From Alaska to New York City, here are our 10 favorite Christmas markets in the US

As the end of the year approaches, Christmas markets are a surefire way to put you in a festive mood. While Europe has a longer-standing tradition, these magical markets have gained popularity in the U.S. thanks to their Instagram-worthy displays, an abundance of spiced wine, and a large selection of handcrafted toys and ornaments.

Christmas markets usher in the warm, fuzzy glow of the holiday season and are a great way to support local artisans and connect with the community. They're also a perfect source for gifts that are more thoughtful and creative than an Amazon gift card.

From Alaska to New York City, these 10 Christmas markets in the U.S. closely replicate the real thing in case you can't make it to Europe this year.

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Christkindlmarket, Chicago

Christkindlmarket in Chicago, now in its 29th year, is one of the nation's oldest German holiday markets and draws more than 1 million visitors annually. It sets the standard to the degree that its sponsor, the German American Chamber of Commerce in Chicago, has become the de facto consultant to other cities that aspire to Christkindlmarket greatness.

Literally meaning "Christ Child Market," the market models itself after the 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, and its Christkind (a golden fairy in white robes) is the German equivalent of Santa Claus. Amid the twinkling lights and festive music, peruse authentic German handicrafts like weihnachtspyramide (Christmas pyramids) while snacking on classic German delights like lebkuchen (gingerbread), giant pretzels, hot spiced wine, bratwurst and roasted nuts.

Chicago's largest open-air Christmas festival will be spread across three locations this year. The downtown Chicago and Aurora markets will run from Nov. 21 to Dec. 24; the Wrigleyville market will run from Nov. 23 to Dec. 31. All are open daily and free to attend; hours vary by location.

TPG tip: There are many amazing points hotels in Chicago, but The LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection is just a 10-minute walk from the downtown market and offers a "Christkindlmarket Experience" package that includes two drink coupons for gluhwein (mulled wine) and two souvenir mugs at check-in. Basic rates start at $172 or 44,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Related: Here's what I love about Chicago, and why you should go

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Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem is called the Christmas City for a reason: It's one of the best places in the U.S. to experience the joy and cheer of the holiday season. Set up at the iconic SteelStacks venue, the city's Christkindlmarkt features food, drink and craft vendors offering wares from all over the world. One beloved vendor people queue up to see every year is Kathe Wohlfahrt, a German company known for its handcrafted Christmas ornaments and decorations.

This year's market starts Nov. 14 and will be open on weekends only through Dec. 21. The market operates Friday to Sunday in November and Thursday to Sunday in December.

Day-of tickets cost $13 per person Thursdays and Fridays or $15.50 Saturdays and Sundays. You can save $1 by purchasing your ticket in advance, and children 5 and under get in free. Plus, this year, admission fees will be waived Friday nights between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Christkindlmarkt isn't the only way to experience the holiday season in Bethlehem. Check out the twinkling Christmas trees in the Historic Moravian District, the pop-up shops in Main Street's Christmas Village or the window decorating contest along the streets of downtown.

TPG tip: Save money for souvenirs with an affordable stay at the Hyatt Place Bethlehem, a short drive from the market, where nightly rates start at $160 or 8,000 World of Hyatt points this winter. For something more walkable, try the historic Hotel Bethlehem (from $229 per night), which is beautifully decorated during the holidays with more than 35,000 lights and 25 Christmas trees. It's available on some credit card portals, including Chase Travel℠ and Capital One Travel, though it books up fast.

DowntownDC Holiday Market, Washington, DC

Celebrating its 21st anniversary in 2025, the DowntownDC Holiday Market is a glittering jewel of holiday cheer set against the splendid backdrop of the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum. The market is free to attend and open every day of the week between Nov. 21 and Dec. 23.

This year, more than 100 exhibitors, including Black-owned and minority-owned businesses, will present an eclectic range of products that transcend holiday kitsch. There's fine art, one-off jewelry pieces, ceramics, clothing, unique culinary items and plenty more.

In addition to live music spanning blues, soul, rock and country (as well as a few rockin' holiday classics), festive revelers can also sample dishes from local restaurants alongside more traditional holiday delights.

TPG tip: The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC is on the same street as the market and offers rates starting at $170 or 31,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Related: The perfect 1-day field trip in Washington, DC, for travelers of all ages

North Pole Winterfest, Alaska

Just 15 minutes south of Fairbanks, Alaska, you'll find another North Pole populated with the same storybook cast and jovial festive spirit. And the town of North Pole will host its annual Winterfest on Dec. 13.

Beneath candy cane-striped lamps, you can peruse handicrafts from local vendors at the Holiday Bazaar, decorate Christmas cookies and enjoy a festive fireworks display. The event is free to attend, and the bazaar opens at 10 a.m., with fireworks at 6 p.m.

The large holiday store known as Santa Claus House is North Pole's most popular tourist attraction. While shopping for festive goodies, you can also sample local culinary treats and arrange for Santa (who makes frequent appearances) to send a letter to your kids.

TPG tip: North Pole doesn't have any points hotels, but The Hotel North Pole has rooms starting at $165 per night during Winterfest. There's even a fully decorated Santa Suite option.

Related: Best places to see the northern lights around the world

Peoples Gas Holiday Market, Pittsburgh

Now in its 14th year, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market will be held in downtown Pittsburgh's Market Square from Nov. 21 to Dec. 24. Ring in the holiday season at the Highmark Light Up Night on Nov. 22, with a traditional tree lighting ceremony, live music and fireworks happening across the city.

