10 Best Christmas Markets in the U.S. 2024

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Aside from the mounds of white snow and piles of gifts, Christmas markets are one of the highlights of this holiday season. Deriving from a centuries-old European tradition, these markets offer a festive atmosphere, with street vendors hawking a variety of holiday treats.

Timeout Travel, National Geographic, and Forbes share some of the best Christmas markets in the United States (U.S.), promising you a joyous winter.

List of the Best Christmas Markets in the U.S. for 2024

The following are a number of recommended Christmas markets in the U.S., including the ones in Indiana, Michigan, and more, perfect for those wanting to engage in winter activities or holiday shopping. 

1. Carmel Christkindlmarkt, Carmel, Indiana

For those wanting to experience the ambiance of a German Christmas market, look no further than Carmel Christkindlmarkt. The market is technically aimed at introducing German culture and, more importantly, recreating an authentic Christkindmarkt experience.

In addition to the twinkling holiday illuminations, the market offers an array of stuff, from traditional food and beverages to handmade goods.

• Opening Dates: Nov 23–24, Nov 29–Dec 1; Dec 7–8, Dec 14–15, Dec 21–22, 2024

• Operational Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

2. Christkindlmarkt, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Held in the so-called “Christmas City” of Bethlehem in Pennsylvania, Christkindlmarkt is often swarmed by a huge crowd at this cherished time of the year to nibble on traditional German food, such as pretzels and strudel.

Christkindlmarkt extends its excitement beyond the holiday treats. Wander around the market to shop at approximately 180 vendors selling ornaments, collectibles, and others. Families can also spend their time engaging in holiday-themed craft-making.

• Opening Dates: Nov 15–17, 22–24, 29–30, Dec 1, 5–8, 12–15, 19–22, 2024.

• Operational Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Thur & Sun); 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Fri & Sat) 

3. Kerstmarkt, Holland, Michigan

With a history tracing back to the 1840s, Holland emerges as a little Netherlands in the U.S., drawing the attention of people across the country, especially during Christmas. The town celebrates the arrival of the holy month with a joyous Kerstmarkt, which is basically a Christmas market in Dutch.

Holland’s Kerstmarkt has been around for about 27 years, and it remains people’s all-time favorite. This fair features 35 rotating vendors in wooden booths, selling a variety of handmade items, from brooms to wool socks.

• Operational Hours: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Dec 20); 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Dec 21)

4. Denver Christkindlmarket, Denver, Colorado

Packs of visitors are a common sighting in Denver’s Christkindlmarket. Much like other Christmas markets, this European-style festivity guarantees a magical holiday experience with its treats and crafts. After that, quench your thirst with a sip of spiced mulled wine, glühwein.

• Opening Dates: Nov 22–Dec 14; Dec 15–23, 2024

• Operational Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (regular hours on Sun to Wed), 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (regular hours on Thur to Sat), 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (festival hall hours on Thur to Sun), 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (final week)

5. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, Daly City, California

As you walk into the Great Dickens Christmas Fair, you will be greeted by hundreds of vendors and performers dressed in Victorian costumes. Explore the entire fair to come across handmade goods and festive foods, such as Christmas pudding and roasted chestnuts.

• Opening Dates: Nov 23–24, Nov 29–Dec 1; Dec 7–8, Dec 14–15, Dec 21–22, 2024 

• Operational Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

6. Christmas Village, Baltimore, Maryland

Another highly recommended Christmas market in the U.S. is Baltimore’s Christmas Village. As the holy month approaches, the inner harbor is festooned with thousands of winter illuminations, transforming into a festive wonderland.

While you’re in the area, sample the Belgian fries and glühwein to keep you warm amidst the cold air. For a more boozy holiday experience, chug a large glass of German beer at the Hofbrau stall.

• Opening Dates: Nov 23–24, Dec 2–3, 9–10, 16–17, 2024

• Operational Hours: noon to 8 p.m. (Sun to Thur), noon to 9 p.m. (Fri to Sat)

7. Chicago Christkindlmarket, Aurora, Illinois

Available through Christmas Eve, Chicago Christkindmarket charms visitors with its unparalleled festivity. From hot spiced wine to pretzels and wursts, savor your appetite for holiday treats at this German-inspired market.

Aside from Aurora, you can find the Christkindmarket in Daley Plaza, which runs the same schedule.

• Operational Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Dec 16–19); 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Dec 20–21); 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Dec 22); 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Christmas Eve)

8. Philadelphia Christmas Village, Pennsylvania

For those looking for a place to spend time with their families, consider visiting the Christmas Village in Philadelphia’s LOVE Park and City Hall. While adults can savor pints of beer and go for wine tastings, kids can entertain themselves by enjoying the rides.

• Opening Dates: Nov 23–Dec 24, 2024

• Operational Hours: noon to 8 p.m. (Sun to Thur); noon to 9 p.m. (Fri to Sat); noon to 5 p.m. (Christmas Eve)

9. Solvang Julefest, Solvang, California

Down for experiencing a Danish Christmas? A visit to Solvang Julefest is quintessential to immerse in the twinkling lights and music shows held in Solvang Park. Catch winter illuminations throughout the Santa Ynez Valley on the Solvang Trolley for a more Christmassy spirit.

• Opening Dates: available through January 5, 2025

10. Union Square Market, New York

Rounding out our list of Christmas markets in the U.S. is the Union Square Market in New York. The Big Apple has more to offer than its iconic Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, so spare some time to catch holiday spirits here in this market.

Featuring more than 185 vendors, the Union Square Market beckons visitors with its endless stalls of sweet and savory treats.

• Opening Dates: Nov 14–Dec 24, 2024

• Operational Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Mon to Fri); 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Sat to Sun)

If you want something more than Christmas markets in the U.S., how about experiencing the festivity directly in Germany? Find out the best Christmas markets in Germany here on Tempo.

TIMEOUT TRAVEL | FORBES | NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

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