Ten Christmas Markets in the US with a European Flavor

This winter, you won't need a passport or an expensive plane ticket to feel like you're abroad. From San Francisco to Washington, D.C., you'll find street Christmas markets offering unique holiday gifts, mulled wine, and traditional delicacies — just like in old Europe, the publication writes. Travel & Leisure.

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Christmas Village, Philadelphia

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Philadelphia's Christmas Village is perhaps the most accurate replica of the German Christmas markets in the United States. Located in Love Park and City Hall, the market runs from November 23 to December 24, 2024. More than a hundred vendors in wooden pavilions offer the same goods as in Europe: Christmas delicacies, tree decorations, jewelry, as well as arts and crafts from around the world.

Enjoy the twinkling lights and nostalgic aroma of waffles, gingerbread, and German sausages. All of this is paired perfectly with a glass of hot mulled wine. Adjacent to the market is an ice skating rink, the Made in Philadelphia holiday market, and the city’s Christmas tree. You can even ride the Christmas Village carousel in the City Hall courtyard.

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Christkindlmarket Chicago Christmas Market

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Chicago is inspired by the 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt fair in Nuremberg, Germany. Dozens of decorated wooden booths scattered around Daley Plaza, plus steaming vats of mulled wine and sweet and savory German snacks are a highlight of a cold Chicago winter.

Something similar is happening in Aurora, Illinois. Both have musical performances and family-friendly activities for kids, including free Kinder Club brochures that introduce little ones to German culture and traditions in a fun way. Admission is free and the fairs run from November 22 to December 24, 2024.

Christmas Market in Savannah, Georgia

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From November 21 to December 31, 2024, the Plant Riverside neighborhood of Savannah hosts a European-style Christmas market. It begins with a tree-lighting ceremony. Visitors can take photos with Santa Claus, enjoy holiday food, and enjoy concerts. The market is modeled after the one in Salzburg, but with a bit of Southern flair and Americana.

Christmas Market in Denver, Colorado

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The Denver Christkindlmarket offers local and European food, drinks, live music, dance performances, and wooden booths where you can buy gifts. As for food, don't leave without trying the soft pretzel, knoedel (boiled dumplings), and roasted nuts. The location is open daily from November 22 to December 23, 2024.

Peoples Gas Holiday Market in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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The annual Peoples Gas Holiday Market in downtown Pittsburgh takes place in the beautifully lit Market Square. There's usually live music while you stroll past wooden houses filled with holiday goods, from Polish folk art to Celtic Irish souvenirs. Get a taste of Europe with a fresh Austrian strudel or bratwurst. The market runs from November 17, 2024, until Christmas.

Fair Julefest in Solvang, California

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Missing Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens this Christmas? You don’t have to go to Copenhagen — head to Solvang, a town founded by Danish settlers. Enjoy a Scandinavian Christmas at Solvang Julefest, an annual celebration held there. Julefest is the epicentre of the city’s holiday magic, featuring traditional Danish treats like æbleskiver (small pancakes dipped in jam and sugar) and gløgg (the Scandinavian version of mulled wine). Events include a tree-lighting ceremony, a parade, candlelight tours, a visit from Santa, and a treasure hunt. The fair opened on November 29, 2024, and runs until January 5, 2025.

Downtown Holiday Market in Washington, D.C.

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Shop for locally made jewelry, pottery, paintings, and textiles at the Downtown Holiday Market in Washington, D.C. More than 30 vendors gather at this market located north of Dupont Circle Park. The outdoor mall is open daily from November 22 to December 15, 2024. There is usually live music.

Holland Kerstmarkt Fair in Holland, Michigan

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Holland, a Michigan town founded by Dutch immigrants in the 23th century, hosts an annual Kerstmarkt (Dutch for “Christmas market”) that offers souvenirs and traditional food. The event is only held on Fridays and Saturdays from November 21 to December 2024, XNUMX. Vendors change regularly, so you’re sure to find something new. On Saturdays, check out the nearby farmers market.

Great Dickens Christmas Market, San Francisco

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For five weekends from November 23 to December 22, 2024, you can be transported to Victorian London at the Great Dickens Christmas Market in San Francisco. As you wander the illuminated alleys of Wonderland with characters created by the great Charles Dickens, you’ll forget what century (or city) you’re in. Festive events are held in locations from shops to music halls. Your sense of smell will lead you to a cart serving freshly roasted organic chestnuts in traditional paper cones.

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Texas Christkindl Market, Arlington

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Inspired by its sister town of Bad Königshofen, Germany, the Texas Christkindl Market brings European Christmas magic to the heart of the Lone Star State. Shop for handmade gifts and collectibles, including exclusive items from the famous Christmas village of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany. The Texas Christkindl Market is open November 22–24 and November 29–December 23, 2024.

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