If you ever need a boost in Christmas spirit or just need to finish your Christmas shopping, then you need to head to some of the best Christmas markets. The world is full of amazing markets throughout the year, but these six cities in the United States know how to bring the spirit of the holidays into the world.
From breathtaking decorations, talented vendors, and the cheer of shopping, these best Christmas markets are a must to stop at if you’re traveling around for the holidays.
10. Krakow Christmas Market, Poland
Kraków Christmas Market is stretched across a huge section of Rynek Glowny, the city’s central square. The historical landmark, St. Mary’s Basilica, serves as the backdrop for this impressive market, which has been around since the early 14th century.
While shopping at one of the best Christmas markets around the world, customers search for stunning and unique handcrafted gifts and treats, or even grab delicious Polish delicacies, like their kiełbasa (sausage).
9. Holland, Michigan
First up on the list of cities with the best Christmas markets is Holland, Michigan. Several markets in the United States try to replicate or are inspired by German markets, but this Michigan town draws inspiration from the Netherlands.
Kerstmarkt started in 1997 with just 10 booths but has since been growing each year, with even local farmers joining in. The market even offers collectible mugs for glühwein (a hot spiced red wine) or hot cocoa. You can even watch an adorable demo of dog-sledding.
8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
One that’s not talked about enough is in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia has one of the best Christmas markets that flies under the radar. Each winter, the city center completely transforms into a winter wonderland.
The Center City Park became a Christmas Village with vibrant open-air holiday markets filled with the smell of bratwurst, waffles, and mulled wine. You can find gifts for everyone in the family with their wide variety of vendors.
7. Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
If you want to visit one of the most impressive Christmas markets in the world, then you need to head to Singapore. Staged at the famous Gardens by the Bay nature park, the event lasts four weeks and covers over 27,000 square meters. There are attractions, including fairground rides, a Christmas train, and more, along with live performances.
But of course, that’s not all. Like every Christmas market, there are dazzling light displays that you can walk through, and various items that you can purchase throughout the event. You can even enjoy delicious delicacies, from churros and coconut ice cream to seafood tacos and Korean corndogs.
6. Providence, Rhode Island
If you want a peek at a European-style holiday market, then head to Rhode Island, as they’ve carried on the tradition.
Providence, Rhode Island, is home to one of the best Christmas markets around and brings in local retailers, artists, and more for the one-stop shop for candles, jewelry, clothing, pottery, and more. They even have vendors that make handmade pet accessories or handmade stuffed animals for children. You can even pick up a delicious Belgian waffle or hot chocolate while you’re walking around.
5. New York City, New York
There are a few holiday markets that pop up around New York City, with one in Columbus Circle, one in Union Square, and the other at Bryant Park.
If you’re looking for a wide variety of vendors while traveling through the Big Apple during the holidays, this is the location for you. New York City, New York, has some of the best Christmas markets as they offer a mixture of vendors with picturesque scenes and activities, like outdoor ice skating.
4. Strasbourg Christmas Market, France
As one of the oldest Christmas markets, dating back to 1570, Strasbourg’s is one of the best. The market is spread over 10 locations to accommodate the huge crowd, but it still manages to bring Christmas cheer throughout. The market is lit up with thousands of dazzling lights and festive ornaments.
With over two million people a year, the market offers hundreds of wooden stalls that sell everything from decorations to presents to even local Alsatian wine. It also offers dozens of stunning sights as you wander around the magical setting.
3. Washington, DC
Next on the list of best Christmas markets is Washington, DC’s Holiday Market. The one-of-a-kind holiday market is in the heart of downtown Washington and has been going on for 20 years.
It’s free to visit and outdoors, featuring more than 100 vendors, making it one of the best holiday shopping destinations in the nation’s capital. The several booths feature jewelry, candles, clothing, and a variety of foods from local barbecue to tacos.
2. Chicago, Illinois
Inspired by one of the world’s original holiday markets – the 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany – Chicago, Illinois, is considered the best Christmas market around. The outdoor market decks the wooden stalls with holiday lights to deliver a magical shopping experience.
You can find booths selling arts and crafts while eating roasted nuts and sipping on mulled wine, or a cozy cup of hot cocoa. The market is held in Daley Plaza, and while they try to keep traditions alive with Currywurst and kebabs, they also have booths full of pierogis as a nod to Chicago’s Polish heritage.
1. Christkindlesmarkt, Germany
While Germany has several Christmas markets, one of the best Christmas markets in the world is to Christkindlesmarkt. The market has been around since the 16th century, and is in the second-largest city in Nuremberg. During the Christmas season, around 200 stalls are put up in the city’s central market area, creating a buzz of activity and holiday cheer.
The market usually has around two million people in attendance and offers a variety of goods, from handmade decorations and treats, including gingerbread cookies and Spekulatius almond cookies, to other goods and entertainment.