Nothing spells holiday cheer and Christmas spirit like meandering around in the markets while shopping for goodies. Though earlier holiday markets were a popular concept only in European cities, nowadays closer home, this tradition is gaining a lot of traction in North American cities and towns as well! Gingerbread houses, fairy-lights, wooden huts, handmade goods and most importantly, delicious Christmas delicacies become the talk of the town as the month of December nears! So, if you are planning a vacation to the US around Christmas time, make sure that you keep aside a day in your itinerary planner to visit at least one such holiday market. Here is our list of the top markets in the US that you ought to visit for a joyous time!
1. Union Square Holiday Market, New York
Pic by Charley Lhasa
A perfect destination to shop and eat in Manhattan during the holiday season, this internationally acclaimed market is home to more than 150 vendors selling a unique produce of unusual items. Some out-of-the-box gifting options like brew-your-own-beer kits and monogrammed stuffed animals sold at iconic red-white tents in this market make it quite a popular one among shoppers.
2.Christmas Village, Philadelphia
Pic by Opeyemi
Situated in Philadelphia’s iconic ‘Love’ Park (JFK Plaza), the Christmas Village is a holiday market which operates from Christmas to Thanksgiving. A vivacious market decorated with thousands of twinkling fairy-lights, this magical place is the best one to shop for seasonal gifts as well as edible classics. In addition to the huge variety of stalls, the live music performances add to the festive spirit of this market.
3.Christkindlmarkt, Chicago, Illinois
Pic By Max Goldberg
Offering a chance to sample more than 70 types of sausages, the Christkindlmarkt is indeed the best Christmas gift a foodie could have asked for! One of the few Christmas markets in the US which bear a close resemblance to traditional German ones, this market sells goods like cuckoo clocks, glass ornaments and wood carvings. Located in the shadow of the enormous Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza, this market is the finest place to shop for souvenirs.
4.Great Dickens Christmas Fair, San Francisco
Pic by Quinn Dombrowski
A market which promises to take you back into the Victorian era, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair, San Francisco is a huge open space which has been converted into a miniature London town packed with actors dressed in traditional clothes of that era and shops as well as street vendors selling jewelry and Christmas ornaments. Modeled along the theme of the ‘Christmas Carol’, this market is held for five weekends in the holiday season.
5.Downtown Holiday Market, Washington DC
Pic by Elvert Barnes
Regional artisans and craftsmen selling handmade goods like pottery, paintings and textiles treat tourists to a fulfilling holiday shopping experience at the Downtown Holiday Market, Washington DC. A perfect blend of traditional and modern worlds, this market sells a humongous variety of food and gift items- from liquid nitrogen ice creams to ethnic jewelry pieces!So, when you visit Dc, add this place to your vacation planner and witness this vibrant market and festivity.
6.Georgetown Christmas Market, Colorado
Pic by Amy Aletheia Cahill
Horse-drawn carriages riding through the streets and carol singers dressed in Victorian costumes welcome visitors to one of the prettiest and the most ancient holiday markets in the US, the Georgetown Christmas Market. Roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and Victorian antiques sold at this place are a must-buy.
7.Arlington Christkindlmarkt, Texas
Pic by Enchant Christmas Facebook page
Sweaters made from alpaca wool, exquisite pottery and fascinating decoration items are few things that you ought to buy when you visit the Arlington Christkindlmarkt, Texas. One of the largest open-air markets in the US, this place is a family-friendly destination that is buzzing with activities throughout the holiday season.
So, this Christmas season, be your own Santa and add these lively marketplaces to your trip plan for a splendid time! Merry Christmas!
