It’s early November, which means it’s time to start thinking about Christmas adventures.
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Sure, it might be a little early to put up the Christmas tree and start baking gingerbread cookies (for most, at least), but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start planning a few small holiday getaways.
And what says cheer like getting some of your gift shopping done while enjoying a classic, traditional Christmas market?
While American Christmas markets aren’t quite as enchanted or old-school as German Christkindlmarkts, as they’re known across the pond, they’re a (very) close second—especially if you live in a snowy area. Whether you want to shop, eat, ice skate, or just soak up the festive atmosphere, most Americans have a Christmas market within reach.
That being said, if you want a more classical experience—one that includes things like gluhwein, artisanal products, and warm, colorful lights galore—you might want to look for traditional Christmas markets.
I’ve rounded up nine of the top picks across the country for classical fare, in no particular order.
Best traditional Christmas markets across the US
Savannah Christmas Market
- Where: Plant Riverside District, Savannah, GA
- When: November 20 – December 31
Set outside in a European-style, you can explore dozens of stalls that sell goods, food, and drinks at the Savannah Christmas Market. Plus, there are performances and children’s activities, including photo ops with Santa Claus. If you want, you can take a look at which vendors and pop-ups will be at this year’s Christmas market—it’s kind of a big deal.
Greenville Christmas Market
- Where: Grand Bohemian Lodge, Greenville, SC
- When: November 28 – December 28
Set inside the regal Grand Bohemian Lodge, the Greenville Christmas Market is the perfect place to make memories with loved ones. In addition to shopping at the local, artisanal vendor stalls, you can take photos with Santa while enjoying live music from a local caroling troop. If you’re visiting with kids, don’t miss out on Kids’ Story Hour in the Grand Bohemian Library.
Alpine Helen Christkindlmarkt
- Where: Marketplatz and Unicoi Hill Park, Helen, GA
- When: Last week of November – first week of December
As one of the most well-known traditional Christmas markets in the US, the small town of Helen comes alive each year for the Alpine Helen Christkindlmarkt. Expect classic vendors hawking handmade treats and candies, artisanal crafts like ornaments, and plenty of mulled wine. You’ll also see this market listed as the Helen Christmas Market.
Texas Christkindl Market
- Where: E Randol Mill Road, Arlington, TX
- When: November 28 – December 23
Established in 2011 alongside Arlington’s sister city of Bad Konigshofen in Germany has helped make the Texas Christkindl Market a state favorite. The outdoor market includes dozens of vendors, along with entertainment. Aside from visits with Santa Claus, you can expect classic musical performances, including a local jazz group, Swiss longhorn, and a traditional German band.
Christmas Market on Main
Where: Main Street, Williamsburg, VA
When: December 6-7
Blink and you’ll miss the Christmas Market on Main in Williamsburg in Yorktown, Virginia. Despite its short run, around 100 vendors pack onto Main Street to sell a range of handmade wares. There’s also plenty of classic fare, including drum and fife performances, along with an official commencement from the Town Crier.
Carmel Christkindlmarkt
Where: 10 Carter Green, Carmel, IN
When: November 22-December 24
So large and established that it has its own mobile app, Carmel Christkindlmarkt is a classic market that brings people from around the Midwest. Along with all the standard Christmas fare (vendors, gluhwein, Santa sightings), Carmel also showcases traditional German foods, like Handbrot and Kartoffelpuffer. You might need a dictionary to help you out.
Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem
- Where: PNC Plaza at SteelStacks, Bethlehem, PA
- When: November 14 – December 21
Renowned across the country, this outdoor Christmas market in Bethlehem offers a well-rounded and highly curated outdoor German-style experience. You’ve got all the festive treats and artisanal vendors to explore, along with activities like lunch with Santa and even speed dating. If you’re looking for a Hallmark-style Christmas market, head to Bethlehem.
Cambria Christmas Market
- Where: 2905 Burton Drive, Cambria, CA
- When: November 28 – December 31
With festive light shows, larger-than-life characters, and tons of family fun on the schedule, Cambria Christmas Market is the Golden State’s premier celebration. There’s a large biergarten and dining area, along with live music from carolers. There’s even a train ride for the kids and on-site hotels for anyone who wants to make a whole weekend of the traditional Christmas market experience.
Georgetown Christmas Market
- Where: Sixth Street, Georgetown, CO
- When: December 6 & 7, December 13 & 14
You only have two weekends to make it to Georgetown to soak up its annual Christmas market—it’s worth the drive. The city has been hosting a traditional Christmas market for the last 65 years. It’s got its routine down pat, from chestnuts roasting in stalls to shops with handmade goods to processions from local caroling groups. There’s even an alpine-style biergarten serving up German specialties.
