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From charming wooden stalls filled with handmade gifts to the warm aroma of mulled cider and fresh-baked cookies, Christmas markets bring out the season’s sparkle in a truly unique way. Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind ornaments, artisan crafts, or just a cozy spot to enjoy the holiday lights, these markets deliver festive vibes that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a winter wonderland.
So hop aboard this one-horse open sleigh and discover Christmas markets across the U.S. you can reach without the hassle of driving!
Northeast
German Christmas Village
November 23 – December 24, 2024
Baltimore, MD
Official Website
Inspired by the traditional German Christkindlmarkt, the Baltimore Christmas Village at the Inner Harbor is like bringing a slice of Germany’s festive flair to the East Coast. Picture this: heated tents, authentic German treats, and unique artisan gifts—everything you need to escape the winter blues!
Holiday shoppers can meander through handmade crafts, savor a bratwurst, or warm up with some glühwein, all while soaking up Baltimore’s waterfront holiday charm. And if that’s not enough to jingle your bells, the village also hosts entertainment and festive performances, making it the ultimate winter wonderland!
How to get there:
Folks from Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia can hop on Amtrak to get to Baltimore’s Penn Station. Carriers like Peter Pan Lines and Wanda Coach are also available with plenty of bus routes to reach Baltimore. Once you’re in the city, the Charm City Circulator and local MTA buses make it easy to get to the Inner Harbor, where the German Christmas Village takes place.
Christmas City Market
November 9 – December 24, 2024
Bethlehem, PA
Official Website
Welcome to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a.k.a. “Christmas City,” where Christkindlmarkt offers a holiday experience that’s as charming as it is festive! Step into an old-world wonderland with authentic artisan crafts, sparkly glass ornaments, and toe-tapping live music. Inspired by the traditional German Christmas markets, it’s a celebration of Bethlehem’s historical roots and holiday cheer.
With over 150 vendors, you can shop till you drop, join in Christmas-themed activities, and even watch live ice carving (because who doesn’t love some frosty art?). All of this magic unfolds against the iconic backdrop of the Bethlehem SteelStacks, blending industrial history with holiday spirit.
How to get there:
You can easily get to Bethlehem from nearby cities with Fullington Trailways and OurBus. Plus, the Lehigh Valley International Airport has shuttle services available if you’re coming from even further afield. Once you’re in Bethlehem, LANta buses make it easy to get around and reach the downtown area and the Christmas City Market.
Journey to the North Pole
November 29, 30, Dec. 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-23, 2024
North Conway, NH
Official Website
Hop aboard the Journey to the North Pole in North Conway for a sleigh-load of holiday magic! This jolly event, brought to you by the Believe in Books Literacy Foundation, takes you on a vintage train ride through the snowy White Mountains. 🎅🚂
Enjoy a merry mix of storytelling, Christmas carols, and hot cocoa as you chug your way to Santa’s workshop. to meet the big guy himself and his squad of elves! Perfect for kids and the young at heart, this festive adventure is a must-do for families eager to sprinkle some holiday cheer and support the cause of children’s literacy.
How to get there:
Hop on a bus or train to North Conway for a scenic, stress-free alternative to driving, or opt for a bus with Concord Coach Lines. The buses and trains both stop near the Eastern Slope Inn Resort, which is only a few blocks North of where the magic happens at the Conway Scenic Railroad.
Christmas Village
November 23 – December 24, 2024
Philadelphia, PA
Official Website
Looking for a dash of European charm this holiday season? Head over to Philadelphia’s Christmas Village in LOVE Park! This open-air German-style market is bursting with holiday cheer, featuring fun treats, handmade gifts, and festive decorations.
Stroll through wooden stalls that would make Santa jealous, snag some unique gifts, and fuel up on German sausages, and waffles. All this while grooving to merry tunes in a vibrant setting.
