Where to Find Twinkle Lights, Handcrafted Gifts,
and
Old-World Holiday Magic in the U.S. A
There’s something about Christmas markets that never fails to melt the chill of winter. Maybe it’s the glow of the twinkle lights, maybe it’s the smell of cinnamon drifting through the cold air, or maybe it’s just that feeling—the one that tells you the holidays have officially arrived.
Every year, I try to visit at least one new Christmas market, and for 2025 I’m already mapping out my road-trip wish list. From big-city sparkle to small-town charm, the United States is home to some incredible markets that feel straight out of Europe… without ever pulling out your passport.
So grab a mug of hot cocoa (or mulled wine if that’s more your style), get cozy, and let’s take a holiday journey together.
The History of Christmas Markets in the United States
Christmas markets — originally called Weihnachtsmärkte or Christkindlmarkt — began in the German-speaking regions of Europe during the Late Middle Ages. What started as simple winter markets, like Vienna’s “December Market” in 1294, slowly became more festive over time. By the 1300s, cities such as Munich and Bautzen were hosting seasonal markets, and in 1434 Dresden launched what is considered the first true Christmas market, the Striezelmarkt, named after a traditional cake. The tradition grew even more in the 1500s during the Protestant Reformation, when Martin Luther encouraged gift-giving at Christmas rather than on Saint Nicholas Day — helping transform these markets into the holiday celebrations we recognize today.
Cultural Significance and Traditions
Christmas markets were not just commercial events; they were deeply embedded in the cultural and religious fabric of their communities. Traditionally held in town squares, these markets featured open-air stalls selling food, drinks, and seasonal items. They were often accompanied by singing, dancing, and other festive activities, creating a communal atmosphere that brought people together during the cold winter months.One of the unique aspects of these markets is the figure of the Christkind or Christ Child, which originated in Germany. The Christkind is often depicted as an angelic figure, sometimes played by a local child, who opens the market and symbolizes the spirit of Christmas. In some regions, the Christkind is also believed to bring gifts to children on Christmas Eve.
How Christmas Markets Came to America
In the United States, the idea was reinvented and popularized by German-American communities and trade organizations: for example, the Christkindlmarket Chicago, which began in 1996 in Chicago, was directly inspired by the historic Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt in Germany and launched to celebrate German-American culture and boost transatlantic trade. Christkindlmarket, In short: what you see today—the wooden huts, hot mulled wine, carols in the air—carries a lineage stretching back centuries, adapted on this side of the Atlantic into our uniquely American holiday tradition.
Characteristics of Modern Christmas Markets
Modern Christmas markets are characterized by their festive atmosphere, with ornate light displays, decorations, and performances adding to the holiday spirit. They typically feature open-air stalls selling a variety of goods, including handmade crafts, Christmas ornaments, and seasonal treats. Some of the most popular items include:
Food and Beverages: Traditional foods such as Bratwurst (German sausage), Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and Christstollen (fruit bread) are staples at these markets. Beverages like Glühwein (mulled wine) and Eierpunsch (similar to eggnog) are also popular.
Handcrafted Items: Many markets emphasize local artisans and vendors, offering unique and handcrafted items such as beeswax candles, wool mittens, and decorative glass.
Entertainment: In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy various forms of entertainment, including live music, carol singing, and even scheduled snow showers in some places.
1) Christkindlmarkt – Bethlehem – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
If there were ever a town destined to celebrate Christmas, it would be Bethlehem. Nicknamed “Christmas City, USA,” this charming Pennsylvania town goes all-in with its German-inspired Christkindlmarkt—wooden stalls, handcrafted gifts, glass ornaments being blown right in front of you, and the smell of warm strudel drifting through the air.
I always try to arrive just before dusk because that’s when the twinkle lights turn on and the whole place feels like it’s wrapped in magic. Add in live music, local artisans, and the backdrop of the old steel stacks glowing red at night, and you’ve got the perfect blend of history and holiday spirit.
Location: SteelStacks Campus
2025 Dates: Weekends beginning mid-Nov through December (check the link )
Why it belongs on your list: One of the most authentic European-style Christmas markets in the U.S. – and it’s indoors so weather can’t stop the fun.
Perfect pairing: Stay downtown and enjoy the Main Street shops + Hotel Bethlehem’s lobby tree display.
Find out more: Christkindlmarkt – Bethlehem, PA
2) Christkindlmarket Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s Christkindlmarket is one of the largest and most famous in the country, and there’s a reason travelers fly in just to wander through Daley Plaza with a steaming mug of glühwein. It’s loud, crowded, festive, joyful—and if you love the Christmas hustle, this is the place.
Each year the market releases a collectible boot-shaped mug, and yes…I may or may not have a small collection of them now.
Location: Daley Plaza, Chicago, IL
2025 Dates: Nov 21st through Christmas Eve
Why it’s worth the trip: It feels like a European Christmas market dropped into the middle of a skyscraper canyon.
