8. Christkindl Market, Denver, Colorado

This German-themed market is held from  18^th November through 23^rd December and is a great place to enjoy the flavors, sounds and sights of Christmas. Held at Skyline Park, the market brings together vendors that sell traditional German items, giving the market an authentic ambiance. You are sure to lose yourself in the holiday festivities here which are reminiscent of a time gone by.

9. Dickens Christmas Fair, San Francisco, California

As the name suggests, this is a Dickens-themed fair held at the San Francisco Cow Palace Exhibition Halls. It is held for five weekends and occupies a space of 12,000 square feet. It can be exciting and amazing to visit this market and enjoy the Victorian era atmosphere. This market can make you forget that you are living in modern times.

10. Christkindlmarkt, Leavenworth, Virginia

This Bavarian town has its own Bavarian Christmas market where you can enjoy great entertainment, lantern parade and buy some astonishing craft items. The market also has its own Santa Claus, St. Nicholas and Christkindl, so kids can have a lot of fun. Held over three days, usually 29^th November through 1^st December, the market can transport you back to a Bavarian village. Be sure to try out the sumptuous Bavarian foods sold at the market and check out the handmade art and craft items that make wonderful Christmas gifts.

Christmas is a time for giving, sharing, enjoying and merrymaking. And nothing captures the essence of Christmas better than these wonderful Christmas markets scattered around the United States. So this Christmas, take your family on a road trip and enjoy visiting some of the best Christmas markets in the country. You can be certain that your vacation would be a grand success and a memorable one.