Last Updated on October 15, 2026 by Fadra Nally
UPDATED FOR THE 2026 HOLIDAY SEASON!
If you’re like me, you’re dreaming about visiting the Christmas markets in Europe. You know the ones… Geneva, Strasbourg, Vienna, Gdansk (yes, Poland has a top Christmas market!). But it’s also Christmas time in the United States – a wonderful time to be home, enjoying the decorations, the lights, the cookies, and possibly saving your money for your vacation in warmer weather.
If Europe isn’t part of your holiday travel plans but the East Coast is, I’ve compiled a list of European-style Christmas markets that feel like the Old World while still staying a little closer to home.
Some of these I’ve visited and some are on my list to explore!
Table of Contents
Map of East Coast European-Style Christmas Markets
You’ll notice that most of the markets are clustered in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, where many European traditions are alive and well. Some are big city markets with big city budgets while others are so authentic, they’re run by local German clubs!
Pro tip
We love to start the holiday season with a weekend kickoff. If you want to trun a day trip into a road trip, consider booking a hotel near your favorite European-style Christmas market!
Maryland Christmas Markets
Christmas Village in Baltimore – Baltimore, MD
I have to start local, of course! I’ve been going to this Christmas market for years and every year it gets a little more magical.
Located along the Inner Harbor, this market feels straight out of Europe with its wooden stalls, twinkling lights, steaming cups of glühwein, and, of course, “The Pyramid”. You’ll find everything from handmade ornaments to warm Belgian fries in this village in downtown Baltimore.
Location: 501 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
Food + Drink: Glühwein (in a souvenir boot mug), Schnitzel, Belgian fries, Raclette, Bratwurst, Beer
2026 Dates: November 21 – December 27
Admission: Free, although there is a charge of $5 for adults on weekends for entry into the heated tent
Website: https://www.baltimore-christmas.com/
Pro tip
If you plan on returning to the village more than once, you can buy a season pass for only $5 that gets you repeated admission to the heated tent
Traditional German Christmas Market – Potomac, MD
This cozy community-run German Christmas Market feels like a little slice of Europe tucked just outside Washington, DC. You’ll find handcrafted ornaments, traditional Christmas goodies, and plenty of delicious baked treats courtesy of The FRIENDS—an incredible volunteer group that’s been supporting the German International School community since 1969. Add in local and regional vendors plus German comfort food, and you’ve got a festive little market that feels both homegrown and authentically European.
Location: 10010 Falls Rd, Potomac, MD
Food + Drink: Local and regional vendors, authentic German treats
2026 Dates: December 5, 11am to 5pm
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.friendsgisw.com/german-christmas-market.html
Williamsport Christkindlmarkt – Williamsport, MD
This outdoor German-style Christmas market brings all the cozy holiday vibes with more than 30 vendors selling handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and plenty of delicious food. Live music sets the mood while you wander from stall to stall. Visitors are encouraged to bring new shoes for children or young adults, adding a meaningful touch to the holiday giving season.
Photos courtesy of Williamsport Christkindlmarkt
Location: 17051 Virginia Avenue, Williamsport, MD
Food + Drink: Various food available
2026 Dates: Saturday, December 5th 10am to 7pm and Sunday, December 6th 12noon to 5pm
Admission: $5
Website: https://www.facebook.com/WilliamsportGermanChristmasMarket/
Christkindlmarkt Hagerstown – Hagerstown, MD
Inspired by a tradition dating back to 12th-century Germany, Christkindl Markt Hagerstown is all about classic holiday feels. Local artisans set up shop alongside vendors selling traditional Christmas wares and imported German favorites. And don’t miss the food, especially the Glühwein. This warm, spiced wine is a centuries-old staple that’ll heat you up from the inside out and keep you happily browsing long after the sun goes down.
