As the holiday season approaches, Christmas markets across the United States are preparing to welcome visitors for festive shopping and seasonal cheer. These markets, known for their unique offerings and vibrant atmospheres, have become popular destinations, drawing crowds year after year. Here is a look at the top ten Christmas markets in the U.S. for 2023, ranked by their attendance and vendor diversity.
Union Square Holiday Market, New York City
The Union Square Holiday Market has been a staple of New York City’s festive scene since its inception in 1993. This year, the market opened on November 13 and will run until December 24. Located in the historic Union Square Park, the market features around 150-185 vendors offering handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and seasonal treats. It attracts approximately two million visitors each year, making it one of the largest holiday attractions in the nation.
Christkindlmarket, Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s Christkindlmarket, inspired by the traditional Nuremberg market in Germany, has been enchanting visitors since 1996. This year, the market opened on November 21 and will close on December 24. With 55-60 vendors and an attendance exceeding one million, it is celebrated for its authentic German foods and unique holiday collectibles.
Downtown Holiday Market, Washington, D.C.
The Downtown Holiday Market has become a favorite in Washington, D.C., since its debut in 2005. Operating from November 21 to December 23, this market features over 115 vendors and aims to surpass last year’s attendance of 340,000 visitors. Shoppers can enjoy a variety of holiday-themed crafts and live entertainment, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Christmas Village, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia’s Christmas Village combines the charm of a German-style market with local holiday cheer. Opened on November 22 and running until December 24, the market features over 110 vendors. Last year, it attracted around 80,000 visitors, and this year, it expects to welcome even more. The market offers a wide array of shopping options, food, and entertainment for all ages.
Christkindlmarkt, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Celebrating its 33rd year, the Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt, known for its stunning winter atmosphere, opened on November 14 and will close on December 21. The market features approximately 180 vendors and expects to draw in over 120,000 visitors throughout its run. It is recognized as one of North America’s top holiday markets, offering a unique shopping experience.
Dickens Christmas Fair, San Francisco, California
For a different flavor of holiday celebration, the Dickens Christmas Fair transforms the historic Cow Palace into a Victorian London experience. Running for five weekends from November 22 to December 21, the market features around 100 vendors and welcomes thousands of guests. Last year, it attracted an impressive 5,000 guests daily, showcasing the sights and sounds of a bygone era.
Christmas Village, Baltimore, Maryland
Inspired by the 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt, Baltimore’s Christmas Village opened in 2013 and has quickly become a local favorite. After a preview weekend on November 22-23, the market officially opened on November 27 and will run through December 24. With over 60 vendors, it aims to create lasting holiday memories for thousands of visitors.
Christkindlmarkt, Carmel, Indiana
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt, which first opened in 2017, has rapidly gained recognition as one of the Midwest’s premier Christmas markets. This year, it opened on November 22 and will close on December 24. With over 60 vendors, the market is expecting to surpass last year’s attendance of 475,000 visitors, offering a festive atmosphere filled with European charm.
Georgetown Christmas Market, Colorado
Celebrating its 65th anniversary, the Georgetown Christmas Market promises a nostalgic holiday experience. This year, it will open for two weekends on December 6-7 and December 13-14. The market features over 40 vendors and aims to attract more than 10,000 visitors, showcasing traditional holiday activities such as horse-drawn wagon rides.
Kerstmarkt Holland, Michigan
The Kerstmarkt Holland has become a cherished tradition for many families in West Michigan since its opening in 1997. Operating on weekends, the market opened on November 21 and will close on December 20. With around 27-35 vendors, it offers an intimate, European-style holiday experience that sets it apart from larger markets.
Christmas markets in the U.S. provide a diverse range of experiences, from bustling city gatherings to charming local fairs. Each market offers visitors a unique opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit while shopping for special gifts and enjoying festive entertainment.
