One of the most memorable experiences for anyone in Germany is savoring the winter holiday season at one of the country’s many Christmas markets. The colorful fairs are held in most towns and cities during the four-week Advent season leading up to Christmas.
Ringing in the holiday season, cities across the United States are celebrating with their own versions of the traditional German Christmas market. Not unlike the markets in Germany, each of its American cousins has a flair that is unique to the city or region where it takes place.
Curious to know if one is near you? We put together a list of German-style Christmas markets from across the country to help answer that question!
Alaska
Anchorage, AK, December 10
The Rilke Schule – German School for Arts and Sciences hosts its very own Christkindlmarkt. The single day market features handmade crafts, German food and a variety of other cultural experiences. This year it takes place in a virtual format.
Arizona
Scottsdale, AZ, market suspended for 2022
The Arizona Center for Germanic Cultures presents its annual Christkindlmarkt. The celebration features local artisans selling everything from candles to Christmas ornaments, Christmas food and drink specialties from Germany, activities, and entertainment for the whole family. There is even a special appearance by the Christkindl and Saint Nikolaus.
California
German Holiday Market – Weihnachtsmarkt
Mountain View, CA, December 10
The German International School of Silicon Valley presents and authentic open-air German Holiday market. Downtown Mountain View transforms into a European Village bustling with merchants, food, entertainment, and plenty of fun for the entire family.
Connecticut
Hartford, CT, November 25-26
German food and crafts welcome visitors of all ages to the Hartford Saengerbund’s annual Christkindlmarkt. Live performances of Christmas music add the sounds of the season, adding a festive backdrop to the market.
Colorado
Denver, CO, November 18 – December 23
The Colorado Chapter of the German American Chamber of Commerce hosts a lively holiday market each year. Everything from food to toys to jewelry to live entertainment can be found in the tents, all decked out for the holiday season.
District of Columbia
Christkindlmarkt at Heurich House Museum
Washington, DC, December 2-4
A local artisan market combines with a historic house tour in at Heurich House Museum at this one of a kind event.
Washington, DC, November 18 – December 23
Outdoor shopping and entertainment are featured in this market. The exhibitors rotate and selection of goods vary daily in this Christmas village, where you can find something for everyone on your Christmas list while enjoying delicious food and live performances.
Washington, DC, December 6
The Goethe-Institut of Washington invites visitors to browse stands filled with holiday pastries, German-inspired food and local art or enjoy the taste and smell of mulled wine while learning more about German holiday traditions.
Georgia
Atlanta, GA, November 25 – December 24
Culture, shopping, food and entertainment combine in the special outdoor atmosphere to form a German Christmas experience in Atlanta. This family-friendly event features activities just for children and invites everyone to learn more about German holiday traditions.
Helen, GA, November 26 – December 4
A traditional Christmas market featuring German food, drinks, crafts and plenty of activities for the entire family takes place in this re-creation of an Alpine Village. The holiday atmosphere invites everyone to take part in this yearly tradition.
Idaho
Outdoor European Christmas Market
Hayden, ID, December 2-3
This market summons the traditional open-air Christmas markets in Europe and pairs it with local Christmas traditions. The whole family is invited to join in the fun.
Illinois
Belleville, IL, November 25 – December 23
There is something for everyone at the Belleville Christkindlmarkt, which is modeled after German Christmas markets. The market is officially opened by the Belleville’s own Christkind and features live entertainment, vendors from across the world, selling their wares alongside German food and drink.
Chicago, IL, November 18 – December 24
One of the largest and most renowned Christmas markets in the United States, the Christkindlmarkt Chicago annually attracts more than one million visitors. This beloved tradition in Chicagoland features an opening ceremony with its very own Christkind, vendors with a vast array of crafts, food, drink, and even a Kinder Club for the youngest visitors.
Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville
Naperville, IL, November 18 – December 31
This market is an extension of the main attraction in Chicago that sits right next to the iconic Wrigley Field, offering even more visitors an authentic German Christmas Market experience.
Indiana
Carmel, IN, November 19 – December 30
Old World charm makes it way to Indiana where this Christmas market takes it cue from the German markets. A Christkind opening, traditional craft items and food are featured, as well as entertainment on the main stage.
Ferdinand, IN, November 19-20
This Christkindlmarkt operates across six markets sites, Features Christmas wares, antiques, hand-crafted gifts, as well as regional food and entertainment. For visitors who want to get the full experience, it even offers a shuttle service between site.
Iowa
Des Moines, IA, December 1-4
Learn about the tradition of Christmas markets while enjoying shopping, entertainment, authentic German food and Glühwein. A KinderKorner offers activities and entertainment for the smaller visitors.
Davenport, IA, information not yet available for 2022
Davenport Sister Cities and Christkindlmarkt Quad Cities host an authentic German holiday celebration. Complete with a Holiday Tree Farm, an outdoor beer garden, and much more, visitors enjoy the wide array of entertainment and shopping experiences.
