Best Christmas markets in the United States

There are only a handful of things more likely to get you in a festive mood than walking through a Christmas Market, trying delicious holiday treats and browsing the many stalls for gifts. Luckily, you don't have to travel all the way to Europe to enjoy one of these traditionally-German holiday markets. Here are some of the best Christmas Markets in the United States.

Union Square Holiday Market - New York City

You could easily spend an entire day exploring the Union Square Holiday Market within the heart of Manhattan. This internationally renowned version of the old-world markets of Europe consists of over 150 stalls that offer a variety of handcrafted goods, seasonal treats, and other items.

There's also a kid's craft studio, live musical performances, and other entertainment. Several vendors offer NYC-based fares, such as artisan jams and locally-sourced goods. Other items you can find at the Christmas market include handmade jewelry, toys, and ornaments.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market - New York City

That fact that this holiday market is located in Central Park in New York City probably has something to do with the Columbus Circle Holiday Market being the country's best-known Christmas market. Visitors often lose themselves in the many aisles of delicious foods, drinks, art, homeware, and much more. A large amount of what you'll find at the market is created by independent designers and gifted artisans.

Christmas Village - Philadelphia

It's hard to find a more festive place during the holiday season than Christmas Village on the grounds of Philadelphia City Hall. The German-themed Christmas market owes its renowned unique atmosphere to the live performance of Christmas classics and thousands of lights. You'll find handmade crafts, jewelry, art, toys, ornaments, and much more being sold at over 80 stalls.

There's also no shortage of traditional Christmas market food and drink, including mulled wine, gingerbread, bratwurst, and waffles.

Christkindlmarket - Chicago

There are many reasons why people visit Christkindlmarket in Chicago, and one of those is the sausage. Of course, there are many other delicious German-inspired food options found throughout the market as well.

Many vendors sell woodworking masterpieces, ornaments, cuckoo clocks, and other gifts. One of the most popular things to do at the holiday market is to enjoy a cup of glühwein, or mulled wine, in a themed cup that changes each year. There is also the Kinder Club for children that offers activities like scavenger hunts. Christkindlmarket is one America's longest-running Christmas markets.

Downtown Holiday Market - Washington DC

The Downtown Holiday Market in Washington DC is frequently ranked among the best holiday markets in the United States. Situated outside the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the market features a changing selection of more than 150 vendors offering specialty food, clothing, pottery, jewelry, and crafts.

The holiday market has more of a global flair than other Christmas markets, which is easily identified in the food you'll find, ranging from German sauerkraut and chocolate cake to German Peruvian empanadas. You can also hear carolers singing and other live performances.

Christkindlmarket - Bethlehem

The Christkindlmarket in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania overflows with old world charm. Over 125 artisans impress with a wide variety of gifts, such as hand-crafted candles, pottery, stunning glass art, jewelry, and gourmet food just to name a few. The holiday market in the Christmas City is the perfect place to get in the festive holiday mood with live Christmas music, giant playhouses, and ice-sculpting demonstrations.