Tis’ the season!
Christmas calls for a fun shopping spree. Christmas markets in west are not just any festive markets but have traditions attached to them. Embark on a festive journey across the United States as we unveil the best Christmas markets that promise to infuse your holiday season with joy, tradition and a touch of international flair.
European Christmas Market, St. Paul, Minnesota
Inspired by open-air markets of Germany and Austria, the European Christmas Market at St. Paul, Minnesota, is a free event curated by St. Paul's Union Depot. Visitors can find all forms of handmade gifts and decorations there. The market also offers European-inspired food and drinks.
Christkindlmarkt, Caramel, Indiana
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt in Indianapolis recreates the experience of visiting a small German market with a 33-foot-tall, 10-ton version of the Glühwein Pyramid, adorned with 3,000 bulbs. The market's CEO, Maria Murphy, emphasizes authenticity and aims to recreate the German-American history of Indiana, a major hub for German immigration in the 19th century. Visitors can also try their hand at crafts.
Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Bethlehem, known as "Christmas City" hosts an Old World-style Christkindlmarkt with handcrafted goods from incredible artists, lively entertainment and delicious cuisine to celebrate the holiday season.
Savannah Christmas Market, Savannah, Georgia
Savannah Christmas Market provides shoppers with a blend of European and Southern traditions. Bringing the classic Salzburg Christmas market to the Plant Riverside District, it offers family-friendly activities, live music and holiday-themed displays. Visitors can enjoy tree lighting ceremony, Savannah Harbor Boat Parade of Lights and Christmas shopping possibilities.
Kerstmarkt, Holland, Michigan
Kerstmarkt, Holland’s Christmas market, is a European-style outdoor market where around 18 booths are set up at 8th Street Marketplace to sell christmas essentials including holiday decorations, gifts, and seasonal treats. The main attraction of Holland, Michigan is the springtime tulip festival, but because of the Kerstmarkt, visiting there in winters becomes worth it.
Solvang Julefest, California
Visitors can experience Danish culture without having to leave the United States by traveling to Solvang, a Danish-settled city located north of Santa Barbara. While the Solvang Trolley and guided candlelight tours offer the opportunity to learn about local history and culture, the annual Julefest offers a taste of Danish festivities.
Christmas In Natchez, Mississippi
Natchez, the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River, is known as the "Christmas Capital of the South" during the holiday season. The historic downtown features a 34-foot-high Christmas tree, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah displays, and a European Christmas Village.
Christmas Village, Baltimore
Baltimore's German heritage is evident in its annual Christmas Village, held in the Inner Harbor at West Shore Park. Visit this heritage market for a glass of hot mulled wine at the Glühwein Pyramid which is custom-made by German craftsmen.
Texas Christkindl Market, Arlington, Texas
The Texas Christkindl Market, now in its 13th year, partners with Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany's largest Christmas goods company, to bring holiday magic and European charm to Texas. The event features traditional German decorations and a Swiss Longhorns performance.