Location: 53 West Washington Street, Hagerstown, MD
Food + Drink: Local food available
2026 Dates: December 11 – December 12, Fri (3pm-8pm) and Sat (10am-4pm)
Admission: Free
Website: https://christkindlmarkthagerstown.com/
Christkindlmarkt – Westminster, MD
Held at the historic Union Mills Homestead, this Christkindlmarkt brings German traditions to life with handcrafted gifts, festive decorations, and cozy holiday food. You’ll find vendors set up in the historic Grist Mill and Tannery. The blacksmith and woodworking shops will be open, and part of the Union Mills Homestead will be decorated for the season so you can wander through and soak up the festive atmosphere. It’s a cozy celebration of German heritage, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
Location: Union Mills Homestead, 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD 21158
Food + Drink: Food and drinks available for purchase
2026 Dates: November 21, 10am–4pm
Admission: $5 per vehicle
Website: https://unionmills.org/events/christkindlmarkt/
Kris Kringle Christmas Market – La Plata, MD
Inspired by the famous markets of Germany, La Plata’s Kris Kringle Christmas Market brings together local artisans, seasonal decorations, and a festive holiday spirit. It’s a family-friendly event with treats, shopping, and plenty of holiday cheer. You can even purchase fresh greens sourced from nearby yards and fields.
Your $5 entry (kids 10 and under are free) gets you access to a long list of festive happenings: Santa’s big arrival, a musical fireworks show, the Christmas tree lighting, strolling carolers, school chorus performances, a living nativity, local nonprofit vendors, delicious food stalls, 4H-run children’s activities, a lighted holiday path, and a charming Christmas Village.
Location: Charles County Fairgrounds, 8440 Fairgrounds Rd, La Plata, MD
Food + Drink: Food vendors with tasty Christmas treats
2026 Dates: December 11 – December 13
Admission: $5 (10 and under free)
Website: https://charlescountyfair.com/kriskringlechristmasmarket/
Poplar Hall Christmas Parade of Horses & Market
The Poplar Hall Christmas Parade of Horses & Market returns to historic Chesapeake City, transforming the Victorian waterfront town into an equestrian holiday wonderland. The day kicks off with a Horse Meet & Greet followed by a festive parade featuring multiple riding disciplines. Pell Gardens then becomes a handmade Christmas market with 30+ artisans, live music, a new beer garden, local food vendors, and appearances from Father Christmas and Krampus. It’s one of the region’s most magical holiday events – perfect for families, shoppers, and horse lovers alike.
Photos courtesy of Poplar Hall Christmas Parade of Horses & Market
Location: 108 Bohemia Ave, Chesapeake City, MD
Food + Drink: Food from local restaurants and a new Beer Garden
2026 Dates: December 12
Admission: TBD
Website: https://www.facebook.com/PoplarHall1780
Virginia Christmas Markets
Herndon WinterMarkt – Herndon, VA
Herndon’s WinterMarkt brings European holiday cheer to Northern Virginia with artisan vendors, festive lights, live entertainment, and delicious global foods. It’s lively, welcoming, and filled with small-town charm — a perfect place to sip hot drinks, browse gifts, and enjoy the season.
It’s completely family-friendly, with entertainment, activities, and unique gifts for every age. The WinterMarkt also brings together neighbors, civic groups, and local businesses to share in Herndon’s holiday traditions.
Location: 777 Lynn St, Herndon, VA
Food + Drink: Warm Glühwein in keepsake mugs, a selection of German beers, traditional German fare including bratwurst and currywurst, authentic British fish and chips, handmade Scandinavian pretzels, melty raclette cheese, freshly baked strudel, and an array of sweet treats and baked delights
2026 Dates: December 12, 12pm – 7pm
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.herndonwintermarkt.com/
Winchester Old Town Winter Village – Winchester, VA
Step into a cozy holiday scene straight out of a European Christmas market right in the heart of historic Old Town Winchester, Virginia. The pedestrian mall transforms into a festive village filled with modern and traditional vendors offering crafts, gifts, and delicious seasonal treats. Local shops get in on the fun too, decking their halls and offering holiday specials for visitors of all ages.
As you wander, you’ll hear live carolers and musicians filling the air with holiday cheer. You can even hop on a free horse-cart ride for that extra storybook touch. And because no European-style market is complete without it, participating restaurants will be serving warm glühwein with several spots offering kinderpunch, a cozy spiced cider just for the kids.
Location: 1 North Loudoun Street, Winchester, VA 22601
Food + Drink: Modern and traditional food, glühwein, and kinderpunch for the kids!
