Christmas is right around the corner, which means it is time to have some fun at the festive markets nationwide. Some of the country’s Christmas markets have become major holiday destinations, drawing crowds year after year.
Must-Visit Christmas Markets Across U.S.
Bringing immense joy, fun, and the festive spirit to town, these markets attract a huge rush of visitors. These Christmas markets are ranked based on popularity trends, the number of vendors, and annual attendance over the years. Here’s a look at the Christmas markets:
1. Union Square Holiday Market (New York City)
Since 1993, the Union Square Holiday Market in NYC has been one of the biggest holiday attractions. From November to Christmas Eve, the market draws around a million of attendees and brings some of the most fun experiences to visitors. Located in the historic Union Square Park, which brings an authentic feel to the market, it lights up the heart of Manhattan with its 60-square-foot wooden structures and more.
This year, the market opened on November 13 and will close on December 24. With 150-185 vendors offering handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and seasonal treats, the market welcomes thousands of holiday shoppers. As a top holiday market in the U.S., it is known to draw two million visitors annually.
2. Christkindlmarket (Chicago, Illinois)
Known for its record-breaking attendance, the Christkindlmarket in Chicago is a destination not to miss. Opened in 1996, it was inspired by the traditional Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt in Germany. Now, it is the most traditional market of its kind outside of Europe, attracting visitors from all over the world.
This year, the market opened on November 21 and will close on December 24. With 55-60 vendors and over 1 million visitors per year, its popularity is undeniable. Visitors can explore unique holiday collectibles, enjoy traditional German foods, and soak in the festive atmosphere.
3. Downtown Holiday Market (Washington, D.C.)
Washington, D.C., has brought in its fair share of festive celebrations, but there’s nothing like its Downtown Holiday Market. Since 2005, this market has been a popular destination for many, as it offers an urban charm combined with convenience. The market features a diverse lineup of vendors, offering holiday-themed crafts and treats that capture the season’s spirit.
Between November 21 and December 23 this year, the market will be welcoming visitors. This edition of the market brings more than 115 vendors, and is expecting visitors to break the 340,000 attendance rate from last year. Visitors can enjoy seasonal treats, live entertainment, and holiday-themed activities throughout the market.
4. Christmas Village (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Since 2008, Christmas Village in Philadelphia has intrigued both local and international audiences. It combines the festive spirit with shopping, food, and entertainment under an authentic open-air German-style market. It is considered as one of Philadelphia’s major winter tourism attractions and was attended by above 80,000 visitors last year.
The market opened on November 22 this year and will close on Christmas Eve. With over 110 vendors, the market expects to welcome above fifty thousand of visitors this year. The market offers a European-style holiday experience, with shopping, food, and festive entertainment for all ages.
5. Christkindlmarkt (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania)
Returning for its 33rd year, the Christkindlemarkt in Bethlehem is ready to welcome visitors and the holiday season. As the Levitt Pavilion lawn transforms into a winter wonderland, the new space adds more vibrancy to the beloved market. Named one of the top holiday markets in North America, it brings a unique shopping experience to visitors every year.
The market opens near or during the weekends, and this year, it opened on November 14. The closing date of the market is December 21, and it is expected to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors as last year it welcomed over 120,000 visitors over the six‑weekend season. With 180 vendors, including artisans, craftspeople, and more, the market is worth checking out.
6. Dickens Christmas Fair (San Francisco, California)
For five weekends, the Dickens Christmas Fair takes over 4 acres of the historic Cow Palace exhibition halls. Within these walls, it brings together the world of Victorian London to celebrate the festivities. While it is less traditional and more of a Victorian-London holiday fantasy, it brings a unique charm to the holiday altogether.
On weekends between November 22 and December 21, the market will bring winding lanes and bustling playhouses to town. With around 100 vendors and thousands of visitors, this historic fair brings the sights and sounds of Victorian London to life. Last year it welcomed 5,000 guests daily. As the saucy world of the Victorian stage comes to life, head to the fair that started in 1970.
7. Christmas Village (Baltimore, Maryland)
Inspired by the 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt, the Christmas Village in Baltimore opened for the first time in 2013. Since then, it has become a beloved holiday tradition for locals and has created the perfect setting for lasting holiday memories. The market is illuminated with thousands of lights, including a stunning Glühwein Pyramid that fits perfectly with the occasion.
After a preview weekend on November 22-23, 2025, the market officially opened for the year on November 27. Visitors can check out over 60 vendors at the market until it closes on December 24. Meanwhile, the market expects to welcome thousands of visitors this year and warm them up with a mug of Glühwein and freshly grilled Bratwurst.
8. Christkindlmarkt (Carmel, Indiana)
Keeping the old-world Christkindlmarkt traditions alive, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt first opened in 2017. While fairly new, the market soon gained popularity and was repeatedly voted among the top U.S. holiday/Christmas markets. Its name is spreading far and wide, and the market is becoming one of the most popular Christmas markets in the Midwest.
This year, the market opened on November 22 and will close on December 24. With over 60 vendors bringing festive trinkets for all, this year is expected to break its 2023 record of 475,000 attendees. So head there for a festive experience with the family, indulge in the European Christmas charm, and enjoy the winter ambiance it offers.
9. Georgetown Christmas Market (Colorado)
It is time for the 65th Annual Georgetown Christmas Market to commence, and the town is ready to transform. Celebrating the holiday the way it was 100 years ago, visitors can witness roasted chestnuts, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more. As carolers in Victorian costumes and St. Nicholas in his traditional dress arrive, the festivities see a new light in this small mountain town.
For two weekends, the tiny town welcomes visitors to enjoy vintage-town charm with an authentic holiday atmosphere. This year, the market opens on December 6 and 7, and December 13 and 14. While small, the town offers over 40 vendors offering handcrafted goods, nostalgic decor, and more. In last few years it attracted over 10,000 visitors.
10. Kerstmarkt Holland (Michigan)
In 1997, Kerstmarkt Holland opened and became a tradition for many West Michigan families ever since. In keeping with Holland’s Dutch heritage, this market was opened after intense research and enthusiastic ideas. This mid-sized market offers a cozy, small-town holiday experience.
The weekend-only market opened on November 21 this year and will close on December 20. Offering a cozy, European-style holiday market experience, it has about 27 to 35 vendors. Its smaller scale gives visitors an intimate, European-style holiday experience different from larger markets.
Christmas markets in the U.S. bring a wide range of options to visitors, from cozy to vibrant. With options ranging from cozy local fairs to bustling city markets, these destinations are perfect for experiencing the holiday spirit.
