Map of the Best Christmas Markets in the USA and Canada

This is an interactive map of the Best Christmas Markets in the USA. Hover over the map for the name and location. Scroll down for more information.

Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets began around 1296 in Vienna, Austria. Back then, they were called Dezembermarkt or December Market. They were created so that people could stock up on supplies during the cold winter months.

Later, the Wintermärkte or Winter Markets developed all over Europe. Eventually, families set up stalls with toys, roasted chestnuts, wood carvings, and gingerbread. These items were bought as Christmas gifts.

These Winter Markets turned into Christmas Markets in German cities like Munich and Frankfurt in the 1300s. The first real Christmas Market was in Dresden in the year 1434.

Today, this tradition has spread to the US and Canada.

Christmas markets are characterized by twinkle lights, wooden huts, Christmas music, regional foods, and Christmas trinkets. Goods from local artisans, roasted almonds, and mulled wine are some of the visitor's favorites.

They usually begin 4 weeks before Christmas and last until Christmas Eve. In the USA, they are likely to start in mid-November.

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Best Christmas Markets in the U.S. and Canada

If you are still wondering where to go for a Christmas Market. Here is a list of the top destinations near you.

Christkindlmarket in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago's Christkindlemarket is inspired by the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany. The wooden stalls definitely give it a Bavarian feel.

Some of the foods include the area's gingerbread and bratwurst.

At the market, Children look for Christkind. This is a fairy-like being dressed in white and gold. In German folklore, she brings Christmas gifts. The markets are named after her.

Christmas Village in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This is one of the oldest Christmas Markets in America.

Its German-inspired stalls sell cuckoo clocks, ornaments, table laces, woodworks, and beautiful souvenirs.

Some of the foods include mulled wine, sausages, and waffles!

Adults love to collect the glass of gluhwein while kids join the Kinder Club for fun activities.

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The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco, California

This Christmas market is unique because it's inspired by Charles Dickens and London during Victorian times.

The Cow Palace Arena in Daly City is transformed with lamplit lanes, mock pubs, shops, tearooms, and restaurants that recreate Victorian London. There are also theatres, dance floors, and music halls.

Besides the theatre performances, there are actors dressed as characters from Charles Dickens novels entertaining visitors.

Georgetown Christmas Market Georgetown, Colorado

This Christmas market turns the town into a Christmas wonderland in rugged Colorado. The setting of historic Strousse Park in downtown Georgetown and the backdrop of the mountains has no equal.

There are carol singers in Victorian costumes, horse-drawn wagons, and other seasoned entertainment. There is also a St. Nicholas, Santa Lucia Children’s Procession, as well as a Christmas Museum tour.

Open galleries, restaurants, and breweries make this market unforgettable.

Old World Christmas Market in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

This market is unusual as it takes place in the luxurious Osthoff Resort overlooking scenic Elkhart Lake in Wisconsin.

The stalls are made of freshly-cut balsam trees decorated with beautiful Christmas lights. All of these stalls are inside a heated tent.

Delicious foods include potato pancakes, bratwursts, dumplings, red cabbage, and apple strudels.

This market is also inspired by Czech and Russian traditions!

Christkindlmarkt Alpine in Helen, Georgia

You are probably unaware of a German-themed town in Georgia. Nevertheless, this town is well known by locals for its Bavarian architecture.

This is the perfect place for floating down the river and outdoor hiking in the summer. In winter, the surrounding mountains and forests turn it into the ideal Alpine village for a Christmas market.

This is a walkable town, while the winters are mild and pleasant.

Because of its origins, there are German restaurants and shops for visitors to enjoy year-round.

Toronto Christmas Market in Toronto, Ontario

This is a European Christmas market with a few Canadian twists.

There are Bavarian brass bands and folk dancers from Slovenia and Ukraine.

The shops have beeswax candles, stocking fillers, and art glass.

Visitors can head to beer gardens, Santa's house, or grab a coffee at the Nespresso Nordic Garden Boutique. If this is not enough, tourists can try the distillery walking tour.