Nothing can introduce you better to the winter holidays atmosphere this year than a visit to the best Christmas Markets in the USA in 2023.
So, I decided to write this article with the help of 7 travel bloggers. Each one will recommend their favorite Christmas markets in the United States.
There are many Christmas Markets in the USA, so it can be challenging to choose where to go.
Therefore, I hope this list of USA Christmas Markets will inspire you, especially since so little time is left until Christmas.
Besides decorations, in these famous Christmas markets, you can also find gingerbread, fried chestnuts, mulled wine, sweets, hot chocolate, and everything you can imagine there is in a Christmas village.
Moreover, next to some of these Christmas fairs is an ice rink where you can have fun with your friends.
So, if you wish to spend Christmas in the United States, there is no need to travel to Europe to have a German-style Christmas market.
You can find them right here, and in this article, you will find out the 7 most beautiful Christmas markets in the USA IN 2023.
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The best Christmas Markets in the USA in 2023
Leavenworth Christmas Market
Home to just 2000 people, Leavenworth is one of the best places for a Christmas Market experience in the Pacific North West.
Located just 2.5 hours from Seattle, the town on the eastern slope of the Cascade Mountains was modeled on a Bavarian village.
With German architecture-themed restaurants, pubs, and hotels, you’ll feel like you’re staying in the Alps.
The Christmas Lights Festival was first held in 1966 and has since become one of the best festivals in the town.
With over 1 million twinkling fairy lights, markets, a gingerbread man factory, the Nutcracker Museum, and Christmas caroling.
The area is also popular in the winter as the surrounding mountains get plenty of snow, perfect for sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing.
Therefore, Leavenworth is one of the best snowy Christmas markets out there.
Leavenworth also hosts the annual Oktoberfest, Mai-Fest, Alefest, and Autumn Leaf Festival.
There are so many possibilities for entertainment in the area, but my favorite is the European-style Christmas market.
by Lerato at lifefromabag.com
Where to stay in Leavenworth during the winter holidays:
- budget: Obertal Inn– Wifi, free parking, pet friendly
- mid-range: Bavarian Lodge – pool, Wifi, free parking, bar, good breakfast
- luxury: LOGE Leavenworth Riverside– free Wifi, free parking, pet friendly
Franklin, Tennessee Christmas Market | USA Christmas Markets in 2023
When it comes to Christmas celebrations, not many places in the US offer a more festive experience than the Dickens of a Christmas festival in Franklin, Tennessee.
Despite frequently living in the shadow of the nearby larger city of Nashville, it’s during the Christmas season when Franklin springs to life by rolling back the years and reenacting traditional Victorian celebrations.
The Dickens of a Christmas festival is home to a fantastic collection of Christmas markets, offering local produce, seasonal homemade gifts, and of course, the piece de resistance at most US Christmas markets…decadent hot chocolate!
Grab a cup (or two) and walk around exploring the myriad of stalls, purchasing a few favorite treats and interacting with locals and visitors wearing Victorian period costumes.
You never quite know which Dickens Christmas fair character you will run into next, Tiny Tim or Ebenezer Scrooge!
by Chris and Heather Boothman, at abritandasoutherner.com
Best Hotels in Franklin nearby the outdoor Christmas market:
- budget: Baymont by Wyndham Franklin– pool, Wifi, free parking, good breakfast
- mid-range: Hilton Franklin Cool Springs– pool, free parking, bar
- luxury: Full Circle Farm Inn– free parking, free Wifi, great location
Atlanta Christkindl Market | Christmas Markets in USA
One of the newer and best Christmas Markets in the USA, the Atlanta Christkindl Market is one of our favorite Atlanta Christmas events.
It started three years ago in Midtown Atlanta’s hip mixed-use development, Atlantic Station.
The festive Christmas street market tradition dates back to the late Middle Ages in Europe, but this was Atlanta’s first.
The Christkindl tradition dates back to the 16th century when Protestant Reformation leader Martin Luther attempted to rid Christmas of all its Catholic customs.