Christkindlmarkt German American Heritage Center
Davenport, IA, information not yet available for 2022
This popular market is now taking place in the form of weekly pop-ups in the German American Heritage Center and Museum. Visitors looking to celebrate the holiday season and do some last-minute shopping can stop by each weekend for new vendors.
Kansas
Christkindlmarkt at Moonlight Markt
Shawnee, KS, November 17
Downtown Shawnee gets into the Holiday spirit with its annual Christmas market. Games and live reindeer are among the unique offerings at this fun event.
Louisiana
ChristKindlMarkt at Deutsches Haus
New Orleans, LA, December 2-4
The Deutsches House in New Orleans gets into the Christmas spirit each year with its market. Food, drink, seasonal items, as well as handmade gifts and crafts are all available. Visitors are treated to traditional Christmas music and singing during the market.
Maryland
Christkindlmarkt at the Zion Church of the City of Baltimore
Baltimore, MD, November 26-27
This annual Event at the Zion Church in the heart of Baltimore features German food, imported holiday Goodies such as stollen, lebkuchen, marzipan, and Advent calendars, local craft items and more.
Christmas Village in Baltimore
Baltimore, MD, November 19 – December 24
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is transformed into a traditional German Christmas Market featuring food, sweets, drinks, as well as holiday ornaments, jewelry, and other Gifts for its visiting holiday shoppers.
Potomac, MD, December 3
This annual Christmas Market is presented by the Friends of the German International School Washington, DC, and features imported hand-crafted goods from Germany, children’s activities and handmade crafts, and more activities for children.
Massachusetts
The Holiday Market at Snowport
Boston, MA, November 11 – December 31
Enjoy a traditional outdoor Christmas market experience in the Seaport area of Boston. Outdoor stalls feature both food, drink and craft items for visitors to peruse while they enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
Michigan
Frankenmuth, MI, November 25 – December 11
Heated tents enhance the visitor experience at this annual market in the town known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria.” Treats and treasures for all ages can be found, along with German food and drink.
Ann Arbor, MI, information not yet available for 2022
Holiday wares from artisans and farmers, edible treats, the Kid Zone, and even a visit from Santa are just some of what await visitors at this outdoor market
Minnesota
Excelsior, MN, November 25-27
A parade opens the market, which not only features hand-crafted gifts along with German-inspired food and drink, but also Christmas Tree sales, a children’s lantern parade, and visits from Mrs. Christmas.
Saint Paul, MN, November 25 – December 18
Decorations, handmade gifts, and entertainment alongside with European food and drink combine for a festive holiday atmosphere at this weekend market.
Missouri
Kristkindl Markt at Stone Hill Winery
Hermann, MO, December 3-4
Christmas goodies, carolers, mulled wine, and even hot soup are featured at this traditional Christmas Market.
Kansas City, MO, December 2-3
An enchanted Christmas village with traditional German Food, singing, and decor opens its doors every year in Kansas City. Local vendors showcase diverse wares while guests enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
Rolla, MO, information not yet available for 2022
This annual market takes place in honor of Rolla’s German Sister City, Sonderhausen. Visitors are invited to enjoy German music, crafts, food, and drink with friends and family to celebrate the holiday season.
Nebraska
Omaha, NE, December 3-4
This German-inspired outdoor market features seasonal goods, activities, and food. There is even a visit from Santa Claus.
New Hampshire
Amherst German Christmas Market
Amherst, NH, December 10
This outdoor European-inspired Christmas market can be found in the center of historic Amherst. Get into the holiday spirit by enjoying the decorations, food, beverages, crafts, and music.
New Jersey
Augusta, NJ, December 2-4
This Christmas Market is recognized as the largest annual Christmas market in its state. Vendors are in authentic wooden huts crafted by local artisans and known around the region for the handmade items it offers holiday visitors.
New York
New York City, NY, November 17 – December 24
Chocolate Advent calendars, stollen cakes, and hot winter drinks are just some of the items that can be found at this popular holiday tradition.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
New York City, NY, November 29 – December 24
Art, jewelry, home goods, and delicious food from local artisans and designers are all on featured in this favorite holiday market, where shoppers can enjoy the Christmas season in New York City.
New York City, NY, October 28 – January 2
A winter village complete with an ice skating rink makes this a destination for the whole family. Enjoy artisanal vendors, food and the holiday spirit.
North Carolina
Charlotte, NC, November 23 – December 23
This annual holiday event creates a traditional Christmas Market right in Charlotte. Specialty foods and souvenir mugs made for sipping glühwein while browsing the offerings from area artisans combine to make this a beloved annual tradition.
Wilmington, NC, November 19
This outdoor German Christmas celebration offers music, crafts, food, drink and activities for all ages. Rain or shine, the community is invited to help celebrate the start of the Christmas season by gathering together at this market.
Ohio
Cincinnati, OH, November 4-6
This Christkindlmarkt has it all, from glühwein to imported items from Germany. Visitors enjoy the heated tents and festive atmosphere.
