FRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN
It seems as though Frankenmuth, Michigan (FrankenmuthFarmers- Market.org) was destined to have one of the best Christmas markets in America. Dubbed “Michigan’s Little Bavaria” because of the city’s close ties to its German counterpart of the same name, Frankenmuth has much of the city center decked out to look like a real Bavarian village. Frankenmuth is also known as “Christmas Town, USA” thanks to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store. Though it’s open year-round, Bronner’s becomes a giant tourist magnet during the holiday season and employs up to 500 people for the Christmas rush. Frankenmuth uses its German roots and its Christmas spirit to put on a traditional Christmas market that houses over 40 vendors selling handmade gifts and culinary delights from November 26 – January 2.
Candied Apples are a Popular Treat at Christmas Markets
Photo: Kzenon
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Each year, New York’s famous Bryant Park is turned into a winter wonderland (BryantPark.org) from October 31 – December 30. The centerpiece of the festivities is the giant ice rink where visitors can skate, just like in the famous scenes from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Surrounding the rink is the Christmas Village, which is filled with local New York pop-up shops and eateries. This year, visitors can check out stalls by Hell’s Kitchen Hot Sauce, Hudson Valley Farms, Artisans of New York, and more. The shops at Bryant Park are a must-visit for anyone experiencing New York for the holidays. Combine it with visits to the Herald Square Macy’s and the famous tree at Rockefeller Plaza for a truly iconic New York experience.
Igloos at Brant Park Christmas Market
Photo: Angelito Jusay
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANNIA
Join in the holiday spirit at the annual Philadelphia Christmas Market (PhilaChristmas.com) from November 25 – December 24. The shops and food stalls will be filled with your favorite treats and trinkets, and so much more. This year, visitors can ride on a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and even a miniature railroad! A German Christkind (the angel of the Christkindlmarkt) will even be visiting from Nuremberg, Germany. At traditional holiday markets, the Christkind hosts the celebration with stories, prayers, and songs. On November 28, the Christkind will be in Philly to welcome the new holiday season, and will even be performing a rendition of ‘Silent Night’ alongside a choir.
Enjoying Hot Chocolate at the Christmas Market
Photo: StockLite
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANNIA
Pittsburgh’s Holiday Market (DowntownPittsburghHolidays.com) officially runs from November 19 – December 23. On November 19 the city will celebrate Light Up the Night, where all the buildings in downtown Pittsburgh become illuminated with color, creating the perfect backdrop for the city’s annual tree-lighting celebration. The festivities will be complete with live music and even a firework show. Last year, Pittsburgh’s Holiday Market was even named the #1 best Christmas market in the country by USA Today. The rankings praised Pittsburgh’s inclusion of daily activities and live entertainment, as well as its sense of community involvement.
Skating at Pittsburgh’s Christmas Market
Photo: Beliokva Oksana
WASHINGTON DC
Washington DC’s Christmas Market (Downtownholidaymarket.com) will return once again to the city’s downtown core on F Street from November 19 – December 23. On top of all the traditional holiday fare, DC has some extra and interesting additions, like The Capital Candy Jar, which sells red, white, and blue confections, as well as treats themed after America’s two major political parties. The market’s organization also states that this year there will be a focus on highlighting small businesses that are recovering from the pandemic. In total, there will be over 75 vendors selling artisan goods, crafts, and food. Throughout the month visitors can also expect nightly live entertainment.
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