To replace St. Nicholas, he introduced das Christkindl, an angelic Christ Child who would bring gifts to good girls and boys.
Today, this European Style Christmas market (sponsored by the German American Cultural Foundation to spread German culture within the US) brings out a lavishly costumed Christkindl character to take photos with families and children.
Relocating this year to a bigger space at downtown Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park, the expansive market includes German food, drink, and seasonal items in open-air booths, accompanied by traditional singing and dancing.
Thanks to the city’s location in the deep South, the temperatures in December are usually relatively mild and pleasant! Atlanta Christkindl Market is one of the most picturesque Christmas markets in the US.
by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett at greenglobaltravel.com
Where to stay in Atlanta to visit the local Christmas Markets:
- budget: Best Western Atlanta-Marietta Ballpark Hotel– free parking, free Wifi, pet friendly, good breakfast
- mid-range: The Candler Hotel Atlanta– free parking, restaurant, room service, bar, breakfast
- luxury: Omni Hotel at the Battery Atlanta– pool, restaurant, fabulous breakfast, excellent location
Bryant Park Holiday Market in New York City | Christmas Markets NYC
You can find some of the best Christmas markets in the USA in all five boroughs of New York City, even Staten Island.
But the Bryant Park holiday market isn’t just a market; it’s a Winter Village with over 170 vendors, a perfect place to spend Christmas in Manhattan.
Some of the best are prints by Brooklyn artist Jason Laurits, Vermont Maple Cream from Dorset Maple Reserve, jewelry by Kate So at Dearest Brooklyn, and bath and home fragrance products from Soap and Paper Factory.
If you can’t find a gift in one of the best Christmas markets in the north east, you probably can’t find one anywhere.
Bryant Park also has an outdoor skating rink, the only free ice skating rink in New York City.
Finally, a secret attraction in Bryant Park is the best public bathroom in New York.
Thanks to generous private donors, the restroom at Bryant Park is always full of gorgeous flowers, so don’t miss the chance to peek inside during the holiday season to see the holly and pine.
by Stella Jane at aroundtheworldin24hours.com
Best Hotels in Manhattan, New York City:
- budget: Artezen Hotel– fitness center, room service, free Wifi
- mid-range: Park Terrace Hotel on Bryant Park– fitness center, restaurant, bar, excellent location
- luxury: The Greenwich Hotel– pool, parking, bar, great breakfast, perfect location
Union Square Christmas Markets NYC
I live in New York City, and my favorite NYC holiday markets are Union Square.
There are dozens of stalls around winding narrow lanes that fill the open plaza from November 2 to December 24.
There are some food stalls (hot chocolate and cider donuts are just what you need to ward off the winter cold), a kids’ art studio, and even live music.
However, it is the gift shopping that you go for at the Union Square Holiday.
Most stalls feature local artists, so this is the best place in the city to get quirky, hand-crafted gifts that often have an NYC focus.
Unique gifts include:
- Hand-made NYC-themed tree ornaments.
- Silk-printed American scarves.
- Neckties with a map of New York printed on them.
- Messenger bags made from yacht sails.
All these and more are part of one of the best Christmas markets in the USA.
by James at travelcollecting.com
Chicago Christmas Market | Christmas Markets in North East
Chicago’s Christkindlesmarkt, the most significant German Christmas market in the U.S., is a must-see Christmas market in 2021.
The German Christmas Market in Chicago is an outdoor bustling market in downtown Chicago, making it easy to get to by public transport.
Over fifty vendors on site typically sell German and/or Christmas goodies such as sweets, Christmas tree decorations, hot Gluehwein in snow boot-shaped cups, and much more.
Many events are happening at the Christkindlesmarkt regularly, both for kids and adults.
Adults will enjoy various concerts, and kids will have fun with a scavenger hunt and meeting Christkind in person, a fairy-like character with golden hair from German folklore that brings gifts to kids in German-speaking countries, much like Santa Clause does in the U.S.