How to get there:
Getting to Philadelphia’s Christmas Village is a breeze by bus or train. Amtrak will drop you off at 30th Street Station, while most bus carriers take you to the nearby Greyhound Terminal. Once you’re in town, SEPTA’s subway and trolleys get you to LOVE Park, where the Christmas Village awaits.
| New York to Philadelphia | $25.34 | |
| New York to Philadelphia | $63.94 | |
| Baltimore to Philadelphia | $56.28 | |
| Newark to Philadelphia | $50.85 | |
| Your City to Philadelphia | See Prices |
Midwest
Christkindlmarket Chicago
November 22 – December 24, 2024
Chicago, IL
Official Website
Get ready to jingle all the way to Chicago’s Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza! Vendors offer everything from snazzy German glass ornaments to quirky cuckoo clocks—perfect for ticking off that gift list. And don’t even get us started on the food! Dive into schnitzel, potato pancakes, and sip on glühwein in those cute, collectible mugs. With lively performances, carolers, and festive vibes, it’s a holly-jolly extravaganza that attracts locals and tourists alike.
Inspired by Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, it sprinkles Bavarian charm all over the city with live music, performances, and an unmistakable holiday vibe. Think of it as a little slice of Germany in the heart of Chicago, with an extra dose of fun.
How to get there:
Chicago’s Christkindlmarket is super easy to get to for folks coming from out of town. Just hop on an Amtrak train heading to Union Station, or catch a Greyhound or FlixBus to the downtown terminal. Once you’re in the city, the CTA L train or buses will take you right to Daley Plaza, where the market’s held, with stops conveniently nearby.
| Milwaukee to Chicago | $26.54 | |
| Madison to Chicago | $38.33 | |
| Indianapolis to Chicago | $44.43 | |
| Detroit to Chicago | $64.15 | |
| Your City to Chicago | See Prices |
Gingerbread Wonderland
November 26, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Minneapolis, MN
Official Website
Gingerbread Wonderland at Norway House in Minneapolis is a sweet winter wonderland packed with holiday charm! Every year, local bakers, artists, and the community roll up their sleeves to whip up gingerbread masterpieces. It’s a quirky little village with detailed houses, buildings, and even landmarks. Think of it as the Nordic version of Hogwarts, laced with the spirit of “koselig”—cozy vibes galore! 🎄
Visitors of all ages can feast their eyes on the creativity and craftsmanship while diving into Norwegian holiday traditions. There are interactive games, tasty treats, and all the seasonal fun you can handle. This event is a beloved Minneapolis tradition, spreading joy, holiday cheer, and maybe a little frosting, throughout the community.
How to get there:
Getting to Minneapolis by bus or train is a comfy and budget-friendly way to explore the city’s lively downtown and charming neighborhoods. Once you arrive at Union Depot in St. Paul or one of the centrally located bus terminals, it’s easy to hop onto the Metro Transit system, which has plenty of bus and light rail options.
| Saint Cloud to Minneapolis | $14.67 | |
| Wausau to Minneapolis | $23.43 | |
| Rochester to Minneapolis | $29.00 | |
| Duluth to Minneapolis | $36.00 | |
| Your City to Minneapolis | See Prices |
Kerstmarkt Michigan
November 23 – December 21, 2024
Holland, MI
Official Website
This charming Dutch holiday market brings you a slice of Europe with its cute wooden stalls, festive vibes, and handcrafted goodies. It’s like walking into a Hallmark movie, but with poffertjes (those dreamy mini pancakes) and warm Dutch pastries. 🎄
You’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts, tasty holiday treats, and a big dose of Holland’s Dutch heritage. And let’s not forget the carolers and live entertainment, setting the stage for a jolly good time! So, grab your shopping bags and your holiday spirit—because this market is a small-town experience with big European flair.
How to get there:
If you’re coming from nearby cities like Grand Rapids or Detroit, you can take Amtrak’s Pere Marquette line to get to Holland, arriving at Holland Station. Plenty of bus carriers, like Indian Trails and Tornado Bus, also runs buses to the area. Once you’re in Holland, the Macatawa Area Express (MAX) public transit has bus routes that stop close to the Kerstmarkt.
| Grand Rapids to Holland | $8.00 | |
| Chicago to Holland | $29.00 | |
| Ann Arbor to Holland | $38.33 | |
| Milwaukee to Holland | $55.00 | |
| Your City to Holland | See Prices |
South
Christmas at Gaylord Opryland
November 8, 2024-January 4, 2025
Nashville, TN
Official Website
Get ready for some festive fun! “A Country Christmas” at the Gaylord Opryland Resort turns Nashville into a holiday wonderland. With over three million twinkling lights and an ice display hand-carved by talented artisans, there’s plenty to see.
