Celebrate the Holidays Abroad — Right Here in the USA: Top US Christmas Markets to Visit

Published on November 22, 2025

The arrival of winter across the United States turns many cities into glowing holiday destinations. Travellers from around the world can explore US Christmas markets that blend European-style traditions with American creativity. Each market offers warm drinks, local crafts, sparkling lights and festive entertainment, creating memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.

Chicago: A Trio of Festive Experiences

Chicago remains one of the most celebrated Christmas destinations in the country. The city hosts three major markets, each inspired by classic German Christkindl traditions.

Daley Plaza

Daley Plaza’s Christmas Market is the most iconic of Chicago’s festive sites. It features rows of wooden stalls selling hand-crafted ornaments, European-style treats, and warm spiced drinks. Travellers often collect the annual souvenir mug — a tradition locals look forward to every year. The market typically opens in late November and continues until Christmas Eve, offering a long festive season for visitors.

Wrigleyville

Wrigleyville adds a modern, youthful twist to the holiday experience. Located next to Chicago’s famous ballpark, the market features bright decorations, themed food stalls, and family-friendly entertainment. Visitors enjoy afternoon strolls, hot drinks, and plenty of photo opportunities under glowing holiday lights.

Aurora

Just outside the city, the Aurora market offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. With dozens of stalls, travellers can find regional crafts and cosy seasonal foods. The market’s riverside location adds charm, especially in the evenings when the lights reflect across the water.

Chicago is well connected by public transit, and the U.S. Department of Transportation notes that the city’s rail and bus systems offer easy access to these festive areas, making it convenient for international tourists.

New York City: Holiday Energy on Every Corner

New York City’s Christmas markets are among the most atmospheric in the country. Each location has its own character, drawing travellers from around the globe.

Bryant Park Winter Village

Bryant Park transforms into a glowing village with over a hundred market stalls. An open-air ice rink, seasonal food hall and themed pop-up kiosks create a complete winter experience. Travellers can skate, shop and enjoy warm drinks while looking up at the city’s tall buildings lit for the holidays.

Union Square Holiday Market

Union Square offers a lively market filled with local crafts, handmade gifts and seasonal treats. Visitors can explore a maze of artist booths and taste small-batch foods produced across the region. This market is ideal for travellers searching for unique souvenirs.

Grand Central Terminal Holiday Market

Inside the historic terminal, travellers can enjoy a sheltered indoor market filled with artisan goods. More than forty makers typically participate, offering prints, textiles, luxury items and travel-friendly gifts. The setting under the terminal’s famous celestial ceiling adds elegance to the experience.

New York City’s markets are easy to reach thanks to extensive subway and bus networks, which the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania: America’s “Christmas City”

Bethlehem is known nationally as “Christmas City,” and its festive market lives up to that reputation. Set within the dramatic landscape of a former steel plant now used as a cultural venue, the market blends heritage and holiday charm. Travellers find handmade crafts, traditional food, live holiday music and a warm sense of community. The town’s historic district also offers walking tours, illuminated streets and seasonal decor that attract visitors throughout December.

San Antonio, Texas: A Southern Holiday Glow

San Antonio welcomes travellers with a unique market full of Texan holiday spirit. For one weekend, several blocks of Houston Street shine with hundreds of thousands of lights. Visitors can browse around eighty stalls offering artisan crafts, regional foods and festive décor. Warm evenings, soft lighting and outdoor music create a celebratory atmosphere perfect for travellers seeking a milder winter climate.

The U.S. Travel Association highlights San Antonio as one of the country’s most walkable historic cities, helping visitors easily access the market and nearby riverfront attractions.

Other Markets to Explore

Several other cities also host standout markets each year.

• Denver offers a traditional German-inspired market with live entertainment.
• Baltimore’s Inner Harbor features a European-style village with family attractions and festive rides.

Why Travellers Should Explore US Christmas Markets

These markets offer more than holiday shopping. They provide cultural insight, seasonal flavours and memorable moments. Travellers can enjoy music performances, traditional foods, handcrafted gifts and immersive holiday scenery. With strong transport networks, diverse cities and welcoming holiday traditions, the United States offers a festive journey that suits families, couples and solo travellers alike.