You might think the holiday season begins after Thanksgiving or Halloween, but some might say it begins when Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” starts to trend again. “You” might be enough for a great Christmas present but in case you need a little more than “You” we gathered a list of the top 10 Christmas Markets in the U.S.A to help you find authentic gifts for your loved ones.
A Bavarian themed town called Leavenworth has a beautiful Christmas market every year. You can find traditional German handicrafts at the markets such as carved nutcrackers, wooden smokers, wooden figures and so on. Leavenworth is a lovely place to visit to begin holiday festivities.
2) Union Square Holiday Market - New York City, New York
With over 100 vendors, Union Square Holiday Market is located at the heart of New York City. If you are planning to wake up in a city that doesn’t sleep as Sinatra so famously sings, you should check out Union Square Holiday market for unique gifts made by local craftsmen.
Every December Georgetown turns into a gorgeous Christmas town straight out of story books. From horse-drawn wagon rides to delicious roasted chestnuts, everything you want from a Christmas Market for a pleasant holiday can be found at Georgetown’s Christmas Market. Done forget to watch and listen to Santa Lucia Children’s Procession and, you can even have a chat with St. Nicholas while he strolls through the market.
4) Old World Christmas Market – Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Old World Christmas Market might be Bavarian – themed, but it is an international market where you can find Czech blown-glass ornaments, Russian nesting dolls, Turkish pashmina scarves and shawls, German hand-carved smokers and nutcrackers, fine apparel, handmade amber and silver jewelry, fine chocolates, stained glass art, fresh green wreaths, Plauen lace, kissing balls and centerpieces, alpaca products, Estonia woolens, fine woodwork, Russian hand-painted Santas, fur products and so on. It has been held at The Osthoff Resort for ten years providing countless unique gifts for the visitors.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia is a traditional German – themed Christmas Market in the center of downtown Philadelphia. Vendors set up their shops in wooden booths to sell a wide variety of top – quality handcrafted items such as ornaments, jewelry, and holiday gifts. Countless Christmas lights and the delicious smell of European food and sweets will help you to find your way through the stunning Christmas Market of Philly. The City of Brotherly Love opens its arms to visitors from all over the U.S to experience the most beautiful holiday of their life. Phill the Reindeer is also waiting for you to enjoy your holiday in Philadelphia. From multiple rides to delicious tastings, and over 100 vendors to visit, Christmas Village is full of family-friendly activities and enjoyment.
6) Christkindlmarkt Alpine – Helen, Georgia
Helen is a city that was restored to an Alpine Village with cobble stone alleys and medieval towers amid the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia. You can find multiple German restaurants throughout the year in town but during the holiday season, the city lights up with beautiful Christmas lights and countless vendors, making Helen an authentic place to spend the holiday’s. With delicious food, beautiful music and an unique atmosphere, Helen is a must visit location in Georgia.
The Texas Christkindl market is one of the biggest open air holiday markets in the Southwest of the U.S. Festivities will be held at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington this year. The market hosts countless vendors where you can find beautiful, handcrafted gifts for your loved ones. Delicious food, desserts, and drinks, mixed with charming Christmas lights will make you feel like you are in a quaint German town.
The first Christkindlmarket in Chicago was held in 1996 and it has been going on every year since then. This year, the Christkindlmarket will also have a virtual marketplace for online shoppers to find unique goods, including the traditional souvenir mugs. This year’s souvenir mug is designed as a boot, with a dark emerald green color to match the Chicago skyline. For the market's 25th anniversary, the Peppermint the Penguin mug will also be available. From stuffed pretzels to spiced wine, a wide variety of unique tastes and activities are waiting for you in Downtown Chicago.
The 17th Annual Downtown Holiday Market will feature more than 70 exhibitors and will be huge. The festivities will take over two entire blocks. From antiques to jewelry, handcrafted ceramics to painting, countless unique items will be available for the visitors. Over 75 muscial shows will be held. What is better than the combination of beautiful music and delicious food? The Downtown Holiday Market will provide everything you are looking for in a Christmas market.
Christkinflmarkt Bethlehem is back for its 29th year. With its hundreds of vendors and popular German ornament manufacturer Käthe Wohlfahrt, Christkinflmarkt Bethlehem is packed with activities such as Hot Glass Experience where you can make your own glass ornament. Christkinflmarkt Bethlehem also offers a wide variety of dinning options with live music and entertainment.
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