Christmas Markets in the U.S. and Canada: Festive Alternatives to Europe
There’s nothing quite like wandering through a European Christmas market with a mug of mulled wine in hand. Europe truly sets the gold standard for holiday markets. But if hopping across the Atlantic isn’t in the cards this year, don’t worry. There are plenty of festive markets closer to home in the U.S. and Canada that bring a touch of European magic.
These markets might not have 500 years of history, but they offer cozy stalls, warm drinks, artisan gifts, and a perfect excuse for a solo holiday getaway. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend trip or a city escape, here are some of the best Christmas markets to explore this season.
Christmas Markets in the U.S.
Bryant Park Winter Village – New York City, NY
- Closest Airport: LaGuardia (LGA) is the closest; JFK and Newark are also options.
- What to Expect: Bryant Park turns into a holiday wonderland with a European-style open-air market, an ice-skating rink, and cozy igloos to rent if you want to splurge. Check out the pop up shops, selling everything from gourmet chocolates to handmade jewelry.
- Extra Things to Do: Step inside the iconic New York Public Library across the street, wander up Fifth Avenue for holiday window displays, or head a few blocks to Rockefeller Center to see the tree.
- Visiting Tip: Weekday mornings are calmer, and the rink stays open into March even after the stalls close in early January.
- Solo Tip: Grab a hot chocolate, take a solo skate, then find a quiet corner inside the library to reset.
- Plan Your Visit: Bryant Park Winter Village
Atlanta Christkindl Market – Lawrenceville, GA (new location for 2025)
- Closest Airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL).
- What to Expect: For years the market was held in Buckhead, but beginning in 2025 it has a new home at Downtown Lawrenceville’s Lawrenceville Lawn. The move gives the market more room to grow, less city traffic to battle, and plenty of charm in a historic square setting. Expect German-style wooden stalls, Bavarian treats, mulled wine, and live entertainment.
- Parking: Parking is much easier in this new location! Downtown Lawrenceville offers several options for easily accessible, centrally located free public parking. Two-hour street parking is available throughout the Historic Square and several other options.
- Extra Things to Do: Lawrenceville’s arts center often hosts holiday concerts, and Main Street is lined with local restaurants and breweries that make a festive stop before or after the market.
- Solo Tip: The extra breathing room makes it easy to explore on your own, without the city-center congestion.
- Plan Your Visit: Atlanta Christkindl Market
Christkindlmarket – Chicago, IL
- Closest Airport: Midway (MDW) is the closest, though O’Hare (ORD) is another hub.
- What to Expect: This is the big one. Chicago’s Christkindlmarket is modeled after Nuremberg’s famous market in Germany and is widely considered the most authentic in the U.S. Expect vendors straight from Europe, endless bratwursts, and the famous collectible souvenir mugs. The are back at three locations in 2025: Chicago, Aurora, and Wrigleyville!
- Extra Things to Do: Stop by Millennium Park to see the “Bean” and the city’s Christmas tree, or skate at the Maggie Daley ribbon rink for skyline views.
- Visiting Tip: Daley Plaza is busiest after work; mornings and weekdays are less packed.
- Solo Tip: Head to the downtown spot in the evening for a solo stroll under twinkling lights.
- Plan Your Visit: Christkindlmarket Chicago
Carmel Christkindlmarkt – Carmel, IN
- Closest Airport: Indianapolis International (IND).
- What to Expect: Carmel has quietly built one of the country’s best markets. In fact, it’s been voted the #1 holiday market in the U.S. by USA Today multiple years in a row. More than 60 huts sell authentic German goods, and there’s a large ice-skating rink at the center.
- Extra Things to Do: Stroll through the Carmel Arts & Design District or plan dinner at one of the town’s cozy restaurants. The Monon Trail nearby is also lit up for the season.
- Solo Tip: The market is easy to pair with a gallery wander or coffee shop stop, all within walking distance.
- Plan Your Visit: Carmel Christkindlmarkt
Christmas Village – Philadelphia, PA
- Closest Airport: Philadelphia International (PHL), about 20 minutes by train.
- What to Expect: LOVE Park and the City Hall courtyard transform into a European-inspired village with 100+ vendors. Handmade crafts, German treats, and festive light displays make it one of the East Coast’s top spots. Don’t miss the nearby Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market at Dilworth Park for even more local shopping.
- Extra Things to Do: Visit Reading Terminal Market for foodie finds, ice skate at the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, or stroll along South Street for quirky shops.
- Solo Tip: Central location means you can easily add in museums, murals, or a warm pub meal before heading back.
- Plan Your Visit: Christmas Village Philadelphia & Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt – Bethlehem, PA
- Closest Airport: Lehigh Valley International (ABE).
- What to Expect: Bethlehem lives up to its nickname as “Christmas City.” Its Christkindlmarkt features artisan vendors, live music, glassblowing demos, and plenty of mulled wine. Heated tents make it cozy even in December’s chill. This market was named one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel + Leisure and one of the top holiday markets in North America by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice competition.
