7 Must-Visit Christmas Markets in the U.S.
Christmas is a magical time of year, and there are several ways you can kick off the season. One of our favorites? Attending one (or more!) of the many magnificent Christmas markets in the U.S. No matter where you live, you can probably find at least one of these European-style markets within a short drive of your home. If you’ve been to one before, you definitely understand the appeal. From twinkling lights and mulled wine to handmade gifts and costumed carolers, few things feel as festive as strolling through what feels like a literal Hallmark Christmas movie. We can’t break down all the markets dotted around the country (although you can easily search for one in your area), but here are seven Christmas markets in the U.S. that we think are worth the trip if you’re in the mood for a festive holiday outing.
In This Article
1. Dickens Fair
Where: San Francisco, California
When: Weekends from November 22 to December 21, 2025
You might not be able to jet off to London this Christmas, but the Dickens Fair just outside of San Francisco, CA, is arguably the next best thing. Imagine sipping a hot drink and strolling through more than four acres of the historic Cow Palace exhibition halls, which have been magically transformed to make you feel like you zipped back in time to the streets of Victorian London. You’ll find all manner of playhouses and pubs, shops and street dramas and enough trinkets and treasures to satisfy everyone on your Christmas shopping list. Those of age can even indulge in Port & Chocolate Tastings or even an absinthe bar, while children can laugh their way through Punch and Judy puppet shows or go for a spin on the Adventure Carousel.
2. Christkindlmarkt
Where: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
When: Weekends from November 14 to December 21, 2025
For those on the country’s eastern side, Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, PA, is widely recognized as one of the best Christmas markets in the U.S. to capture your imagination and put you in the holiday spirit. In fact, Travel + Leisure has said it not once, but twice. Christmas shopping is infinitely more fun here, where you’ll be surrounded by lively music, festive feasts and a mind-boggling amount of handmade, artisan gifts and an assortment of ornaments, nutcrackers and other unique collectibles that hail all the way from Germany. Saint Nicholas will be available for pictures or a special, ticketed breakfast feast on select days for parents with young children. You’ll also find the option to tack on tickets to “An Old Fashioned Christmas” with Edrington and Levy Restaurants, featuring your choice of four handcrafted holiday cocktails and food from Julie Marble, Executive Chef at Levy Restaurant.
3. Old World Christmas Market
Where: Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
When: December 5-14, 2025
Step into the Old World Christmas Market in Elkhart, WI, and you may never want to leave. This charming market lasts 10 days at the scenic Osthoff Resort and is designed to harken back to the nostalgic Christkindlesmarkt of Nüremberg, Germany. Amidst the scent of fragrant evergreen boughs and roasted almonds, guests can peruse a multitude of festive booths featuring a wild assortment of goodies such as Russian nesting dolls, Czech blown-glass ornaments, Estonian woolens, Plauen lace and decadent chocolates. The shopping alone is reason enough to spend the day at this market, but don’t forget the traditional German fare like schnitzel, potato pancakes, apple strudel and hot glühwein. And, of course, you’ll want to stick around for all the other holiday activities at the resort, including horse-drawn wagon rides, ornament making, cookie decorating and brunch with Saint Nicholas (which features a live reindeer).
4. Kerstmarkt
Where: Holland, Michigan
When: Weekends from November 21 to December 20, 2025
If you lived in the Netherlands, you would immediately recognize Kerstmarkt as a “Christmas Market.” But because we’re jet-setting to Holland, MI, we’ll forgive you if you need to brush up on your Dutch! This European-style market takes place at the Eighth Street Marketplace at the corner of Eighth Street and Pine Avenue for nearly an entire month leading up to Christmas Day. While many of these markets feature unique artisan gifts and tempting treats, the Kerstmarkt takes it one step further with collectible mugs, handbell concerts, a hot chocolate bar and sled dog demonstrations. Visitors can indulge in traditional Dutch treats, such as oliebollen – deep-fried dough balls – and almond pastries. If you’re lucky, you’ll even catch a glimpse of Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of Santa Claus.
5. Christmas Village
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
When: November 22 – December 24, 2025
We’re headed back to Pennsylvania now because how could you possibly make a list of must-see Christmas markets in the U.S. without mentioning the Christmas Village in Philadelphia? Touted as an authentic German-style experience, this open-air market at LOVE Park is the event of the season for locals.
With thousands of twinkling lights, steaming cups of mulled wine, international vendors and the scent of waffles wafting through the air, you can understand why. Bring your Christmas list because you are guaranteed to find something for everyone – from hand-painted glass ornaments and pressed flower art to Coat of Arms prints, Scandinavian jewelry and European woolens, you’d be hard-pressed to leave empty-handed. And no matter what, don’t go home without trying a Swiss raclette sandwich, taking a ride on the historic, two-tiered carousel and supporting the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with a donation for the Festival of Trees.
6. Christkindlmarket
Where: Chicago & Aurora, Illinois
When: November 21 – December 24, 2025, at the Auora and Chicago locations and November 23 – December 25, 2025, at the Wrigleyville location
The illustrious city of Chicago hosts another must-see Christkindlmarket, inspired by the renowned 16th-century markets of Nuremberg, Germany. This one, which started in 1996, is a staple among locals and tourists alike, with delicious fare, family-friendly events and plenty of Christmas cheer to usher you from booth to booth. This market is unique because it’s double the fun with three locations in 2025 — Chicago at Daley Plaza, Aurora at RiverEdge Park and Wrigleyville.
While you can easily spend your days wandering the festive Daley Plaza, you could also sneak in a few spots to the Chicago market special events, such as the Culture & Cheer Tour. Every weekend, a German-speaking member of the Christkindlmarket team leads a behind-the-scenes tour, giving you a first look at the day’s offerings and a rundown of the Chicago market’s history. You’ll also get a mini-lesson in German to pick up on some festive holiday phrases!
7. Savannah Christmas Market
Where: Savannah, Georgia
When: November 20 – December 31, 2025
Locals gather around Plant Riverside District year after year to celebrate one of Savannah’s most beloved annual traditions, the Savannah Christmas Market. Starting just before Thanksgiving, this charming market runs through December 31 and promises all sorts of family-friendly celebrations. From lively music, fun-filled street performances and one-of-a-kind vendors, it’s easy to feel holly and jolly. The Festival of Trees is a local favorite. The Power Plant Lobby lights up with a festive forest of dazzling Christmas trees representing the city’s many local businesses and organizations.
Those with small children or who want to soak up every drop of holiday cheer will want to take a peek at the holiday cookie decorating class at Turbine Café, led by the renowned pastry chefs at Plant Riverside District. The unveiling of the Gingerbread House, crafted by the same chefs, is another must-see event during the market for children and adults alike.