These charming European-style Christmas markets are right here in the United States
If a trip to a European Christmas market is going to stay on the bucket list for another year, there are plenty of places in the United States where you can have a similar experience without a passport or long plane flight. There you will find Glühwein, artisanal products to buy and a holiday atmosphere that comes straight from the streets of a German, Dutch or Scandinavian village.
These are my top picks for the best European-style Christmas markets in the United States. Taking place in big cities and small towns across the country, they’ll get you into the holiday spirit and give you a taste of that Old World Christmas. magic.
HOLIDAY HOTELS: Here are 16 festive family resorts and hotels for Christmas
1. Carmel Christmas Market
Carmel, Indiana
Founded in 2017, the nonprofit Carmel Christkindlmarkt attracts nearly half a million visitors to Carter Green in Hamilton County, Indiana each year. Open from November 23 to December 24, 2024, the market welcomes German carpenters and glassblowers as well as other artisans selling their products from traditional wooden huts.
ALL ON BOARD: 10 Holiday Train Trips Guaranteed to Put You in the Christmas Spirit
Party food and drinks are easy to find, including a German cocktail new this year (fire pliers punch) topped with a flaming sugar cone soaked in rum. Take time to take a lap around the outdoor ice rink and admire the traditional 33-foot-high Glühwein Pyramid.
Where to stay: The Carmichael, Autograph Collection Hotel puts you just steps from the Market, offering a boutique hotel ambiance and a prime location in the heart of downtown Carmel and along the Monon Trail.
2. Christkindl Market of Texas
Arlington, TX
A local tradition since 2011, the Texas Christkindl Market was inspired by the relationship between Arlington and its German sister city, Bad Königshofen. Open this year until December 23, 2024 (with a short break around Thanksgiving), the German-style Christmas market features artisans from around the world (including exclusive Christmas products from Käthe Wohlfahrt) in an ornately decorated setting. festive on the north square of Globe Life Field. . In addition to seasonal restaurants, there is a puppet theater and a children’s holiday train, as well as performances by area schools and traditional German music groups.
Where to stay: Check into the Loews Arlington hotel for easy access to the Christmas market and a host of fun family-friendly amenities, like fire pits, a kids’ club, and an Italian restaurant with two wood-fired pizza ovens. the size of Texas.
IN THE SPIRIT: 13 Magical Christmas Vacation Spots in the US and Beyond for Families
3. Christkindl Market Chicago
Chicago, IL
Inspired by the 16th century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, Christkindlmarket Chicago returns for its 28th season to the Windy City at Daley Plaza. Open until December 24, 2024, this popular annual event features numerous vendors as well as holiday musical performances throughout the Christmas season. While you shop, adults can sip imported German spiced mulled wine and everyone can enjoy stuffed pretzels, pierogis and other German dishes.
Where to stay: A sister hotel offering special deals to Christkindlmarket visitors, The LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection is just four blocks from the market and offers spacious rooms averaging 400 square feet and many upscale amenities.
WINTER ESCAPE: 10 Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts for Christmas
4. Bethlehem Christmas Market
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
When it’s nicknamed “Christmas Town”, it’s no surprise that it’s home to a popular Christmas market. Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, now in its 32nd year and running on weekends until December 22, 2024, offers plenty of German-style Christmas cheer. Shop Moravian glass stars, nutcrackers and ornaments from German house Käthe Wohlfahrt, as well as other crafts and collectibles from local and regional artisans. Then go ice skating, watch the ice sculptors at work, and visit Old St. Nicholas.
Where to stay: Get into the holiday spirit at Historic Hotel Bethlehem, where you’ll find more than 25 uniquely decorated Christmas trees, two life-size nutcrackers, a hotel-inspired gingerbread house and other festive touches.
PLAN A TRIP: 10 family winter weekends in the United States
5. Christmas Party in Solvang
Solvang, California
Celebrate the holiday season in Danish style at Solvang Julefest, which features a European-style outdoor makers’ market on Wednesdays in December. Find seasonal treats, artisans selling Christmas gifts, and lots of Christmas cheer. The Julefest celebration takes place from November 29, 2024 to January 5, 2025 and also includes live musical performances, photos with Santa and a 10-minute light and music show on the hour each evening.
Where to stay: Book a room at the newly renovated Scandinavian-style boutique hotel The Landsby and you’ll be right in the heart of Solvang and just steps from Solvang Park, where Julefest takes place.
EXIT: 13 Best National Parks to Visit with Family in Winter
6. Christmas market in the Netherlands
Holland, Michigan
Speculoos biscuits, stroopwafels, stollen: the food alone is worth a trip to the Holland Kerstmarkt. But you don’t want to miss all the other fun at this Dutch-inspired Christmas market in this town near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, not far from Grand Rapids. Vendors set up shop the Saturday before Thanksgiving and the weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas for holiday shopping, accompanied by carolers, dog sledding demonstrations and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Where to stay: Courtyard Holland Downtown features modern rooms, a fitness center and indoor pool, a new lobby with a place to grab a coffee or cocktail, and a convenient location for exploring downtown -town of Holland on foot.
FOLLOW THE FLOW: These 7 family-friendly resorts feature indoor lazy rivers you can float on all winter long
7. Denver Christ Market
Denver, Colorado
Grab a hot chocolate, Bavarian-style beer, or traditional Glühwein to enjoy as you stroll through the Denver Christkindlmarket, taking place November 22 – December 23, 2024, at the city’s Civic Center Park. More than 40 vendors from Colorado and around the world will sell gifts, crafts and treats from charming log cabins at this German-style holiday market. Shows are organized throughout the season and you may even have the chance to meet St. Nikolaus or Krampus.
Hit the slopes: 11 Family Ski Resorts in the United States Perfect for Kids and Families
Where to stay: Spacious suites with kitchenettes, free daily breakfast, an indoor pool, and a convenient location near Civic Center Park and other Denver attractions make the Staybridge Suites Denver Downtown a great option for families during the holiday season .
More from FamilyVacationist:
