Magical Moments and Holiday Cheer Await in the Most Magical United States Christmas Markets
Written by Kaelie Piscitello
The holiday season is here, and there’s no better way to embrace the magic of Christmas than by strolling through an enchanting market. Twinkling lights and festive music transform cities into winter wonderlands and make each market feel like an unforgettable experience. Of course, the handcrafted treasures and delicious seasonal treats make them a beloved tradition.
In the United States, you can experience the charm of these holiday havens without traveling far. Whether you’re dreaming of Victorian festivities, authentic European-style markets, or unique local flavors, these five magical destinations guarantee you will leave you in awe. Each one promises an unforgettable holiday experience filled with cheer, wonder, and the season’s spirit.
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
This year, celebrate Christmas at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair and participate in a British Christmas without going to the United Kingdom. Dickens fans can dress in old-fashioned Victorian outfits complete with all the ruffles and trimmings. Interested guests can also participate in a garden corset experience and discover what wearing one back in the day felt like.
Customers can sample traditional English food, including Christmas pudding, mulled wine, and fish and chips, at the stalls. Beyond food, the booths sell many items, including fashionable and timeless jewelry, leather products, and candles. Remember to sit down for a pint at Mad Sal’s Dockside Inn and engage in either chocolate or port testing.
The Dickens Fair is located near the Cow Palace Arena in Daly City, California, and opens every weekend from November 23 to December 22. Tickets for the 2024 season cost $45 for adults and $25 for children, or customers can purchase a season pass for $160.
Christkindl Market Bethlehem
The makers of Christkindl Market Bethlehem, or “Christmas City,” modeled it after Nuremberg, Germany’s famous annual Christkindlmarket. It enchants visitors with its attention to detail on German traditions each year. Live music plays throughout the fair daily, and thousands swarm in to take in the Christmas magic and enjoy the positive atmosphere.
Christkindlmarkt has over 100 vendors selling a multitude of items, including priceless handmade ornaments in both traditional and modern styles. It also sells conventional German foods, including pretzels, sausages, and gingerbread. Not into German food? Don’t worry—they also sell tasty modern street food bites, such as chicken and waffles, and corndogs.
In 2024, Christmas City will take place every weekend from November 11 to December 22, and entry tickets will cost $10. Visitors can also choose to buy a $19 combo pass that includes entry to the market and illumination.
Christkindlmarket Chicago
Chicago’s Christkindlmarket brings joy to visitors each year and emulates Nuremberg’s holiday festivities. Similar to Christkindl Market Bethlehem, the Chicago counterpart adheres to German holiday traditions and incorporates thoughtful details into its decor, including festive lights and cabin-like stalls selling products.
Christkindl Market Chicago’s stalls sell a mix of German, Asian, and Polish food, mixing cultures for an international event. Patrons can try gluhwein and keep their mugs as souvenirs. Many also choose to stop by the pierogi house for traditional Polish dumplings and cocoa. Don’t forget to join in on a German and Austrian wine tasting or attend the lantern parade.
Besides the food, the market sells the typical array of exciting goods, and children and adults will enjoy the holiday ornament-making activities that give them a chance to learn glass-blowing techniques. Several booths also sell Polish pottery, embroidery, and Himalayan chai, bringing an Asian touch to the market.
2024 Christkindl Market will open at the Daley Plaza from November 22 to December 24. Admission is free.
Baltimore’s Christmas Village
Baltimore’s Christmas Village delights the masses with its buoyant atmosphere, live music, and multiple European influences, which bring delight to the market. The Christmas Village features a traditional German Christmas pyramid as its centerpiece, and people from around the southeast come by to take in its intricate hand-carved features.
In addition to serving traditional treats such as schnitzel and pork, the Christmas village sells Swiss cheeses, bacon at the House of Bacon, teas and honey, cakes, and Hofbrau beers. It also hosts stalls selling handmade clothes, copper products, adorable stationery, and vinyl art. If you’re into Irish goods, then you will love exploring the Celtic jewelry, perfumes, cashmere, and alpaca sweaters sold around the market.
This year, the Christmas Village opens from November 23 to December 24, featuring Wednesday night movie nights. While you’re there, remember to sample wine from Boordy Vineyards and make a donation on the wish wall.
Union Square Christmas Market
The Union Square Market opens year-round but turns Christmassy from November 14 to December 24 each year. This lively Christmas market delights the swarms of people coming to New York for the holidays. It promotes many local artists through the art stalls where people can explore and perform live throughout the month.
The market delights the crowds with several street performances anyone can give if they would like to and eco-friendly gifts sold around the square. Remember to come to the market hungry! The Union Square Christmas Market sells many NYC holiday treats and gourmet snacks, with something everyone will enjoy, making it a Christmas season to remember.
