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 7
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.
Arizona
Cave Creek, AZ, December 7-8
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 14
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.
Sacramento, CA, December 7-8
Hosted by the Sacramento Turn Verein, this annual Holiday market is put together to offer shopping and entertainment for everyone, with the proceeds benefiting local charities. Look for daily appearances from Santa Claus and the Christkind.

Connecticut
Hartford, CT, November 29 – December 1
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 22 – 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 jewlery to live entertainment can be found in the tents, all decked out for the holiday season.
District of Columbia
Christkindlmarkt at Heurich House Museum
Washigton, DC, December 6-8
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 22 – 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.
Georgia
Atlanta, GA, November 21 – December 23
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. Proceeds benefit the German-American Cultural Foundation.
Helen, GA, November 30 – December 88
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
Meridian, ID, December 11
This market happens only once during the week, but is so popular that the market is also expanding to an outdoor space and extending its hours. Seasonal treats and locally hand-crafted gifts are the winners of this holiday tradition.
Illinois
Belleville, IL, November 29 – 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 15 – 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 22 – 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 16 – December 24
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 16-17
This Christkindlmarkt operates across six markets sites, Features Christmas wares, antiques, ahd-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 6-8
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, December 6-8
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.
Weihnachtsmarkt Holiday Craft Fair
Davenport, IA, December 14-15
This popular market recently expanded to two days. Visitors looking to celebrate the holiday season and do some last-minute shopping will enjoy this annual fair at the German American Heritage Center and Museum.
Kansas
Shawnee, KS, December 7
Downtown Shawnee gets into the Holiday spirit with its annual Christmas market. Fruit cake races and live reindeer are among the unique offerings at this fun event.
Maryland
Christkindlmarkt at the Zion Church of the City of Baltimore
Baltimore, MD, November 30
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
Balitmore, MD, November 28 – December 24
Baltimore’s Inner Harbeor 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. This year the Christkind from Nuremburg will be officially opening the market.
Potomac, MD, December 7
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.
Michigan
Frankenmuth, MI, November 29 – December 1
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, December 6
Holiday wares from artisans and farmers, edible treats, a brand-new Kid Zone, and even a visit from Santa are just some of what await visitors at this outdoor market
Minnesota
Excelsior, MN, November 29 – December 1
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, December 6-22
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 7-8
Christmas goodies, carolers, mulled wine, and even hot soup are featured at this traditional Christmas Market.
Kansas City, MO, December 6-7
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, December 6-7
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 7-8
This German-inspired outdoor market features seasonal goods, activities, and food. There is even a visit from Santa Claus.
New Jersey
Lake Mohawk German Christmas Market
Sparta, NJ, December 7-8
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 21 – 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, December 4-24
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.
North Carolina
Charlotte Christmas Village – Christkindlmarkt
Charlotte, NC, November 22 – December 24
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 23
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 22-24
This Christkindlmarkt has it all, from Glühwein to imported items from Germany. Visitors enjoy the heated tents and festive atmosphere.
Winter Market at Fountain Square
Cincinnati, OH, November 29 – December 22
With artisans showcasing their wares in traditional Christmas Market huts, this market invites visitors to experience a bit of the traditional German-style market while spotlighting local products.. One of the signature events is the annual lighting of the holiday tree.
Dayton, OH, December 14
Celebrate Christmas with hand-crafted ornaments, German food and beverages, in addition to the annual Christmas raffle.
Hudson, OH, December 13-15
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 6-8
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, December 6
The German International School in Portland is going back to its roots with a combined holiday celebration taking place at the school. The day will feature German-focused stations, a concert and a community meal.
Pennsylvania
Bethlehem, PA, November 22 – December 22
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 12-14
Families are invited to join in this traditional holiday market that has something for everyone. From all of the childrens 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 28 – 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 23 – January 1
This charming winter Tradition is made to complement the Christmas Village in Philadelphia by creating a winter wonerland for local artisans, crafters, designers, and confectionaries, who offer their wares in festive white tents topped with original Herrnhut stars.
Pittsburg, PA, November 22 – December 23
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 1
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 7
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, December 1
German food and drink, along with crafts and ornaments make up the old-world atmosphere at this traditional holiday market.
Texas
Arlington, TX, November 29 – December 22
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, December 7
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.
Hallettesville, TX, November 30 – December 21
Artisan booths and culinary treats are featured in this Saturday market.
New Braunfels, TX, December 6-7
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 13-15
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, December 4-7
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 14
A traditional German-style Christmas Market for the whole family with food, drink, crafts, and entertainment.
Lovettsville Christkindlmarkt (Loudon Valley German Society)
Lovettsville, VA, December 7-8
Authentic German food and local artisans are featured that this traditional market, hosted by the Loudoun Valley German Society.
German Christkindlmarket (no website)
Reston, VA, December 5
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, November 239 – December 1
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 29 – December 1
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 6 – 15
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, November 15 – December 24
A traditional German Christmas Market in the heart of the city welcomes visitors with entertainment, food, drink, and artisan shopping.