Dive into holiday magic with activities like ice skating, snow tubing, and gingerbread decorating—fun for all ages! Experience Nashville’s unique Southern charm with country music-inspired performances, holiday riverboat rides, and a dazzling Delta atrium decked out in stunning lights.
How to get there:
Plan to take a bus to the Nashville Greyhound Station, the main bus terminal (even for carriers other than Greyhound). Nashville is also accessible by Amtrak, arriving at the Music City Star Riverfront Station. Once you’re in town, you can get around with WeGo Public Transit, which has routes to Opryland. Ride-sharing services and hotel shuttles are also popular options for visitors staying nearby.
| Louisville to Nashville | $26.05 | |
| Jackson to Nashville | $28.91 | |
| Knoxville to Nashville | $39.55 | |
| Memphis to Nashville | $46.51 | |
| Your City to Nashville | See Prices |
Nutcracker Market
November 14-17, 2024
Houston, TX
Official Website
The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market is your ticket to an epic holiday shopping spree with a cause! Supporting the Houston Ballet Foundation, this annual bash brings together over 270 merchants from all over, each dishing out a feast of holiday goodies. From artisan crafts to gourmet treats, there’s holiday magic on every aisle! While you’re at it, soak up the festive vibes, sip on some yuletide cheer, and snag those one-of-a-kind gifts.
Wanna see where those funds are going? Catch an incredible show of The Nutcracker at the Houston Ballet! They keep the show rolling every year as a beloved Houston tradition to kick off the festive season.
How to get there:
You can easily get to the Nutcracker Market in Houston by bus from cities across the state. If trains are more your thing, Amtrak’s Sunset Limited goes to Houston, arriving at the Amtrak Station downtown. Once you’re in the city, Houston’s METRORail and bus system have plenty of routes to help you get to the NRG Center, where the Nutcracker Market is held.
| Katy to Houston | $11.85 | |
| Austin to Houston | $23.76 | |
| San Antonio to Houston | $32.25 | |
| Dallas to Houston | $34.23 | |
| Your City to Houston | See Prices |
Christkindl Market
November 22 – December 24, 2024
Atlanta, GA
Official Website
Christkindlmarket Atlanta is like bringing a slice of Germany to the South, with a dash of holiday cheer! 🎄 Nestled in The Buckhead Village District, this market is your go-to spot for all things festive and fun. Picture wooden stalls loaded with holiday goodies, handcrafted decorations, and scrumptious German treats that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Grab a mug of warm glühwein, munch on bratwurst and roasted nuts, and shop till you drop for artisanal crafts from around the globe. With twinkling lights, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun, Christkindlmarket Atlanta is basically the ultimate holiday hangout for anyone craving a cozy Euro vibe right here in Atlanta. Come for the gifts, stay for the warm fuzzies!
How to get there:
You can reach Atlanta via Amtrak’s Crescent line from places like Charlotte and New Orleans, with trains pulling into Peachtree Station. Southeastern Stages and RedCoach First Class both provide service to Atlanta, with the latter being perfect if you want to make the trip extra snazzy.
For getting around town, the MARTA rail and bus system makes it super easy to navigate Atlanta, and you can easily get to Centennial Olympic Park where the Christkindl Market is held.
| Athens to Atlanta | $25.00 | |
| Birmingham to Atlanta | $30.00 | |
| Knoxville to Atlanta | $35.49 | |
| Savannah to Atlanta | $58.02 | |
| Your City to Atlanta | See Prices |
Dickens on the Strand
December 6-8, 2024
Galveston, TX
Official Website
Step into the Victorian era with Dickens on the Strand in Galveston, Texas! It’s like time-traveling to Charles Dickens’ England, minus the time machine. 🎩
Imagine strolling through Galveston’s historic Strand district, surrounded by actors in snazzy period costumes and merry carolers. Don’t forget the Victorian-era street vendors—your one-stop-shop for all things ‘ye olde’. With lively parades, fun costumes, and delicious traditional treats, it’s a festive blast from the past that’ll make your holiday season feel like a classic novel (without the homework).