Dayton, OH, information not yet available for 2022
Celebrate Christmas with hand-crafted ornaments, German food and beverages, in addition to the annual Christmas raffle.
Hudson, OH, December 9-11
Visitors are invited to experience Gemütlichkeit and Old World ambiance at this market. In addition to vendors, food, and drink, St. Nicholas and Krampus make a visit!
Oklahoma
Tulsa, OK, December 2-4
The German-American Society of Tulsa hosts an annual Christmas market with all of the trimmings, both local and imported from Germany, along with food and drink.
Oregon
Beaverton, OR, information not yet available for 2022
The German International School in Portland is going back to its roots with a combined holiday celebration taking place at the school. The day features German-focused stations, a concert and a community meal.
Pennsylvania
Bethlehem, PA, November 18 – December 18
Fine art, unique artisan-crafted gifts, live Entertainment and great food make up this popular holiday market. Located in a town known for its Christmas celebrations, this market brings all of the seasonal traditions together in one place.
Mifflinburg Christkindl Market
Mifflinburg, PA, December 8-10
Families are invited to join in this traditional holiday market that has something for everyone. From all of the children’s activities in Kinder World to German Food and drink to a local Zwetschgenmännla designer and more, visitors can enjoy all the German holiday traditions in one market.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA, November 19 – December 24
Food, ornaments and crafts are at the heart of this Christmas Village. Visitors can enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a German Christmas Market in City Center Philadelphia. This year the Christkind from Nuremburg will be officially opening the market.
Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
Philadelphia, PA, November 19 – January 1
This charming winter Tradition is made to complement the Christmas Village in Philadelphia by creating a winter wonderland for local artisans, crafters, designers, and confectionaries, who offer their wares in festive white tents topped with original Herrnhut stars.
Pittsburg, PA, November 18 – December 24
Located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh this market is influenced by German traditions while offering visitors a unique holiday experience. Wooden chalets house vendors of every art and invite visitors to browse all of the offerings.
Reading, PA, December 2-4
The Reading Liederkranz invites the public to enjoy a bit of traditional Germany in their hometown. Toys and decor, along with food and drink are the highlights of this market.
Weihnachtsmarkt on the Main Line
Malvern, PA, December 17
A puppet theater and a bonfire for roasting marshmallows make for unique local additions to this market, which began as a local gathering of friends and family to enjoy some traditional German Christmas treats.
Rhode Island
Christkindlmarkt – Christmas Market
Pawtucket, RI, November 26
German food and drink, along with crafts and ornaments make up the old-world atmosphere at this traditional holiday market.
Texas
Arlington, TX, November 25 – December 23
Inspired by German tradition and featuring its own Christkind, this holiday market brings Germany to Texas. Hand-crafted items and authentic German collectibles are beloved items at this family-friendly Christmas celebration.
Austin, TX, November 26 – December 3
This market invites visitors to come for the Food and stay for the shopping experience. Life performances, Christmas stollen and gingerbread hearts round out this German Texan experience.
New Braunfels, TX, November 18-20
German food and drink are prominent features at this Christmas market. Visitors also enjoy live entertainment throughout the time while they shop for that perfect holiday gift.
Tomball, TX, December 9-11
Live music, an open air market and an invitation for everyone to join the celebration is what awaits visitors at this unique Christmas experience. There is even a Kinderfest featuring rides and other entertainment for the smallest members of the family.
Utah
Salt Lake City, UT, November 30 – December 3
Wooden vendor booths, German food and drink, and a spirit of giving combine to form the magical Christmas market in Salt Lake City that welcomes the entire family to come and visit.
Virginia
Herndon, VA, December 10
A traditional German-style Christmas Market for the whole family with food, drink, crafts, and entertainment.
German Christkindlmarket (no website)
Reston, VA, December 8
This traditional outdoor German Christmas Market is an annual event in Reston. Hosted by the German Military in Reston, it features an evening filled with German arts, crafts, food and drink, with all of the proceeds then donated to charity.
Washington
Leavenworth, WA, full market cancelled for 2022
This year a scaled down version of the market is planned for Thanksgiving weekend. This annual Bavarian-style Christmas Market is a beloved tradition in Washington. Shopping and lantern parades for children are favorite features year after year in this unique town.
Wisconsin
German Christmas Market of Oconomowoc
Oconomowoc, WI, November 23 – 27
Warm tents and special guests invite visitors to spend their weekend at this market, no matter what the weather may be. All of the traditional holiday festivities can be found at this outdoor market.
Elkhardt Lake, WI, December 2 – 11
A decorated and heated tent filled with the sights and smells of a German-style Christmas welcomes visitors to the Osthoff Resort’s annual holiday tradition. Bratwurst, Glühwein, nutcrackers, fresh green wreaths and more can all be found at this magical winter event.
Milwaukee, WI not taking place in 2022
A traditional German Christmas Market in the heart of the city welcomes visitors with entertainment, food, drink, and artisan shopping.
