There’s nothing quite like a Christmas market to get you in the festive spirit. The delicious food, the live music, and the handmade gifts all scream ‘Tis the Season!’
Christmas markets originated in Germany in the Late Middle Ages, and they have been a European staple of the season ever since.
Want to experience all the fun of a European-style Christmas market without leaving the U.S.? I’ve got you covered!
According to USA Today, these are the 6 most affordable European-style Christmas markets in America this winter.
6. Cincinnati, Ohio
There’s a huge Christmas market in Cincinnati which is the standout feature here during the holiday season. This market is based on those in Germany with the same abundance of stalls selling food and drink.
Cincinnati also goes all-out on the holiday decorating front. You’ll find lights and trees on every corner and the famous city zoo puts on a nightly lightshow.
The Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights takes place from November 21 until January 5, and is included in the general admission price for the zoo.
This costs $17-25 per person, depending on your date of entry.
5, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
In Love Park and City Hall, you’ll find Philadelphia’s Christmas village.
This is a huge traditional Christmas market with over 120 unique vendors. The whole village also comes to life with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights.
If you’re really looking for that traditional European feel, you can also enjoy European food, sweets, and hot beverages.
There are also live musical performances and family-friendly entertainment for you to enjoy as you eat.
There is no admission charge for this event, and no ticket is needed.
Be sure to visit the LOVE Park Welcome Center, where you can enjoy the festival of Christmas trees. This is where you can meet Santa, as well as admire all the Christmas trees and vote for your favorites.
4.Frankenmuth, Michigan
Frankenmuth is often referred to as the Little Bavaria of Michigan, so where better to host a traditional German-style Christmas market?
This market is iconic. You can enjoy traditional stalls, dancing lights, a singing Christmas tree and then burn off those extra calories on the ice rink.
In addition to the market’s fun, the traditional Bavarian architecture of the city is adorned with garlands, and you’ll find Christmas lights everywhere.
This year, the city is hosting a ‘stop and snap challenge’ with decorated selfie spots for you to find and enjoy all over the city.
3. Seattle, Washington
Seattle is a city that really comes to life at Christmastime.
You’ll find authentic Christmas markets with an abundance of delicious foods and sweet treats taking center stage.
You can also enjoy daily live performances and traditional fair rides, such as a double-decker carousel.
General admission tickets cost $15.99 per person.
What makes Seattle stand out from the crowd at Christmas is its Christmas ship festival. This involves a parade of boats covered in Christmas lights cruising along the river, and the lead ship hosts an onboard chorus singing Christmas carols.
You can watch this spectacle from the shoreline completely free of charge.
2. Saint Paul, Minnesota
The Christmas market in Saint Paul is called the European Christmas Market, and its tagline is that it’s the most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind in Minnesota.
You can soak up the festive spirit as you explore over 70 vendors and enjoy the live entertainment. And if you’re travelling with kids then the centerpiece of this market is its unique holiday themed train and holiday themed carousel.
This event is free to attend so no ticket is required, ideal for budget travelers.
It’s worth noting that this Christmas market only opens on weekends from November 29 until December 22.
1. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
The most affordable Christmas market in the U.S. can be found in the aptly named city of Bethlehem, the second entry on the list from the state of Pennsylvania.
The city hosts an annual Christkindlmarkt which will take place from November 15 until December 22 this year.
More than 100 artisans will have stalls here making it a great place for Christmas shopping.
Every day on Main Street, you can explore Bethlehem’s Christmas City Village and Christmas Hut. Entry to these fun, festive events is completely free of charge.
As an added bonus, spending the weekend here won’t break the bank. You can find a hotel room in the heart of the city in December for $175 per night on average.
No wonder this charming city was officially nicknamed ‘Christmas City USA!’
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