5 U.S. Holiday Markets to Get You in the Christmas Spirit

Offering handcrafted gifts and delicious treats, these shops are a destination

Holiday markets offer something for everyone. Here, the shops at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park in New York.

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Rebecca Treon,

AARP

Published November 12, 2024

The twinkling lights, Christmas carols, aroma of baked goods, rows of vendors, and bustling shoppers of holiday markets conjure feelings of nostalgia, making them a destination for centuries. Christmas markets originated in Germany in the 15th century – among the oldest is the Dresden Striezelmarkt, which started in 1434. The tradition spread throughout Europe and eventually to the United States, becoming more popular in recent decades.

Europe’s Christmas markets draw visitors from around the globe to experience the magic of the centuries-old tradition. According to the AARP travel trends survey, last year’s decline in international travel holds constant and is still below pre-pandemic levels. Domestic road trips continue to be a focus for travelers over 50. While a visit to Europe during the holidays might still be on your bucket list, there are wonderful holiday markets from coast to coast right here in the U.S.

American holiday markets offer something for everyone and make a great outing with friends or the whole family. Whether they have a modern take on the holidays or bring the past to life, these five holiday markets will get you in the spirit.

Carmel Christkindlmarkt in Indiana focuses on German holiday traditions.

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Carmel Christkindlmarkt, Carmel, Indiana

Near Indianapolis, Carmel Christkindlmarkt’s mission is to educate guests about the cultural impact German holiday traditions have had around the world. Activities include ice skating, live music, and demonstrations by German glassblowers and woodcarvers.

Carmel Christkindlmarkt is trying to be the most authentic Christkindlmarkt in the United States, says Maria Adele Rosenfeld, CEO of the holiday market. Guests say that when they walk into the market, they really do feel transported to Germany. The market’s one of a kind, handmade products “create a mecca for shoppers who want to get a unique gift,” she says.

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt features nearly 50 gift vendors selling items such as imported ornaments, cuckoo clocks, beer steins, and nutcrackers. Their food vendors hawk authentic potato pancakes, gooey raclette, bratwurst, pretzels, and Glühwein served in a collectible boot. Admission: Free. Open Nov. 23 to Dec. 24 (closed Thanksgiving Day).

The holiday wonderland in Bryant Park features artisan vendors, imported gifts, and gourmet treats.

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Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, New York

In midtown Manhattan, nearly 10 acres of the city is transformed into a holiday wonderland each year in Bryant Park. Inspired by Europe’s open-air markets, glass kiosks line the park, featuring nearly 200 artisan vendors, imported gifts, and gourmet treats. Catherine Mariasch, 56, owns Mariasch Studios, and has been a vendor at Bryant Park for 20 years. She remembers building and decorating her first tent-style booth with her parents.

“I cherish the memories of us laughing and smiling with the customers in the shop …. It is most certainly a magical place!” says Mariasch. “We have return customers … who collect our pieces. What’s nice is that they always make sure to tell us about their previous visits, how wonderfully the gifts were received, and how much they enjoyed giving them.” In addition to myriad food and gift vendors, Winter Village at Bryant Park has free ice skating, a curling strip and cafe, The Lodge food hall, and cozy igloos. Admission: Free. Open through Jan. 5.

christmas fair with people dressed up in vintage clothing

Victorian London comes to life at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair where people are dressed in traditional clothing.

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The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, San Francisco

Charles Dickens’ timeless holiday classic comes to life at The Great Dickens Christmas Fair. A more than 4-acre event venue is transformed into Victorian London with glowing street lamps and winding lanes full of holiday revelers. Surrounded by people dressed in traditional garb, guests can explore upscale and working-class sides of town, have high tea or a pint at the pub, savor fish and chips, and see live performances.

“History … is part of who we are as people,” says Kevin Patterson, founder and producer. His parents, who started the fair, found the Victorian period fascinating and inspiring. People are looking for a celebration and “for ways to connect and acknowledge each other in ways that are playful and artistic and creative.” He adds, “the story of A Christmas Carol is alive in the streets of the fair … [it’s] essentially Christmas Eve in Victorian London.”

In addition to the revelry, there are dozens of vendors selling handmade ornaments, pipes, housewares, costumes, and art. Admission: Adult all-day ticket $45; youth all-day ticket $25; twilight (after 3 p.m.) $30 for adults; $18 for children. Open weekends Nov. 23 through Dec. 22.

Savannah Christmas Market, Savannah, Georgia

On the Savannah River, the Plant Riverside District is a former power plant that has been transformed into a series of entertainment venues anchored by a JW Marriott. European charm meets Southern hospitality at the Savannah Christmas Market, which offers shopping, a tree lighting, and tree and booth decorating competitions.

According to Brigitte VanBaelen, director of marketing for the district, the market is open for 41 days and has diverse offerings that range from wood cutters to jewelry, pottery to kids’ items. “[We try] to preserve the feel of a true European market,” she says. “We see a lot of families, we see a lot of [multigenerational families] come by, whether locals or they flew here specifically to be here for the holidays or if somebody [is] taking an extended holiday trip. We really have a blend of all those people and visitors.”

VanBaelen and a colleague operate two booths – one that is dedicated to food and beverage and one that sells hand-painted egg ornaments sourced from Austria. Admission: Free. Open Nov. 21 through Dec. 31.

Cherry Creek Holiday Market features nearly 50 handpicked artisan vendors.

Courtesy Cherry Creek Holiday Market

Cherry Creek Holiday Market, Denver

In Denver, the city’s newest holiday market is celebrating its fifth anniversary in the Cherry Creek North shopping district. Each of the market’s nearly 50 artisan vendors are handpicked, like Edoardo Quevedo, co-owner of Wuaman, an alpaca knitwear company. He says he loves seeing his regular clients each year. Shoppers will find everything from candles to blankets, pottery to handmade pasta, making creative gift giving easy.

Kenny Nelson, the market’s production manager, says they put a great focus on curating vendors to include local artisans and that they’re probably the ones staffing the booths themselves. Repeat customers say they love coming back each year and “developing that relationship with a shopkeeper or an owner because they can tell you their story, they can tell you with great knowledge, [that] this is where our product comes from,” he says.

The Cherry Creek Holiday Market also has a popup cocktail bar called the Mistletoe Lounge that offers holiday-inspired craft beverages and live music. It’s located inside a heated tent that has seating areas and vignettes for photo ops. Admission: Free. Open Nov. 21 through Dec. 24.

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Rebecca Treon is a Denver-based freelance food and travel writer and the author of a forthcoming guidebook, Colorado Food Trails. You can find her work at rebeccatreon.com.