Travel tip: Go on a weekday if you can – the weekend crowds can get intense.
Find out more: Christkindlmarkt – Chicago, IL
3) Christmas Village – Philadelphia – Philadelphia, PA
If you like a Christmas market that blends European style with big-city sightseeing, Philadelphia’s Christmas Village is a must. Set right in LOVE Park and around City Hall, it’s filled with wooden vendor huts, music, lights, hot apple cider, and those irresistible German pretzels you can smell a block away.
One of my favorite things about this market is how easy it is to combine with a full holiday weekend: tour the historic district during the day, ice skate at City Hall, then wander into the market as the lights come on.
Location: Love Park, Philadelphia, PA
2025 Dates: Thanksgiving weekend through Dec 24
Best Part: The backdrop—historic buildings, the giant Christmas tree, and a city buzzing with energy.
Find out more: Christmas Village- Philadelphia, PA
4) Old World Christmas Market – Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
If the markets above sound a bit too crowded for your taste, this one should be on your radar.
This Christmas market at The Osthoff Resort feels like stepping into a snow globe. It’s held inside a heated tent with real European vendors—think hand-carved wood toys, Czech glass, nutcrackers, Polish pottery, and steaming bowls of schnitzel and potato soup.
This is the kind of trip where you slow down, breathe in pine-scented air, and remember what the holidays used to feel like.
Location: Osthoff Resort, 101 Osthoff Ave, elkhart Lake, WI
2025 Dates: December 5th – December 14th, 2025
Vibe: Cozy, calm, elegant, and wrapped in small-town winter charm
Make It a Full Weekend: Stay at the resort, sit by the firepit, go ice skating, and pretend you’re in a Hallmark movie… no judgment here.
Find out more: Old World Christmas Market – Elkhart Lake , WI
5) . Carmel Christkindlmarkt – Carmel, Indiana
Carmel’s market is newer than some, but don’t let that fool you—it has quickly become one of the best-loved Christmas markets in America.
Picture this: ice skaters circling a glowing rink, rows of twinkling vendor huts, live German bands, bratwurst sizzling on the grill, snowflakes (if you’re lucky) drifting through the lights. It’s festive without being overwhelming—the perfect market to visit with family or friends.
Location: 10 Carter Green, Carmel, Indiana
2025 Dates: November 22nd – December 24th, 2025
What makes it special: It has the authentic German feel, but with Midwest friendliness and walkability.
Bonus: Plenty of hotels and restaurants right nearby—no need for long commutes or train rides.
Find out more: christkindlmarkt – Carmel, Indiana
6) Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Since I live in Pittsburgh, how could I not include my own backyard? I will be sharing more about this particular Christmas Market, once I attend it later this month.
The Peoples Gas Holiday Market in Downtown Pittsburgh brings that European-christkindlmarket charm right into the heart of the city. Warm wooden chalets, live music in the Cultural District, handcrafted gifts, hot drinks, and that cozy glow of the holidays mingled with city lights.
New Location; Cultural District, Pittsburgh PA
2025 Dates: Opens the Friday November 22nd Thanksgiving and runs through December 24th, 2025
Why I love it: It offers the best of both worlds: authentic Christmas market vibe but accessible within your own city.
Local Travel Tip: Since you’re local, go early (before the crowds) or visit mid-week. Walk through the district when lights are on and let the city’s architecture be part of your festive story.
Find out more: Peoples Gas Holiday Market
7)Bank of America Winter Village (Holiday Market) – NYC, NY
And now… the city that never sleeps, especially when the holidays hit. New York City’s winter markets are iconic, and if you’re going to make one a must-visit, this one has it all.
Located in Bryant Park (and there are several others in the city), the Winter Village features bespoke “jewel-box” kiosks, over 100 artisan merchants, an ice rink, and that Manhattan holiday hustle. The contrast of modern skyscrapers, bustling crowds, and festive huts is something I find endlessly inspiring.
Location: Bryant Park, new York City, New York
2025 Dates: October 24th through January 4th, 2026
Why it’s worth it: You get major city energy, unbelievable photo ops, and that sparkle that only NYC can provide.
Note: It will be crowded. If you prefer quieter, go early morning or mid-week.
Find out more: Bryant Park Holiday Shops – New York city, NY
8) Union Square Holiday Market – New York City, New York
If Bryant Park is the sparkling, postcard-perfect version of a New York Christmas market, then Union Square is its slightly artsier, more independent cousin — the one where you’ll find handcrafted gifts, quirky ornaments, small-batch foods, and booths run by makers who will actually tell you the story behind what they sell.
Tucked into the heart of downtown Manhattan, the Union Square Holiday Market feels more like a bustling European street market than a tourist attraction. The aisles are a little tighter, the energy a little faster, and the creativity on display is incredible — everything from hand-poured candles and NYC-themed prints to wool scarves, gourmet chocolates, and jewelry made by local artists.