Visiting Christkindlesmarkt, one of the best Christmas Markets in the world, is a beloved local tradition that is fun for the entire family.
by Tatiana at familyroadtripguru.com
Best Hotels in Chicago:
- budget: Hyatt Place Chicago Medical/University District– parking, Wifi, bar, pet friendly, bar
- mid-range: Thompson Chicago– restaurant, fitness center, bar
- luxury: The Langham Chicago– private parking, Wifi, pool, perfect location
Minneapolis Christmas Market | USA Christmas Markets in 2023
Minnesota is nearly always in an endless winter, or so we joke. So it only is festive and correct to host numerous Christmas markets for the holidays.
Holiday and craft markets spring up all season long, but a particular historic favorite is The Holidazzle Christmas Market.
The Holidazzle Christmas market sports all the traditional wares you would spot in a European Christmas market.
Lucky for us, we don’t have to board a plane and cross the Atlantic to enjoy some of our favorite festive treats at the Christmas market.
Each booth in the market is flooded with handmade goods such as honey, syrups, sweets, bread, nutcrackers, ornaments, jewelry, outerwear, intricate woodwork, and more.
The world Christmas market is orchestrated with live music and hosts performers throughout the season.
This holiday season, get a slice of your European ancestry by visiting the Holidazzle Christmas Market.
by Martha Lueders at quirkyglobetrotter.com
Where to stay in Minneapolis when you visit the Christmas market:
- budget: Graduate Minneapolis– private parking, free Wifi, restaurant, bar, breakfast
- mid-range: Loews Minneapolis Hotel– private parking, free Wifi, bar, excellent location
- luxury: Hotel Alma– private parking, free Wifi, restaurant, bar, fabulous breakfast, perfect location
Things to know before visiting the best Christmas Markets in the USA in 2023
When do Christmas Markets Usually Open in the USA?
Christmas markets in the US typically open in late November to early December, with opening dates varying depending on the market and location.
Some markets open early in November, especially in colder climates, while others open later in December. Opening times may vary based on local customs and organizer decisions. Visit official websites or social media for up-to-date information.
How is the weather in the US during Christmas?
The United States experiences various weather conditions during Christmas, depending on the region and latitude.
The Northeast and Midwest experience cold and snowy weather, while the South experiences moderate to mild temperatures.
The West Coast experiences varied temperatures, with coastal regions like California, Oregon, and Washington experiencing milder weather.
Desert Southwest regions like Arizona and Nevada may experience colder temperatures—mountainous areas like the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains experience freezing temperatures and snowfall.
What to wear when visiting the Christmas Markets in the USA?
It’s important to dress warmly and in layers if you’re going to a Christmas market in the United States. Coats or jackets that keep you warm are a must, especially in colder places.
Keeping your head, hands, and neck warm requires hats, gloves, and scarves. For outdoor markets, it’s best to wear shoes or boots that are comfortable and waterproof or water-resistant.
Check the weather forecast so you can be ready for different weather situations.
What other Christmas markets are there in the United States?
These are some of the best Christmas Markets in the USA IN 2023 to add to your bucket list:
- Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
- Denver Christkindl Market – Denver, Colorado
- Christmas Village in Philadelphia – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Holiday Market at Foggy Bottom – Washington, D.C.
- Downtown Holiday Market – Washington, D.C.
- Christmas in the Square – Frisco, Texas
- Holiday CraftMorristown – Morristown, New Jersey
- Christmas Market at Hotel deLuxe – Portland, Oregon
- Christmas at the Princess – Scottsdale, Arizona
- Harbor Point Winterfest – Stamford, Connecticut
- San Francisco’s German Christmas Market – San Francisco, California
- Christmas Village in Baltimore – Baltimore, Maryland
- Christmas by the River – Savannah, Georgia
Final thoughts:
I hope that all USA Christmas Markets in 2023 will be open and that we will have the opportunity to revisit these seven best Christmas fairs.
I’m sure everyone loves the winter holidays. The best way to celebrate them is by visiting a German-style Christmas Market, including mulled wine, a towering Christmas tree, ice skating, and Christmas lights.
May the spirit of the holidays warm your heart and home. Happy holidays!
USA