Oftentimes when I think of Christmas markets, I think of Europe. How about you? If you agree, I’m pleased to announce that some of the best and most beautiful Christmas markets can also be found in the USA during holiday season. In fact, I’d even go as far to say that many of the best Christmas markets in the world can be found in the US. Without further ado, allow me to share some of my favorite markets with you that I can’t wait to visit and some that I have already visited. They aren’t in any particular order. Read on for more!
Disclosure: This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products/experiences I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.
Covid-19 Disclaimer: The recommendations listed are based on my own suggestions and in no way endorses or condemns travel at this time. If you decide to take a trip, follow national and state guidelines, and of course the CDC when traveling.
1) Atlanta Christkindl Market
First on the list is the Atlanta Christkindl Market which is a German market within The Buckhead Village District. This market takes place in you guessed it…Atlanta, Georgia during Christmas time. This market is is not only a great place to get into the holiday spirit, but they also serve delicious German food and beverages.
You can also do some major shopping with more than 50 vendors, sample local foods, and snap a couple of pics with Santa to complete the holiday tradition. The market operates from November 26th, 2021-January 2nd, 2022 Monday-Thursday from 11:30am-9:30pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:30am-10:30pm, and Sunday from 11:30am-9:30pm (It will be closed Christmas Day).
One of the best parts about this market is that the admission is free and there’s a plethora of convenient parking options available. Feel free to check it out for yourself and let me know what you think! More information can be found here. Traveling to Atlanta for the first time and want to explore further? Take this tour which highlights the best of ATL.
2) Cambria Christmas Market
Second on the list is the Cambria Christmas Market located in Cambria, California. What makes this Christmas market so special is that they have 2 million Christmas lights and just from looking at the pictures alone, it’s truly a sight to see. Visiting this market gives you the opportunity to support the local artisans, buy unique gifts, sample delicious food and warm drinks. If you like hot apple cider, then you must experience the German hot spiced wine.
If you’re interested in staying longer than one visit, you can book a room at the Cambria Pines Lodge and eat a special themed dinner. The Christmas market dates are currently open from November 26th, 2021-December 23rd, 2021 from 5pm-8:30pm and complimentary shuttles are offered from the parking lot. Parking is available on a first come first serve basis. More information can be found here. If you enjoyed the hot spiced wine, then you’ll definitely enjoy this hop-on, hop-off wine tasting tour which covers 70 wineries.
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3) Bank of America Winter Village (Christmas Market) at Bryant Park
Now there was absolutely no way I could make a list of Christmas markets without including my hometown of NYC. Third on the list is the Christmas market (or Winter Village) at Bryant Park which is one of the most popular Christmas markets and is SO fun! There is a lot to do here including free ice skating at The Rink (you will need to bring your own skates and back pack), and delicious food options including one of my favorite pop-up shops Wafels and Dinges for hot Belgian waffles and hot chocolate.
This is an open space market where you can not only shop local and more, but you can watch the skaters at the skating rink if you’re not quite up to getting on the ice rink. The shops are open from 11am-8pm, and are open from now until January 2nd, 2022. The shops will close by 4pm on January 2nd.
Just an FYI, Bryant Park is a great NYC destination all year round as there is always something going on. You won’t regret visiting any time of the year, especially during Christmas. Parking in the city can be quite difficult if you aren’t using a parking garage, so I would highly recommend public transportation.
Read more about the Bank of America Winter Village here. Admission is also free; you only pay for the activities and food. Still feeling festive? How about taking a Christmas holiday walking tour which includes some of the best Christmas sights in New York City. This tour is perfect for New Yorkers or tourists alike, but if you’d prefer to explore on your own you can take a short walk to Central Park. Even though I’m not a fan of cold weather, this is one of those Christmas traditions I really enjoy. Come to think of it, this is one of the first Christmas markets I’ve visited.
4) Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a cool city in the winter months and The Christmas Village in Philadelphia is no exception to the rule due to it’s festive atmosphere. This is my fourth recommendation and it is an outside German Christmas market with a historic carousel and Ferris wheel you can actually ride. This market has a large selection of savory treats, and drink options including beer, raclette stube, pretzels, and cider to name a few.
There’s plenty of shopping to keep you warm as you peruse the market as well. The Christmas village is currently open starting from November 25th, 2021-December 24th, 2021 and the hours of operation are from Sunday-Thursday 11am-7pm, Friday & Saturday from 11am-8pm, and Christmas Eve 11am-5pm. Parking is also difficult in PA, so I would suggest utilizing a parking garage or public transportation. Admission is free; you only pay for food, drink, shopping, and activities you partake in. Check out more general information here. In addition to visiting the market, did you know Philadelphia is a very popular city? Taking a bus tour is the perfect place to learn all about its history.
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5) European Christmas Market at Union Depot in Saint Paul, MN
Last but definitely not least, is the fifth recommendation on my list; the European Christmas Market in MN. This market aims to preserve and share European culture while serving delicious food, and hand crafted items. This is a free event so you’ll only pay for food, and items purchased while holiday shopping. If that alone doesn’t entice you, then you’ll be thrilled to know that there are different kinds of entertainment scheduled on each day the market is open, just refer to the calendar.
The market is officially open starting from starting from late November to the end of the year (November 26th, 2021-December 19th, 2021) and is only open on the weekends on Friday 4pm-9pm, Saturday 10am-8pm, and Sunday 11am-6pm. There’s plenty of parking available at this location so you won’t have to worry. Check it out for yourself here. Minnesota is not only a good place to visit, but it also has a great culinary scene. Aside from visiting this awesome market, how about checking out a food tour featuring delicious eats downtown? You wont regret it.
Dressing Tips to Wear At Christmas Markets
These locations will be very cold when and if you decide to visit. I would recommend wearing a really warm scarf, hat, gloves, coat, and winter boots to help keep you warm and toasty.
Final Thoughts on Christmas Markets
That concludes my list of Christmas Markets to visit in the US. If you live in the United States like me, now you can experience the allure and grandeur of a European Christmas Market right here in the U.S! Christmas is truly a magical time, and I can’t think of a better way to enjoy picturesque markets, beautiful Christmas trees, and Christmas music. If you’ve visited any of my suggestions in this post, please write to me and tell me all about it. As always, thank you for reading. Did you learn anything new or have any feedback? Let me know. Please comment below and don’t forget to subscribe here.
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Disclosure: This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products/experiences I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.
Covid-19 Disclaimer: The recommendations listed are based on my own suggestions and in no way endorses or condemns travel at this time. If you decide to take a trip, follow national and state guidelines, and of course the CDC when traveling.
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Photo Credits
Thank you Sheenamahsheensphotography for the photos on the Atlanta Christkindl Market, Tengyart for the hot mulled wine photo, Heidi Kaden on the hot cider photo, and Matt Seymour for the bratwurst photo. I discovered all of their work from Unsplash.com and Instagram. Please check them out!