There are few things likely to get you in the festive mood more than wrapping up warm and strolling round a Christmas market, browsing for gifts and sampling delicious seasonal treats. And there’s a reason why these treats so often include such delicacies as bratwurst and gluhwein: it’s because the roots of these atmospheric bazaars can be found in Germany in the late Middle Ages, with the tradition having passed down the centuries and enduring to the current day.
In America there are a vast number of Christmas markets – more typically referred to as Holiday Markets – in towns, villages and cities across the country, many of which are modeled on their German cousins across the pond.
Wooden booths and northern European style arts and crafts are both nods to this Germanic heritage and it’s a pastiche that is lapped up by huge numbers of visitors each year. Below is a potted journey around 20 of the best Holiday Markets to visit in the United States.Arlington, One of Texas’ largest cities.
This family-friendly German-inspired market is nestled next to Globe Life Park and features holiday gifts, decorations and other traditional festive goods, as well as an array of live entertainment. Visitors can ensconce themselves in the Warming Haus while kids will enjoy catching a glimpse of the Christkindl Angel and getting their photo taken with Santa himself.
The market also claims to be the only place in the southwest where you can find exclusive Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas decorations and designs from the renowned Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village in Germany. WHEN 23 November-23 December WHERE Texas Live! Plaza, 1650 E. Randol Mill Road, Arlington OPENING HOURS Sun–Thurs 11am-9pm; Fr-Sat 11am-10pm
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This market is actually part of a broader celebration called Macy’s Light Up the Square, which takes place each year in the heart of Cincinnati and features the annual lighting of a Christmas tree along with live music, a fireworks display and an ice skating rink.The market itself is authentically wide range of vendors.
Consistently ranked among America’s best Holiday Markets, and anyone who’s visited will testify as to why. Located on Washington’s F Street between 7th & 9th streets NW, outside the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum, it features a rotating selection of exhibitors and artisans offering fine art, crafts, jewellery, pottery, clothing, and specialty food items.
The market takes place every day from mid-November all the way through to Christmas Eve. Visit the market website here. WHEN 23 November-23 December WHERE Downtown Washington OPENING HOURS Noon-8pm Daily.