The 5 Best Christmas Markets in the US (Our Team’s Picks!)
Sing it with us: It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is upon us and we could not be more excited. From the decorations, to the food, to spending time with friends and family, what is there not to love? Are you busy getting in the holiday spirit also? Join us!
Whether you’ve already put up your Christmas tree, or are simply binge watching Christmas movies, the spirit of the season impacts us all! If you can’t get enough of the season, we have a suggestion that will give you an unforgettable experience- visiting a Christmas Market!
Have you ever been to one before? These markets set up during the Christmas season and are filled with wonderful food to sample, presents to buy, and gorgeous decor to look at. Truly festive experiences, they are sure to satisfy your craving for a fun, festive experience! Whether you do some Christmas shopping while you are there, or just walk around to take in the atmosphere, either way you are sure to leave in a wonderful, festive mood!
While various Christmas markets set up all across the United States, there are some that are known for being some of the best in the country. Attracting visitors from all over, these are the markets that you should put on your bucket list to see! If you are in search of a new holiday vacation spot, why not center it around one of these markets?
There are plenty to choose from, but we narrowed down the list to the top 5 best Christmas Markets located in the United States. Let’s see who made the list!
1. Downtown Holiday Market: Washington, DC
First on our list is the Downtown Holiday Market located in Washington, DC. This market is now in its 14th year, and it is consistently ranked as one of the best Christmas Markets in all of the US. Nestled in downtown between major landmarks like the Smithsonian and the National Portrait Gallery, this market is filled with all sorts of wonderful art crafted by local artists, and of course, delicious food to sample and buy!
In particular there are some delicious and genuine German foods always available to sample, a real treat that you can’t just find anywhere else. Best of all, the market starts up in mid-November and runs all the way until Christmas Eve. No matter when you are planning your holiday trip, you can make it a trip to DC if you want to see this market!
2. Denver Christkindlmarkt: Denver, CO
Looking for some cold weather fun in addition to checking out a great Christmas Market? Why not take a trip out to Denver then to visit the Denver Christkindlmarkt. And no, that isn’t a typo!
In fact, did you know that the origin of the Christmas Market dates back to Germany centuries ago? It’s true! The traditions have been passed down for ages, and while plenty of new traditions have popped up along the way, a lot of traditional German traditions still dominate Christmas Markets, and now you know why.
This market in Denver is no exception, and it is a wonderful place to visit. With plenty of vendors featuring authentic German food and decor, you can also enjoy the market by riding in a carousel or taking in all of the beautiful lights. For the kids? Sip on some delicious hot chocolate. For the adults? Why not taste the delicious mulled wine!
This is a beautiful market that you can enjoy with your entire family, and it is one of our absolute favorites! Catch it starting in mid November all the way until December 23rd at Skyline Park!
3. Christkindlmarkt: Helen, GA
Helen, Georgia itself is like going back in time to visit an alpine city, complete with cobblestone streets and distinct German architecture. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that their own Christkindlmarkt would make the list as one of the best authentic Christmas Markets in the US! If you are looking for a great market located in the southeast, it doesn’t get much better than this one.
Head to their Marktplatz to take in the Christmas Market, filled with all sorts of authentic food and handmade crafts. It will truly feel like you have stepped back in time, but in the best way possible! Set in the picture perfect city, this is one of the best markets that you have to visit at least once in your life.
The Marktplatz is open for a shorter period of time, so make sure you don’t miss it! Head to Helen during the first two weeks of December to take in all the sights of this gorgeous market!
4. Union Square Holiday Market: New York City, NY
Who doesn’t want to visit New York City during Christmas Time? One of the top travel destinations during the holiday season anyways, you will be happy to know that the Big Apple also features one of the best Christmas Markets! Known as the Union Square Holiday Market, this is one of the biggest and best markets to enjoy during Christmas. Located right in the middle of Manhattan this market features an excellent location, and even more excellent vendors!
Head to this market if you want to have something to do all day long! Featuring well over 150 vendors there will be plenty to look at (and purchase- make sure you leave room in your suitcase!) and also plenty to be entertained by! There is always plenty to enjoy here, and that is why it is an easy choice on our list.
Best of all, if you plan a trip to New York City this time of year, keep in mind that they actually feature several other Christmas Markets as well! Perfect for family members of all ages, this would certainly make for an unforgettable trip. You can catch this Christmas market from mid November up until Christmas Eve!
5. Germany Pavilion Epcot World Showcase: Orlando, FL
Not a big fan of the cold, but want to get into the Christmas spirit? Understood! You can always head down to sunny Florida to find one of the best Christmas Markets located right in Walt Disney World! It’s already the most magical place on Earth, and during this time of year that couldn’t be more true!
Head to the Germany Pavilion Epcot World Showcase for a truly jaw dropping experience! With tons of lights and excitement, this is great for children, but lets face it, any adult will get equally excited! Keeping up with German tradition this market will also feature plenty of authentic German cuisine and crafts, including world famous Black Forest Cuckoo clocks! Best of all, to ensure a truly authentic experience, Disney employs German men and women.
A truly wonderful experience with plenty of Disney charm, and authentic German traditions, this is a market that you cannot afford to miss! Catch it as it runs for about a month – from late November all the way up until December 23rd!
Wrapping Up
Are you feeling the festive spirit now? How could you not be! These 5 Christmas Markets are sure to brighten your mood and are wonderful places to visit with friends and family. Located all across the country you can either pick a destination near to you, or travel far away for a truly unforgettable Christmas vacation.
Which Christmas Market are you planning to visit first? Or, is there another market you love that didn’t make our list? Let us know, and Merry Christmas!
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