2026 Dates: December 5 – December 6
Admission: Free
Website: https://winchesterwintervillage.com/
Weihnachtsmarkt – Newport News, VA
Celebrate the season at an “Americanized” twist on a traditional German Weihnachtsmarkt, inspired by Newport News’ Sister City of Greifswald in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. This event brings together more than 30 vendors, German food trucks, and the much-loved return of their handmade Glühwein pottery mugs, perfect for sipping something warm while you browse. And keep your eyes open… Santa himself may make an appearance!
Location: City Centre at Oyster Point, 705 Mariners Row, Newport News, VA 23606
Food + Drink: Beer, wine, and German food
2026 Dates: December 11 – December 12, 3pm -9pm
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.sistercities-nn.com/german-market.html
Bluemont Christmas Market – Bluemont, VA
Held at the picturesque Bluemont Vineyard, this Christmas market offers artisan vendors, handcrafted gifts, seasonal drinks, and stunning mountain views. Sip mulled wine or spiced cider as you shop — it’s a relaxed, sophisticated holiday experience with a scenic twist.
Photos courtesy of Bluemont Christmas Market
Location: 18755 Foggy Bottom Rd, Bluemont, VA
Food + Drink: Mulled wine, spiced cider, and Bluemont Vineyard wines
2026 Dates: tbd
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.bluemontvineyard.com/events-calendar/german-christmas-markets
Pennsylvania Christmas Markets
Christmas Village – Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia’s Christmas Village transforms LOVE Park and City Hall into a European-style holiday village filled with glowing wooden booths, German treats, handcrafted gifts, and festive entertainment. It’s big, bustling, and packed with holiday spirit — one of the most iconic Christmas market experiences on the East Coast.
Location: 1500 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food + Drink: Raclette, bratwurst, Mazza wine, Belgian fries, roasted nuts, sweets
2026 Dates: November 21 – December 27
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.philachristmas.com
Pro tip
There are a lot of holiday activities in Philadelphia so if you have the time, why not make a weekend out of it? Check out some of the other fun in the city of holiday love!
Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem – Bethlehem, PA
As one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in the country, this Christkindlmarkt brings all the magic of a traditional European holiday market to the historic SteelStacks campus each winter. This German-inspired celebration is packed with festive charm, featuring dozens and dozens of artisan vendors, seasonal treats, family-friendly activities, and all the cozy holiday vibes you’d expect from a market of this scale. It’s a true Lehigh Valley holiday tradition.
As one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in the country, Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial brings the magic of a traditional European holiday market to the historic SteelStacks campus each winter. This German-inspired celebration is packed with festive charm, featuring dozens and dozens of artisan vendors, seasonal treats, family-friendly activities and festive holiday charm, making it a beloved Lehigh Valley tradition in Christmas City.
The debut of Winter Wonderland presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, expanded the experience with a 33% larger footprint, transforming Christkindlmarkt into an even more immersive holiday village with more space, more magic and more opportunities for the community to gather and celebrate the season.
New this year:
- The additional of a stage in the Volks Haus tent in Winter Wonderland presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health.
- Following the success of the program last year, there will be more private igloos to rent this year.
Location: 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA
Food + Drink: Pizza, hot dogs, tacos, strudel, sweets, and more
2026 Dates: Nov 13-15, Nov 20-22, Nov 27-29, Dec 3-6, Dec 10-13, Dec 17-20; Thursday and Sunday: 10am – 6pm, Friday and Saturday: 10am – 8pm
Admission: $14, children 5 and under free
Website: https://www.artsquest.org/christkindlmarkt/
Pro tip
Make it an event by buying an upgraded ticket for a St. Nick meet and greet, cocktail tasting, or even holiday dating!
Reading Liederkranz Christkindlmarkt – Reading, PA
Hosted by the German cultural club Reading Liederkranz, this market focuses on gemütlichkeit – think traditional food, music, and shopping with a community feel. Expect both walk-around bites and sit-down German fare alongside vendors.