The market's charming wooden chalets will purvey a range of local and international treats and wares, like chocolate from Copper Coast Confections (one of Pittsburgh's beloved chocolatiers), Eastern European folk art (think nesting dolls, hand-painted Christmas ornaments, pottery and hand-carved Santas) and fair trade ceramics, jewelry and blankets from South America.

The market is free to attend; hours vary by day.

TPG tip: The Industrialist Hotel, Pittsburgh, Autograph Collection is two blocks from Market Square. Rates start at $140 or 37,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night during the Christmas market.

Cambria Christmas Market, California

While SoCal vibes and sunny climes might not be the obvious backdrop for a German Christmas market, this quaint coastal enclave has plenty of holiday spirit (and great shopping). Held at the Cambria Pines Lodge, the 14th annual Cambria Christmas Market has vendors selling nutcrackers, ornaments, festive bites and libations.

After perusing the stalls and finishing your last-minute holiday shopping, you can kick back with a German beer or gluhwein beside the fire pit, listen to live holiday tunes, ride on the holiday train and take in the 3 million twinkling lights.

In 2025, Cambria's market runs most evenings from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31. Tickets start at $28 (prices vary by date), and some dates sell out weeks in advance, so get yours online early. This market is cashless, so bring your rewards credit cards.

TPG tip: You can get decent value for your Hyatt points at White Water (from $269 or 20,000 points per night), a seaside Mr & Mrs Smith property just a few minutes' drive from the Christmas market. Alternatively, stay steps away from the action at Cambria Pines Lodge, which offers a Cambria Christmas Market package with breakfast and tickets to the event for each person on the reservation. Room-only rates start at $259 per night.

Carmel Christkindlmarkt, Indiana

A 30-minute drive north of Indianapolis, the town of Carmel brings a touch of European charm and tradition to the Midwest with its quaint Christkindlmarkt. This year's event will take place this year from Nov. 22 to Dec. 24 at Carter Green between The Palladium Theater and the Tarkington Theater.

Part of this market's charm is its authentic ambience and decorations (including a genuine 33-foot-tall, 10-ton German gluhwein pyramid). Browse quality handmade crafts and German culinary concoctions — including feuerzangenbowle, a centuries-old flaming cocktail — at more than 60 vendor huts. The market also offers ice skating, live demos from German artisans and plenty of family-friendly activities. Little ones can decorate cookies and make necklaces at Kinderecke (kids corner), and children can meet Santa and his elves at the Spielhaus (playhouse).

The market is closed Mondays and Tuesdays as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Entrance is free, and hours vary by date.

TPG tip: The Hotel Carmichael, Autograph Collection is less than a 10-minute walk from the market, with prices starting at $227 or 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. If you stay farther away, be sure to take advantage of the new free shuttle that runs every 15 minutes on weekends.

Christmas Village, Philadelphia

Christmas Village in Philadelphia is back for the 2025 holiday season at Love Park and City Hall from Nov. 22 to Dec. 24. Hours vary by day, and there's no charge to enter.

Traditional timber booths feature more than 60 vendors selling classic European holiday treats, as well as both locally made and European products. There's also an old-school Christmas carousel, a Ferris wheel and a train that's a big hit with kiddos.

TPG tip: Philly has no shortage of points hotels. A seven-minute walk from the market, The Logan Philadelphia has reasonable rates starting at $160 or 54,000 Hilton Honors points per night this holiday season. Or elevate your stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, bookable from $299 or 50,000 Marriott points per night.

Related: Inside Chase's gorgeous new Sapphire Lounge in Philadelphia

Texas Christkindl Market, Arlington, Texas

If you're down south, try Arlington's Texas Christkindl Market, the largest open-air Christmas market in the Southwest. It's inspired by a 70-year relationship between Arlington and its sister city, Bad Konigshofen, Germany. Working with its partner Christmas city, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, since 2011, the Texas Christkindl Market aims to bring the European Christmas market experience to the Lone Star State.

This family-friendly event runs from Nov. 21-23 and Nov. 28-Dec. 23 at North Plaza at Globe Life Field. The market runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and is free to attend.

TPG tip: The Live! by Loews hotel in Arlington is within the Globe Life Field complex, so you don't have to worry about reparking your car. Nightly rates start at $229 during the market. If you'd rather earn and burn points and you don't mind a few minutes' drive, consider Hyatt Place Dallas / Arlington (from $94 or 8,000 Hyatt points per night).

Union Square Holiday Market, New York City

Is there anything like Christmas in New York City? Although the Big Apple has more than one Christmas market, the Union Square Holiday Market is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. You'll find 185 booths selling arts, crafts, clothing, holiday novelties and more.

Be sure to stop by this year from Nov. 13 to Dec. 24. The market is open daily (except Thanksgiving), with hours varying by day.

If you'd like to go Christmas market-hopping, your next stop should be Winter Village at Bryant Park, which offers a free ice skating rink, holiday shops, and rinkside eats and drinks.

TPG tip: The nearby Hyatt Union Square New York has rooms starting at $294 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night. Or splurge on the recently renovated W New York — Union Square, starting at $627 or 66,000 Marriott points per night.

Bottom line

You don't have to fly across the pond to experience the magic of Christmas markets. Our top U.S. picks emulate authentic European markets with German delicacies like gluhwein and lebkuchen, plus international handicrafts that are sure to be the envy of your Secret Santa group this year. However, these aren't the only markets to consider — more and more U.S. cities (and some smaller towns) are joining in the festive fun, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Denver and San Francisco.

Ready to plan a trip? Now is the time to start booking holiday flights. And don't forget to maximize your Christmas market purchases with one of the best cards for everyday spending.

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