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The 8 Best Holiday Markets in the U.S. for 2025

The 8 Best Holiday Markets in the U.S. for 2025

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

No matter what you celebrate, holiday markets are a fun place to get all your shopping done and actually enjoy yourself. This centuries-old European tradition is a great way to get into the spirit of the season with the all of lights, decorations, tinkling music, and the bustle of people trying to pick out the perfect gifts.

We've rounded up a list of the nation's most beloved annual pop-up markets, verified with current dates and details for the 2025-2026 season, so you can experience this festive tradition—no passport required!

1. Christkindlmarket (Chicago, IL)

One of the Windy City's most beloved holiday traditions is the Christkindlmarket, inspired by the 16th-century Christkindlesmarket in Nuremberg, Germany. This market brings famous international traditions to Chicago, complete with the twinkling fairy lights, wooden vendor huts, and authentic German food and drink (like Glühwein).

  • 2025 Dates: November 21 – December 24, 2025

  • Locations: Daley Plaza (Downtown) and Gallagher Way (Wrigleyville).

  • Pro-Tip: The Daley Plaza market is the largest and most traditional. Don't forget to grab an annual souvenir mug!

  • Link: https://www.christkindlmarket.com/

2. Union Square Holiday Market (New York City, NY)

Union Square transforms into an immersive, outdoor shopping village. More than 150 vendors come to showcase their selection of handmade jewelry, artwork, leather goods, and gourmet treats. This market always offers a curated selection of unique, high-quality gifts.

  • 2025 Dates: November 13 – December 24, 2025 (Confirmed Start Date)

  • Location: Union Square Park.

  • Local Tip: Look for the new "Little Brooklyn" and "Kid's Craft Studio" sections to find highly localized or family-friendly goods.

  • Link: https://urbanspacenyc.com/union-square-holiday-market

3. Downtown Holiday Market (Washington, D.C.)

You can really feel the holiday spirit in the air at this outdoor market with over 150 regional artisans and boutique businesses. This market is highly acclaimed for its live entertainment, which often includes local choirs, jazz ensembles, and dance troupes performing festive music throughout the day.

  • 2025 Dates: November 14 – December 23, 2025 (Confirmed Start Date)

  • Location: NEW LOCATION: Dupont Circle, on New Hampshire Ave, NW.

  • Must-Eat: The churro stand is a must-visit for a sugary treat—trust us, you will not regret it.

  • Link: https://dcholidaymarket.net/

4. Christmas Village (Philadelphia, PA)

Inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets, this market offers over 110 international and local vendors selling authentic European food, ornaments, jewelry, and arts and crafts. It's known for its huge, ornate Christmas tree and the scent of sizzling bratwurst and spiced wine that fills the air.

  • 2025 Dates: November 27 – December 24, 2025 (Preview Weekend starts Nov 22)

  • Location: LOVE Park and City Hall.

  • Link: https://philachristmas.com/

5. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair (San Francisco, CA)

Take a trip back in time to Victorian London at this immersive event. Inspired by A Christmas Carol, the fair converts a 120,000-square-foot space into old-timey London with winding lanes, pubs, theaters, and charming shops. You can meet more than 800 costumed characters from Dickens’ books, including Ebenezer Scrooge.

  • 2025 Dates: Select Weekends from November 22 – December 21, 2025

  • Location: Cow Palace Exhibition Halls (Daly City).

  • Link: https://www.dickensfair.com/

6. Enchant Christmas (Multiple Cities, Including Los Angeles)

Enchant is more than just a market; it’s an entire holiday experience, often featuring the world’s largest Christmas light maze, an ice skating trail, and a large dining area. The Christkindl Market Lane features an elite roster of vendors carrying homemade goods, gourmet treats, and home décor.

  • 2025 Dates: Various, mid-November 2025 – early January 2026 (e.g., Los Angeles runs Nov 21 – Dec 28)

  • 2025 Locations Include: Los Angeles (Santa Anita Park), Washington, D.C., and others.

  • Link: https://enchantchristmas.com/

7. Christkindlmarkt (Denver, CO)

The Denver Christkindlmarkt captures the spirit of the Bavarian Alps right in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Hosted by the German American Chamber of Commerce, the market is known for its high-quality German and European imported gifts, handmade ornaments, and authentic German and Austrian food and drinks.

8. Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt (Cincinnati, OH)

This is one of the Midwest’s most authentic German-style markets. Cincinnati’s strong German heritage shines here, featuring traditional glühwein (hot mulled wine), imported German beers, and vendors selling handmade crafts and decorations. It's a charming, smaller-scale market perfect for a weekend trip.

  • 2025 Dates: November 22 – December 28, 2025

  • Location: Smale Riverfront Park.

  • Link: https://cincinnatichristkindlmarkt.com/

Planning Your Holiday Market Road Trip

No matter which of these fantastic markets you choose to visit, getting there is half the fun. A holiday road trip is the perfect way to kick off the season.

Whether you're driving coast-to-coast to visit the Dickens Fair or navigating the streets of Chicago for Christkindlmarket, a reliable road atlas is the best way to plot your route and ensure you don't miss any seasonal stops along the way.

Ready to start planning your festive getaway?

Author: Rand Publishing Team
Date:Dec 11th 2025