Location: 143 Spook Ln, Reading, PA 19606
Food + Drink: Walk-around German bites and sit-down German meals
2026 Dates: December 4 – December 6
Admission: $5 (free for under 21, over 65, veterans, military)
Website: https://www.readingliederkranz.com/christkindlmarkt
Weihnachtsmarkt German Christmas Market – Phoenixville, PA
Stroll through the market with a warm drink or a tasty bite in hand as you browse unique, handcrafted gifts from local artisan vendors. It’s a truly family-friendly event too, with entertainment and crafts to keep kids happily immersed in the holiday spirit. It’s everything this time of year is meant to feel like – cozy, joyful, and full of wonder.
Location: Franklin Commons, 400 Franklin Ave, Phoenixville, PA 19460 (per venue)
Food + Drink: German specialties, warm drinks, sweets
2026 Dates: November 21, 12pm – 6pm
Admission: $5 (under 21 free)
Website: https://mainlinefreunde.org/weihnachtsmarkt/
Christkindl Market of Mifflinburg, PA – Mifflinburg, PA
Mifflinburg’s take on this 600-year-old German tradition grew naturally from the cluster of historic churches along Market Street, many of which open their doors for Christmas concerts and programs, offering visitors a warm, welcoming break from the winter chill. For three festive days each year, Market Street transforms into a true German-style Christkindl Market, lined with outdoor craft and food vendors that bring the spirit of the season to life. Founded in 1989, it proudly holds the title of the oldest authentic outdoor Christmas market in the United States.
Location: Market Street between 4th and 6th Streets, Mifflinburg, PA
Food + Drink: German fare and seasonal treats
2026 Dates: December 10 – December 12
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.oldchristkindl.com/
Christkindlmarkt at Dills Tavern – Dillsburg, PA
Set on a historic property, this market channels Old World holiday charm with artisan vendors and one-of-a-kind gifts. It’s a relaxed, heritage-rich experience for shoppers who like history with their holiday browsing.
Location: Dills Tavern (Northern York County Historical & Preservation Society)
Food + Drink: Food options include tacos, bison, kettle corn, coffee, baked goods, and more!
2026 Dates: December 11 – December 12
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.northernyorkhistorical.org/events/christkindlmarkt
Weihnachtsmarkt (German) Christmas Market – Harmony, PA
NEWLY ADDED TO THE 2026 LIST
For a taste of traditional German Christmas celebrations, head to the historic town of Harmony, just north of Pittsburgh. This charming Weihnachtsmarkt celebrates the town’s German heritage with artisan vendors, handmade gifts, glühwein, traditional German music and dancing, and horse-drawn carriage rides through town. You’ll even find performers dressed in traditional Bavarian attire! Best of all, admission supports the Harmony Museum, making this a festive way to celebrate the season while supporting local history.
Location: Harmony Museum Grounds, 218 Mercer St, Harmony, PA
Food + Drink: Glühwein, holiday sweets, and seasonal treats
2026 Dates: November 14 – November 15
Admission: $10; children 12 and under and seniors 65+ are $5
Website: https://www.experiencebutler.com/events/weihnachtsmarkt-german-christmas-market-2/
New England Christmas Markets
Snowport Holiday Market – Boston, MA
A big-city market means big-city energy and big-city budgets to match. Think a festive beer-garden–style setup, tons of shopping, several themed bars pouring specialty holiday cocktails, plenty of Instagram-worthy spots, and a live music stage that keeps the whole place buzzing. It’s Christmas on a grand, urban scale.
Location: 100 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA
Food + Drink: Large selection of food vendors offering cakes, cookies, crepes, and lots of cheese
2026 Dates: November 6 – December 27
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.bostonseaport.xyz/holidaymarket
Amherst German Christmas Market – Amherst, NH
NO EVENT FOR 2026
This volunteer-run Christmas market brings all the heart of a traditional German holiday fair to small-town New Hampshire. It’s cheerful, community-driven, and packed with more than 50 local makers, festive lights, live music, and plenty of old-world holiday charm. If you love a cozy, hometown Christmas with a European twist, this is the perfect December outing.
Grab a warm glühwein or a cold German beer in the mini biergarten, enjoy live music, and snap a photo with Santa (or Krampus, if you dare!).
