The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better way to prepare for the big day than with a special trip to your local Christmas market, right? This year, Christmas markets make holiday shopping a wonderful experience, with plenty of festivities ranging from mulled wine tastings to Christmas carolers and all the way to breakfast with Santa Claus and Christmas tree lightings.
Europe gets plenty of attention for its historic Christmas markets. However, as it turns out, there are many other festive and fun markets across the United States, too. Here are some of the best Christmas markets in the United States, from Solvang, California, and all the way to Chicago.
Grapevine Christmas Market in Grapevine, Texas
It starts on December 7, 2024, and ends on December 23, 2024. Also known as the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” Grapevine is definitely one of the best places to celebrate and prepare for the holidays. The Grapevine Christmas Market boasts so many local artisans and vendors, as well as numerous activities for little ones and adults alike, from outdoor Christmas movie screenings all the way to wine tastings.
Peoples Gas Holiday Market in Pittsburgh
This Christmas market started on November 22, 2024, and it ends on December 24, 2024. The 13th annual Peoples Gas Holiday Market in Downtown Pittsburgh takes place every day up until Christmas Day, which gives you enough time to enjoy the holiday magic.
There are plenty of local and international vendors, amazing European-inspired snacks, as well as a life-sized Christmas creche (the only replica of the Roman nativity in the world that’s also authorized.)
Solvang Julefest in Solvang, California
The Solvang Julefest in Solvang, California, is definitely, without a doubt, one of the best European-style Christmas markets in the United States. The Danish-style market boasts an impressive maker’s market with tons of artisan gifts, photographs with Santa (which also includes a session for pets), carolers, as well a traditional Christmas tree burn on January 3 to mark the end of the season.
Holland Kerstmarkt in Holland, Michigan
“Kerstmarkt” in the Dutch language means “Christmas market.” Well, the Holland Kerstmarkt lives up to its name as a wonderful example of a European-style Christmas market. The market brings dozens of unique festivities throughout the month leading up to Christmas, including dog sled demonstrations, as well as Dickens carolers, or other festive types of fun.
Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
From November 15, 2024, to December 22, 2024, Bethlehem will host one of the best Christmas markets. The Christkindlmarkt (let me catch my breath a second) in Bethlehem boasts plenty of Christmas fun leading up to the big day.
And yes, it involves all your favorite Christmassy activities and stands, from artisans, local merchants, to sip and shop experiences, and even a very special breakfast for the little ones with Santa Claus himself.
Christkindlmarket in Chicago
The Christkindlmarket in Chicago opened on November 22, 2024, and it will close on December 24, 2024. This one is one of those Christmas markets that simply feel as if they were plucked straight from Europe. There’s plenty of mulled wine and beer imported from Germany to enjoy, while also browsing the dozens of artisan stalls or simply enjoying the festive feeling that buzzes throughout the market.
DowntownDC Holiday Market in Washington, D.C.
The Downtown DC Holiday Market has over 110 different vendors selling everything you can think of, from artisanal food all the way to festive arts and crafts. There’s also plenty of live music and other performances, but also free entrance to the neighboring Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market in Manhattan, New York
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is carefully tucked right into the southwest corner of Central Park at Central Park West and 59th Street. It boasts more than a hundred vendors and plenty of festive food stalls, all with the stunning backdrop of Central Park.
Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington, Texas
The Texas Christkindl Market stands as proof of the great relationship between Arlington and its German sister city, Bad Königshofen, but for its partner Christmas city, Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
This automatically resulted in an amazing German Christmas market that brings a myriad of entertainment and vendors to cheer up the entire atmosphere in the city. So make sure you don’t miss the German folk dance performances, which usually take place throughout the season.
Denver Christkindlmarket in Denver
Denver is definitely one of those cities that really transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland, and the Denver Christmas market is definitely no exception. The authentic German Christmas market boasts plenty of charming wooden huts, mulled wine, as well as an appearance from Krampus.
Carmel Christkindlmarkt in Carmel, Indiana
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt is yet another wonderful example of a European-inspired Christmas market with an American twist. The German-inspired market is complete with everything you could possibly think of or need, from German blown-glass artists and snacks all the way to raclette sandwiches, pretzels, and many other things. There’s also a huge outdoor skating rink right next to the market stalls.
New Year’s Eve destinations: New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is by far one of the best party destinations throughout the year. Friendly locals, warm weather, bars that are open until late in the night, and people walking around with their favorite beverage in hand make for quite an inviting climate for party seekers.
So if you’re there around New Year’s Eve, head to Jackson Square for the real New Year’s Even celebration in the beautiful French Quarter. There, bands and entertainers play throughout the night, leading all the way up to the famous fleur de lis drop, as well as the fireworks over the Mississippi River at midnight.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco’s location on the bay definitely allows for a wide number of New Year’s Eve events that are totally unique in the city. Naturally, some of them include a breathtaking bayfront fireworks show. Festivities by boat with Hornblower also include brunch parties, as well as dinner and fireworks cruises.
Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Well, that’s right: Walt Disney World close to Orlando definitely knows how to throw a New Year’s Eve Party! Even better than that: it’s for the children and adults alike. So hop on and toast to a sparkling new year with decadent dining, festive libations, and dazzling dance parties with impressive fireworks.
Every December 31, Walt Disney World brings its own unique packages at different Disney hotels. One of the most popular options is dining while also watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks from California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Atlanta, Georgia
The peach drop is to Atlanta exactly what the Times Square ball drop is to New York City but at a smaller scale. Did you think I was using a metaphor? Well, no, there’s a real 362-kilogram peach that drops above Underground Atlanta, a downtown shopping and entertainment district, at midnight.
The hours that are leading up to midnight also feature local food and drinks, plenty of DJs and entertainers, alongside parties with big-name musicians. And do you know what’s the best thing? The admission is free. On a smaller scale, however, there are also other interesting events in Atlanta, such as neighborhood block parties as well as festivities at clubs and venues.
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