We’ve Looked at Six Fantastic Christmas Markets You Should Visit This December

With Christmas only five weeks away it is time to start putting together your list of presents, activities and decoration shopping and although the thought of heading to the bigger stores can be appealing we think a Christmas market is an even better idea.

We’ve looked at some of the markets across the country and put together some of the best, and funkiest, markets for you to choose from.

Christmas Village, Philadelphia

Based on the traditional German markets, the Christmas Village in Philadelphia has many German vendors selling authentic German trinkets, Christmas decorations, toys, accessories and much more. It is always worth going to these German markets with an empty stomach so you can fill up on amazing goodies including German bratwursts, a glass of Gluhwein, schnitzels and cotton candy.

When: November 28th – December 24th 2019
Open: Sunday to Thursday, 11am – 7pm. Friday to Saturday, 11am – 8pm. Thanksgiving Day 9am – 5pm & Christmas Eve 11am – 5pm.
Where: Love Park, JFK Plaza, Philadelphia

Georgetown Christmas Markets, Colorado

If you fancy a more traditional setting for a Christmas market head over to Colorado and their snowy mountains to the beautiful town of Georgetown and join in with their 60th annual Christmas market. As well as their outdoor European marketplace there are also horse drawn wagon rides, Christmas museum tours, appearances by St. Nicholas, carolers in Victorian dress and a Santa Lucia Children’s Procession each day at noon.

Like most Christmas markets there is free entry leaving you more money to spend in the many stunning stalls selling a mixture of Christmas goodies, food and drink – including the amazing Colorado wine – and the different tours through Hamill House, Hotel de Paris and Energy Museums.

When: December 7th & 8th and December 14th & 15th 2019
Open: 10am – 5pm
Where: 6th Street, Downtown Georgetown, Colorado

Christkindlmarkt, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Visited by locals and tourists alike, Christkindlmarkt is an experience for everyone. Celebrating their 27th year there have been many new booths added for 2019 meaning you can buy your Christmas presents, eat your Christmas food and listen to the live Christmas music that is played the entire day.

You can also treat your pets here with several booths dedicated to our furry friends, including a pet photo session with St. Nicholas on certain dates. Make sure you also visit the fire pits and igloos in the outdoor village!

When: November 22nd – December 22nd 2019
Open: Thursday (from 5th December) 11am – 6pm, Fridays 11am – 8pm, Saturdays 10am – 8pm and Sundays 10am – 6pm.
Where: Steelstacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Columbus Circle Holiday Market, New York

You cannot compile a guide to the best Christmas markets across the country without including New York.

New York City has several markets, including Union Square Holiday Market and Grand Central Holiday Fair however we think you should head to Columbus Circle Holiday Market in Central Park West.

Although this is one of the smaller markets it has a huge personality! The buzz you feel as you wander around the jewelry, Christmas decorations, scarves and gloves and children’s toys is something you may not experience in many other markets.

And with the location being Central Park West it is easy enough to head towards the Wollman Rink for some ice-skating under the New York skyline.

When: December 4th – 24th 2019
Open: Monday to Saturday 10am – 8pm, Sunday 10am – 7pm
Where: Columbus Circle, 59th Street, Central Park West, New York City

The Old World Christmas Market, Wisconsin

Wisconsin may be famous for its cheese but their Old World Christmas Market is also something you should be visiting.

With similarities to the Christkindlmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, Wisconsin’s 22nd annual market is full of Christmas cheer from around the world. Whether you prefer Russian nesting dolls, Czech glass-blown ornaments or Estonia woollens there really is something for everyone.

Once you have finished your shopping head over to The Old World Food Court which has a fantastic choice of international fare, including Nuremberg bratwurst, apple strudel, dumplings and more. And if that isn’t enough to get you in the Christmas spirit, Father Christmas himself will be wandering around the market, ready to speak to anyone regardless of which list they have made!

When: December 6th – 15th 2019
Open: 10am – 5pm
Where: The Osthoff Resort, 101 Osthoff Avenue, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, San Francisco

If you are looking for a Christmas fair with a difference head over to Daly City in San Francisco where they will be hosting their Great Dickens Christmas Fair, dedicated to life in Victorian London, England.

You’ll join hundreds of performers in a twilight evening in Charles Dickens’ London Town and can roam the winding streets in search of Christmas gifts, decorations, food and drink with the beautiful aroma of roasted chestnuts in the air.

When: November 23rd – December 22nd 2019
Open: 10am – 7pm
Where: Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, San Francisco

Whichever Christmas market you decide to head to – whether on our list or not – we’re sure you’ll have an amazing time.