Europe doesn’t have a monopoly on enchanting Christmas markets. From traditional German-inspired markets to charming local fairs, many North American cities boast colourful holiday markets that are perfect for getting into the spirit of the season. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, delicious food or festive entertainment, here are 10 of the biggest and most interesting Christmas markets in North America that you can plan a holiday adventure around.

Quebec City German Christmas Market

Quebec City is often compared to cities in Europe so it just seems natural that it has a Christmas market that feels like something from the old world.  From late November until the day before Christmas eve, the Quebec City German Christmas Market transforms the streets of Old Quebec into a festive European village. Featuring more than 90 wooden kiosks offering local crafts, German and European specialities like bratwurst, mulled wine and gingerbread, the market has become a must-visit destination during the festive season. Visitors can also enjoy live music, puppet theatre performances and family-friendly activities in the charming cobblestone streets and historic setting that only add to the magical holiday atmosphere,

Carmel Christkindlmarkt

Located in Carmel, Indiana, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt transforms the city centre into a Bavarian-style winter wonderland. With over 50 vendors selling traditional German foods, Christmas decorations, handicrafts and other items, this market is a festive delight. Visitors can enjoy warming mulled wines, ice skating and live music, making it a perfect spot to get into the holiday spirit.

Christkindlmarket Chicago

Chicago’s Daley Plaza hosts the Christkindlmarket, inspired by the original market in Nuremberg, Germany. This European-style market offers festive entertainment, delicious food and drinks like sausages, sauerkraut and mulled wine, and plenty of shopping opportunities. Visitors can find handmade ornaments, nutcrackers, steins and other beautifully-crafted wares, creating a truly magical holiday experience.

Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt

Considering the town’s name, it’s no surprise that Bethlehem, Pennsylvania has a holiday market worth discovering. Known as Christmas City, Bethlehem hosts the Christkindlmarkt, a thriving market filled with artisan handmade crafts, traditional foods and festive activities. Visitors can enjoy glass-blowing demonstrations, sing along to iconic Christmas songs and indulge in Bratwurst. The market’s charming atmosphere and Yuletide fun make it a must-visit destination during the holiday season.

Toronto Christmas Market

The Toronto Christmas Market, held in the historic Distillery District, offers a fairytale winter wonderland setting with over 65 Bavarian-style stalls, twinkling lights and festive decorations. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and a variety of holiday treats while exploring the cobblestone streets. The market’s enchanting atmosphere and family-friendly activities make it a highlight of the holiday season in Toronto.

Christmas Village Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s Love Park hosts the Christmas Village, a German-style market featuring more than 80 traditional wooden booths. International vendors sell ornaments, handcrafted gifts, jewellery and traditional German treats. The market’s festive atmosphere, combined with the iconic LOVE statue, creates a perfect holiday photo op and a delightful shopping experience.

DowntownDC Holiday Market

Washington, D.C.’s DowntownDC Holiday Market brings together nearly 100 vendors selling handcrafted and boutique wares. Live music sets a festive tone, and visitors can enjoy warming beverages and yummy treats while perusing the market. The market’s vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings make it a popular destination for holiday shopping.

Savannah Christmas Market

The Savannah Christmas Market in Georgia blends European and Southern holiday traditions with festive charm. Located in the Plant Riverside District, the market features live performances, family-friendly activities and holiday-themed events. Visitors can enjoy Christmas shopping, the Festival of Trees, and curated holiday dining experiences, creating a memorable holiday atmosphere.

Great Dickens Christmas Fair

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in Daly City, California, invites visitors to step back in time and experience Victorian London. The fair features improvised lamplit lanes, mock pubs and theatres, dance floors, music halls, tearooms, and shops all filled with costumed characters. This immersive experience brings Charles Dickens’ novels to life and offers a unique holiday adventure. God bless us, everyone!

Roc Holiday Village

The Roc Holiday Village in Rochester, New York, offers a variety of wares and gift items from more than 25 vendors that rotate weekly. The Mini Makers Market features smaller, local craftspeople, ensuring visitors find something for everyone on their shopping list. The market’s cozy atmosphere and festive decorations create a delightful holiday shopping experience.