The hallmark of a quintessential European holiday season is a visit to one of the many beautiful and historic Christmas markets the region has to offer. Colorful decorations, festive music, and warm mulled wine are sure to put even Scrooge in the holiday spirit. But what if you aren’t able to make it to Europe this year to live out your Christmas market dreams?
Well, you are in luck! Popular flight comparison website SkyScanner recently compiled a list of the best Christmas markets that the U.S. has to offer! In this article, we will break down the Top 5 and provide some need-to-know details to help you plan your perfect Christmas Market getaway!
1) Christkindlmarket (Chicago, IL)
2022 Dates: November 18-December 24
Location: 3 locations, the largest being in Daley Plaza
Hours: Sundays – Thursdays: 11am – 8pm, Fridays – Saturdays: 11am – 9pm
Christkindlmarket was created by the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest and is heavily inspired by the original Christkindlesmarkt located in Nuremberg, Germany. This free event seamlessly blends old-world European decorations with modern and stylish food and gift vendors. Christkindlmarket aims for an authentic German Christmas market experience, even going as far as importing gluehwein, a famous holiday staple, straight from Germany.
Want to learn more about the Christkindlmarket? Check out their website!
2) The Bank of America Winter Village (New York City, NY)
2022 Dates: October 28-March 5
Location: Bryant Park
Hours: Monday – Friday: 11am-8pm, Saturday & Sunday: 10am-8pm
The Winter Village in Bryant Park is the longest-running market on our list – going from late October to early March and promises a fun and festive time for everyone in the family. There are hundreds of food and gift stalls decorated festively with garland offering everything from Christmas ornaments to Asian cuisine. Bryant Park also features a large ice-skating rink with free admission (skate rentals start at $18.00). After you are done skating, check out the multiple pop-up bars at the Winter Village to have some mulled wine and soak in the beautiful atmosphere of New York City. While in the area, make sure to also check out the Union Square Christmas market!
See Bryant Park’s website to reserve tickets or learn more about the Winter Village.
3) Downtown Holiday Market (Washington, DC)
2022 Dates: November 18-December 23
Location: Love Park & City Hall
Hours: 12:00PM to 8:00PM
The Washington DC Downtown Christmas Market has it all. A varied and stellar music lineup, artisanal goods, specialty food products, and even artificial snow falling from above. The event promises Christmas tunes from different artists every night of the festival and will have over 70 different vendors, including many black-owned businesses and military veterans. You can see a full list of vendors here!
Check out the Downtown Holiday Market website for an in-depth look at vendors, musical lineup, and exhibits!
4) Christmas Village (Philadelphia, PA)
2022 Dates: November 19-December 24
Location: Centered at 8th and F Streets, NW
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm, Friday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Philadelphia’s Christmas market, like Chicago, is modeled after traditional German markets. Vendors offer artisanal goods and specialty foods such as waffles, Bratwurst, mulled wine, and homemade gingerbread. Along with authentic and high-quality food and drink, the venue has rides such as a ferris wheel and Christmas train that the kids are sure to love.
Want to learn more? The official Philadelphia Christmas Village website has all the info you need to plan your trip!
5) Savannah Christmas Market (Savannah, GA)
2022 Dates: November 25-January 2
Location: Plant Riverside District
Hours: Check here as hours vary throughout festival dates
Last on our list is a newcomer to the Christmas Market scene in the United States. Around for less than 5 years, the Savannah Christmas Market is modeled after Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, which has taken place in Salzburg, Austria, since 1974. Savannah’s Christmas market boasts riverside views and parades, along with light shows and music from the First Baptist Church Choir. The event also is family-friendly, offering many kids’ activities and pictures with Santa!
See Savannah Christmas Market’s website for all the details.
Want more Christmas fun? Check out our 2021 Best Christmas Markets list and the Top U.S. Destinations For A Festive Christmas Holiday!