One of my favorite parts? You never know what you’ll discover. You might walk in planning to just “look around,” and leave sipping a gingerbread hot cocoa while carrying a bag filled with gifts you didn’t even know existed 30 minutes earlier.
Location: Union Square, New York City, New York
2025 Dates: November 13th through Dec. 24
Best For: Unique, artisan-made gifts you won’t find in big stores
Good To Know: It’s easy to pair this market with a full NYC holiday day — the Flatiron District, Greenwich Village, and the Strand Bookstore are all nearby
Personal Tip: If you love people-watching, go in the late afternoon when the lights start glowing and the after-work crowd arrives — the energy is pure New York magic
Find out more: Union Square Holiday Market – New York city, NY
9) Denver Christkindlmarket – Denver, Colorado
If you’ve ever wanted to experience a European-style Christmas market with a Rocky Mountain backdrop, Denver’s Christkindlmarket is the one to put on your list. Located in Civic Center Park, this market is known for its lively German cultural elements — think polka bands, Bavarian beer, German Christmas carols, hand-carved ornaments, and steaming mugs of traditional Glühwein served in collectible boot-shaped mugs (yes, I’d need one of those for my shelf!)
What makes this market stand out is the atmosphere. The crisp mountain air, the scent of roasted nuts and warm pretzels, live entertainment on the outdoor stage, and the glow of the Mile High Tree just steps away make it feel festive in a different way — like Christmas meets après-ski energy.
New Location: Auraria Campus, Tivoli Quad 1000 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80204
2025 Dates: November 21st through December 23 (free admission)
What to Expect: German food, handmade gifts, beer garden, live music, cultural dancers, and holiday photo ops
Perfect Pairing: Make it a full weekend in Denver — visit the Denver Botanic Garden’s “Blossoms of Light” or take a day trip to Boulder for mountain scenery
Fun Twist: It’s one of the few U.S. Christmas markets with a real Bavarian-style “Festival Hall” tent where guests can sit, eat, drink, and enjoy the entertainment indoors
If you like your holidays with a side of mountain air and bratwurst, this one belongs on your travel list.
Find out more: Christkinlmarket – Denver Colorado
10) Texas Christkindl Market – Arlington, Texas
Yes — Texas does have a German Christmas market, and not only that, it’s one of the largest in the U.S.! The Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington was inspired by the famous market in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, and blends German Christmas traditions with a warm-weather, Southern-hospitality vibe.
You won’t find snow here (well, maybe the fake kind!), but you will find handcrafted goods, German beer and food tents, live music, light displays, a Kinder Market for kids, and vendors selling everything from Christmas pyramids to authentic imported ornaments. It also has that fun “holiday festival meets outdoor marketplace” feel — perfect for travelers who love Christmas but not winter coats.
Location: 1650 Randol Mill Rd, Arlington TX
2025 Dates: November 21- 23rd – November 28 – December 23rd (many events are free to attend)
Why Visit: One of the most authentic German-style markets in the South, with imported goods, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities
Travel Tip: Pair it with a Dallas/Fort Worth holiday weekend — the Gaylord Texan ICE! Exhibit and Grapevine’s Christmas Capital of Texas are nearby
Bonus: If you want German food without the cold, this is your market. Think schnitzel, stollen, roasted nuts, beer steins, and strudel… but eaten in 60-degree weather
If the idea of sipping mulled wine under palm trees sounds like your kind of holiday balance, Arlington should definitely stay on your radar.
Find out more: Texas Christkindl Market – Arlington, Texas
Coming Up Next
If you’re already dreaming up Christmas travel plans for 2025, stay tuned — because this list is just the beginning. I’m working on a Part 2 featuring 10 more Christmas markets across the USA, including some hidden gems in small towns, warm-weather markets for those who’d rather skip the snow, and a few magical spots that feel straight out of a Hallmark movie. From mountain villages to Southern waterfront markets and Bavarian-themed towns lit up like storybooks, the next post will be all about the lesser-known holiday treasures you won’t want to miss. If you love discovering places before everyone else does, you won’t want to miss it!
Happy Holidays to you and yours this holiday season.
Susan
My Final Thoughts
The more I explore Christmas markets around the U.S., the more I realize that it isn’t just about the shopping or the food or even the lights — it’s about the feeling they create. Each market has its own personality: some are loud and joyful, some feel like cozy storybook villages, some sparkle beneath skyscrapers, and some surprise you in places you’d never expect.
What I love most is that every market gives you a moment to slow down, breathe in the season, and remember the kind of holiday magic we sometimes lose in the busyness of December. Whether you’re wandering through a snowy market in Wisconsin, sipping cocoa under the lights in New York City, or strolling through downtown Pittsburgh with handcrafted treasures in your bag, there’s something heartwarming about being surrounded by people who are all there for the same reason — to feel the season, not just rush through it.
So whether you pick one market or plan a whole Christmas road trip of your own, I hope you find a place that fills you with that cozy, childlike joy we’re all still chasing — because the best gifts aren’t always wrapped. Sometimes, they’re moments.