Location: Amherst Village Green, 2 Main Street, Amherst, NH
Food + Drink: Food trucks, snacks, sweet treats, German food like brats and sauerkraut, glühwein, beer
2026 Dates: No event for 2026
Admission: n/a
Website: https://amherstchristmasmarket.org/
Christkindlmarkt – Pawtucket, RI
Hosted by the German American Cultural Society of Rhode Island, this Christkindlmarkt brings authentic German holiday traditions to Pawtucket. Expect warm hospitality, festive music, and handcrafted goods. The market is welcoming, traditional, and wonderfully community-centered.
Location: GACSRI, 78 Carter Ave, Pawtucket, RI
Food + Drink: German food served in the Ratskeller
2026 Dates: November 28, 12pm – 5pm
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.gacsri.org/christkindlmarkt
New Jersey Christmas Markets
German Christmas Market of NJ – Augusta, NJ
The German Christmas Market of New Jersey is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to creating a festive community celebration in Sussex County—one that captures the magic of an authentic German Christmas market while raising funds to give right back to local charities (to date, they’ve donated more than $930,000!).
They have 150+ vendors selling a wide variety of gift-worthy merchandise, with the GCMNJ Foundation personally selling imported German sweets and imported traditional German holiday decor & ornaments.
Families will love the activities too, including carousel rides, pony rides, and family wagon rides (additional tickets required). It’s a warm, community-driven event where festive shopping, holiday treats, and charitable giving all come together under twinkling lights.
You can also look for a petting zoo, interactions with Santa and Mrs. Klaus, face painting, and a HUGE model train exhibit by the Pocono Mountain Garden Railway Society.
Location: Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Rd, Augusta, NJ
Food + Drink: Hot German food and Glühwein, 12 food trucks that offer other types of food
2026 Dates: December 4 – December 6
Admission: Adults (13–64): $10; Seniors (65+): $7; Veterans & ages 12 and under: Free
Website: https://www.gcmnj.org/
Georgia Christmas Markets
Atlanta Christkindl Market – Lawrenceville, GA
A festive blend of German tradition and Southern hospitality, the Atlanta Christkindl Market fills the season with glowing wooden stalls, handmade gifts, and comforting holiday dishes. It’s bright, bustling, and full of good food — the perfect place to soak up Christmas cheer in metro Atlanta.
Families will find plenty to do, too. Ride the 50-foot Ferris wheel, snap pictures with Santa, and enjoy musical and cultural performances. It’s festive, fun, and full of Atlanta spirit.
Location: 210 Luckie St, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Food + Drink: Schnitzel, brats, raclette, pretzels, pierogies, sweets
2026 Dates: November 20 – December 24, Wednesday through Sunday, additional days during Christmas week
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.christkindlmarket.org/lawrenceville
Atlanta Christkindl Market – Senoia, GA
A festive blend of German tradition and Southern hospitality, the Atlanta Christkindl Market fills the season with glowing wooden stalls, handmade gifts, and comforting holiday dishes. It’s bright, bustling, and full of good food — the perfect place to soak up Christmas cheer in metro Atlanta.
Families will find plenty to do, too. Ride the 50-foot Ferris wheel, snap pictures with Santa, and enjoy musical and cultural performances. It’s festive, fun, and full of Atlanta spirit.
Location: 158 Seavy Street, Senoia, GA 30276
Food + Drink: Schnitzel, brats, raclette, pretzels, pierogies, sweets
2026 Dates: November 27 – December 24, Wednesday through Sunday, additional days during Christmas week
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.christkindlmarket.org/senoia
Savannah Christmas Market – Savannah, GA
European holiday magic meets Southern sparkle at the Savannah Christmas Market, creating a festive season that feels both timeless and uniquely local. Inspired by the traditional Salzburg Christmas markets, this celebration takes over the Plant Riverside District with live performances, family-friendly activities, and plenty of holiday-themed events.
You’ll find endless opportunities for Christmas shopping, a stunning Festival of Trees, and curated seasonal dining experiences that make the whole market feel extra special. It’s Savannah at its most charming—and the perfect place to get wrapped up in the holiday spirit.
Location: Plant Riverside District, Savannah, GA
Food + Drink: Hot chocolate, Belgian waffles, seasonal snacks
2026 Dates: November 19 – January 3
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.plantriverside.com/savannah-christmas-market/
Did I miss anything that you think deserves to be on this list? Please let me know. And if you don’t see your East Coast state listed, it’s because I haven’t found a European-style Christmas Market there yet!