- Extra Things to Do: Bethlehem’s downtown has boutique shops, festive pubs, and a Christmas City walking trail filled with lights.
- Solo Tip: It’s a smaller market, which makes it less overwhelming and easy to cover at your own pace.
- Plan Your Visit: Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem
Leavenworth Village of Lights & Weihnachtsmarkt – Leavenworth, WA
- Closest Airport: Pangborn Memorial (East Wenatchee), about 30 miles away; Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) if you’re flying in internationally.
- What to Expect: Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth feels like stepping into Bavaria. The entire town is lit up with millions of lights, and the market sells German crafts, pretzels, and spiced wine. Carriage rides, choirs, and gingerbread contests add to the magic.
- Extra Things to Do: Try a sleigh ride, stop at a local brewery, or hike one of the short winter trails for snowy alpine views.
- Visiting Tip: Book accommodations well in advance. This little mountain town fills up quickly in December!
- Solo Tip: Stay overnight. It’s far more magical after dark.
- Plan Your Visit: Leavenworth Christmastown
Cullman Christkindlmarkt – Cullman, A
- Closest Airports: Huntsville (HSV) or Birmingham (BHM).
- What to Expect: This smaller market punches above its weight. With about 40 vendors, it mixes Southern hospitality with German tradition. There are parades, festive foods, and a family-friendly vibe.
- Extra Things to Do: Explore Cullman’s historic downtown, which has antique shops and murals that light up with holiday décor.
- Solo Tip: Perfect if you’re looking for something low-key and authentic without the massive crowds.
- Plan Your Visit: Cullman Christkindlmarkt
Holland Kerstmarkt – Holland, MI
- Closest Airport: Gerald R. Ford International (GRR) in Grand Rapids.
- What to Expect: A nod to the town’s Dutch roots, Holland’s Kerstmarkt features wooden booths with artisan goods, locally made gifts, and traditional foods. The downtown area is walkable and charming, especially under the holiday lights.
- Extra Things to Do: Take a walk to Windmill Island Gardens or enjoy the festive light parade if your visit aligns.
- Solo Tip: Pair your visit with a stroll down 8th Street for coffee shops, bookshops, and small-town charm.
- Plan Your Visit: Holland Kerstmarkt
Cambria Christmas Market – Cambria, CA
- Closest Airport: San Luis Obispo County Regional (SBP).
- What to Expect: California’s Central Coast may not scream Christmas, but Cambria puts on a dazzling show with over three million lights, artisan vendors, and cozy food stalls. It feels like a secret coastal holiday town.
- Extra Things to Do: Visit nearby Moonstone Beach, tour Hearst Castle in San Simeon, or take a scenic solo drive along Highway 1.
- Solo Tip: Book a stay nearby and combine your market visit with a coastal retreat.
- Plan Your Visit: Cambria Christmas Market
Christmas Markets in Canada
Québec City German Christmas Market – Québec City, QC
- Closest Airport: Québec City Jean Lesage International (YQB).
- What to Expect: If you’re looking for the closest thing to Europe without crossing the Atlantic, this is it. Old Québec transforms into a storybook village with German huts, festive lights, and live music. The Petite-Champlain district is especially charming.
- Extra Things to Do: Ride the funicular to the lower city, try the famous toboggan run at Dufferin Terrace, or warm up in a Nordic spa. For longer trips, consider a snowshoeing or dogsled excursion.
- Solo Tip: Québec City is incredibly walkable. Bundle up, wander slowly, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported across the ocean.
- Plan Your Visit: Marché de Noël Allemand
Vancouver Christmas Market – Vancouver, BC
- Closest Airport: Vancouver International (YVR).
- What to Expect: Located at Jack Poole Plaza by the waterfront, this market features over 90 vendors, a walk-in Christmas tree, and live entertainment. It’s festive, modern, and comes with unbeatable skyline and mountain views.
- Extra Things to Do: Pair your visit with VanDusen’s Festival of Lights, Bright Nights in Stanley Park, or Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas.
- Visiting Tip: It’s a ticketed market. Go on a weekday afternoon for fewer crowds and easier browsing.
- Solo Tip: Stroll the market with a mug of glühwein, then walk along the waterfront for gorgeous night views.
- Plan Your Visit: Vancouver Christmas Market
No U.S. or Canadian market can fully replicate sipping glühwein in Vienna or shopping for ornaments in Munich. But each of these destinations brings its own twist, from Carmel’s award-winning Christkindlmarkt to the Bavarian streets of Leavenworth or the storybook charm of Québec City.
For solo travelers, Christmas markets are especially magical. They’re easy to navigate alone, filled with photo-worthy moments, and perfect for indulging at your own pace. So if Europe isn’t in the cards this holiday season, grab a mug of hot cocoa and let one of these festive markets closer to home deliver the holiday spirit. Just go (seasonally) solo!
