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Katie Sagal

Best Christmas Markets in the USA

One of our favorite ways to shop for holiday gifts is by spending an hour or two at a great holiday market. Different cities across the USA boast their own versions of this tradition, with several of these unique holiday markets dating back quite some time. There’s something just so special and festive about bundling up in a cozy scarf and mittens to roam around stalls of hand-crafted, authentic wares. If you’re going to be exploring during the weeks leading up to the December holidays, then why not visit one of these festive Christmas markets. Our featured markets include:

Christkindlmarket in Chicago
Downtown Holiday Market in Washington DC
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Union Square Holiday Market in New York City
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays in Orlando
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco
And more!

Christkindlmarket - Chicago

Held in Chicago, this historic market in Daley Plaza is influenced by German heritage and tradition. It’s known for endless booths of crafts, carvings, pottery, clothing, and more. You should also make sure to sample their signature hot cider (served with or without alcohol) in a collectible mug. Visit anytime between the middle of November and Christmas Eve. Find out more about Christkindlmarket in Chicago.

Image of Christmas, Christmas Decorations, Festival,

Union Square Holiday Market - New York City

One of the larger markets on this list is the Union Square Holiday Market. It attracts nearly 150 vendors, offering everything from unique jewelry and other hand-crafted goods to distinctive presents from small businesses around the city. Just be sure to set aside enough time to wander the massive space! This market runs from mid-November through Christmas Eve.

Downtown Holiday Market - Washington DC

Located on F Street between 9th & 7th in Northwest Washington DC, the Downtown Holiday Market is a Christmas tradition for DC residents. It’s known regionally for being an excellent place to buy jewelry, fine art, crafts, clothing, pottery, and specialty food and beverage. The market is held from mid-November through Christmas Eve.

Image of Lighting, Christmas, Christmas Decorations, Festival, Christmas Tree,

Christmas Village - Philadelphia

Also organized around a German theme, Christmas Village in Philadelphia is held on the grounds of City Hall. While its selection of unique gifts and traditional food and drink make it worth your time, the festive Christmas carols and dazzling displays of light just make it all the more magical and festive. This market will run from the end of November through Christmas Eve.

Winter Village at Bryant Park - New York City

We couldn’t resist adding this last New York location to our list, as there’s just something uniquely special about Winter Village. For one, it combines a wide selection of traditional crafts and modern goods (offered by over 170 different vendors) with the opportunity to enjoy some good old-fashioned ice-skating. You’ll also find festive food and drink for purchase. This market runs from late October through early January.

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays - Orlando

The Disney magic strikes again at this immensely popular holiday market. See a portion of Epcot transform into a German Christmas market, complete with handcrafted items from cuckoo clocks to beer steins and lederhosen. It’s a great place to buy traditional items and celebrate the wonder of the holiday. It’s open from the end of November through December 23.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market - New York City

Another New York market to add to the list, this one is pretty famous and easily accessible for tourists due to its proximity to Central Park. It’s a good place to look for art, jewelry, housewares, décor, and much more. There’s also lots of food and drink for purchase to keep you energized as you shop. It runs from the end of November through Christmas Eve.

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair - San Francisco

Imagine yourself in a world that’s gone back in time, where Victorian England shines in all her glory. You’ll walk through fragrant halls past vendors hawking traditional nineteenth-century gifts and food items while enjoying period music and folks in full costume. This unique attraction is open in Daly City from the middle of November through December 23.

Save on Admission to Holiday Attractions

If you’re going to be celebrating the Christmas holidays in any of these cities, consider a Go City to save up to 65% on admission to top activities, tours, and more. You’ll spend less on things to do in each city and have more left over for those Christmas presents—whether you’re shopping for your loved ones, or yourself!

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