How to get there:
You can catch a ride to Galveston on Amtrak from select cities, or head down south in style with Imperial Charters. Once in town, Galveston Island Transit has you covered with buses that stop near the historic Strand district where the festival is happening.
West
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party
November 23 – December 22, 2024
San Francisco, CA
Official Website
Want to step back in time to a bustling Victorian London? The Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party in San Francisco has got you covered! Imagine a street market straight out of a Charles Dickens novel, complete with actors, carolers, and vendors all dressed to the nines in their Victorian best.
You’ll be serenaded by Christmas carols, get crafty with Victorian crafts, and even dine like a true Victorian (the fancy kind, not the Oliver Twist kind). So, grab your top hat or bonnet and get ready to experience a truly unique holiday extravaganza! 🎄🎶
How to get there:
If you’re coming from nearby cities like San Jose or Sacramento, you can hop on Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor or San Joaquins lines and get to San Francisco at the Salesforce Transit Center. Greyhound and FlixBus US have got you covered with convenient bus services as well, with routes from across the country. You can even catch a bus from New York City to San Francisco (though there are plenty of closer options, too). Once you’re in the city, the Muni light rail, buses, and BART offer great options to get you to the fair.
Seattle Christmas Market
November 21 – December 24, 2024
Seattle, WA
Official Website
Welcome to the Seattle Christmas Market, where the Pacific Northwest gets a sprinkle of European holiday magic! 🎄
This market offers a holiday adventure featuring handcrafted goodies, gourmet bites, and classic German treats like glühwein (that’s fancy talk for mulled wine), bratwursts, and apple strudel. Stroll through festive wooden chalets, gaze at the Christmas pyramid, and maybe even have a chat with Santa himself. It’s the perfect spot to soak up some holiday joy and a unique gem in the Seattle scene.
How to get there:
Seattle is easy to reach by bus and train from cities like Portland, Vancouver, and Spokane. Amtrak’s Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, and Cascades lines roll into King Street Station. You can also catch a ride with FlixBus, Northwestern Stage Lines, and other bus operators to the central bus terminal. Once in Seattle, the Link light rail and the King County Metro bus system make it a breeze to get around, especially to the waterfront where the market is held.
| Edmonds to Seattle | $10.89 | |
| Edmonds to Seattle | $11.59 | |
| Portland to Seattle | $23.01 | |
| Vancouver to Seattle | $31.95 | |
| Your City to Seattle | See Prices |
Village of Lights Festival
November 29-December 24, 2024
Leavenworth, WA
Official Website
Leavenworth’s Village of Lights Festival is a Bavarian fairy tale come to life for the holidays! This cute little mountain town gets decked out with over half a million lights—talk about a glow-up. 🎄✨
You can enjoy caroling, get a surprise visit from Santa, and munch on some delicious seasonal treats while taking in the stunning alpine scenery. Imagine snow-covered streets, horse-drawn carriages, and a bustling Christmas market full of hand-crafted goodies. It’s the perfect spot for anyone craving that classic winter wonderland vibe.
How to get there:
If you’re coming from Seattle or Spokane, you can hop on Amtrak’s Empire Builder line and get off at Leavenworth Icicle Station. Northwestern Stage Lines buses also swing by with rides to Leavenworth, and local trolleys and shuttles make it easy to explore the town and the Village of Lights.
| Spokane to Leavenworth | $18.60 | |
| Edmonds to Leavenworth | $53.80 | |
| Seattle to Leavenworth | $55.84 | |
| Tacoma to Leavenworth | $61.04 | |
| Your City to Leavenworth | See Prices |
As you can see, there’s no shortage of spectacular holiday events across the US to fill your festive season with joy and wonder! From stepping into a Victorian-era Christmas fair to savoring the flavors of a German village, each destination offers its own unique charm and traditions.
Whether you’re looking for the magical glow of holiday lights, the quaint charm of gingerbread creations, or an excuse to drink too much hot chocolate, these festive experiences have something delightful for everyone. So gather your loved ones, don your coziest winter attire, and embark on an unforgettable holiday adventure that’ll leave you with heartwarming memories and a hefty dose of holiday cheer.
Happy travels and here’s to a magical holiday season! 🎄✨🎉
