The Best Holiday Market in Every State

Get into the holiday spirit at these winter wonderlands, from Bavarian-style Christmas markets to festive artisan gift fairs.

Open-Air Holiday Market at Sun Valley Resort
Photo:

Courtesy of Sun Valley Resort

We’re celebrating the first holiday season in nearly three years where things feel a bit closer to normal. That should be reason enough to get out of the house and into a mug of mulled wine at the magical Christmas and holiday markets held in each of the fifty states.

You can also get your shopping done locally, too, with festive, top-notch craft shows (featuring excellent food and drink, of course.) We've rounded up the best, jolliest holiday events all across the country, from Maine to Hawaii. Some of our favorites are happening right now, some run all month long, and others will be gone in a flash, so don't delay. Happy holidays!

Alabama: Saturn Holiday Market, Birmingham

By day Food & Wine’s favorite coffee shop in Alabama, by night the city’s most effortlessly cool music venue, where we can pretend it’s the 1990s again, the Saturn Bar hosts a very on-brand artisan market featuring local art, ceramics, food and vintage items. While you’re in this part of town, jog over to the nearby historic Sloss Furnaces for this year's charity art market, then wind up back at the bar for the evening’s carol singalong — rather, make that the annual Christmas drag show, Christmas Is a Drag, which is a benefit for AIDS Alabama. Dec. 3, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., 200 41st St. South

Alaska: Downtown Anchorage Holiday Market, Anchorage

Alaskans don’t have to wish very hard for a storybook-perfect white Christmas most years, but the country’s northernmost big city could always do with more cozy vibes during the Darkest Month, and you’ll get them at this fun indoor/outdoor celebration at the popular 49th State Brewery. The holiday market features festive drinks, a craft fair hosting more than 60 local vendors, coffee from local roaster Kaladi Brothers, a holiday-themed fun run, food trucks, plus appearances from Santa, not to mention his pet llama. Dec. 3, 4, 10, and 11, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., 717 W. 3rd Ave.

Arizona: Phoestivus, Phoenix

From the Pheats of Strength (climbing a rock wall) to the world’s largest Phoestivus pole (and don’t forget the traditional airing of the grievances), it’s all happening at one of the city’s most festive annual fairs, open to all ages and well-behaved pets, featuring Hip Santa, selfies with Phreddie the Yeti, and a special, seasonal Phoestivus beer from the Phoenix Ale Brewery. Drop something in the donation box — Phoestivus is the annual fundraiser for the Downtown Phoenix Farmer’s Market — and enjoy over 200 local vendors. Dec. 14, 15, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., 720 N. 5th St. 

Arkansas: Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase, Little Rock

Creative makers from the artistically-inclined communities dotting the Ozarks — and everywhere else around the state — meet up under one roof at the state fairgrounds for this serious holiday shopping event held by the regional craft guild, featuring the work of members in mediums ranging from wood to fiber arts, printmaking, photography, ceramics, and so much more. There’ll be food and a bar as well — no need to stroll the hall thirsty. Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Dec. 3, 9 p.m. to 6 p.m., Dec, 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Admission $5. Free admission on Dec. 2, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Dec. 3 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., 2600 Howard St. 

California: Julefest, Solvang

Why settle for a festive market when you can have a whole month — and a whole charming town? This Santa Barbara County burg known for trading heavily on its Danish heritage year-round breaks out the gløgg (spiced wine) and gets even more Denmark-y every holiday season, transforming the center into a proper Scandinavian Christmas village, complete with a night market featuring local makers on Dec. 7, candlelight walks after dark and all sorts of other hygge happenings. Daily, through Jan. 6, citywide

Colorado: Christkindlmarket, Denver

Sponsored by the local chapter of the German American Chamber of Commerce, Denver’s annual Deutsche do is one of the country’s most authentic large holiday markets, featuring an array of Bavarian-style treats, loads of traditional crafts, a strolling Sankt Niko looking like he got lost on his way to a holiday party at the Vatican, and the Disney princess-esque Christkind in her gold and white finery and fabulous flowing locks. (For Germans, she’s the one who does the actual gift delivery, because apparently, saints don't slide down chimneys.) Pass the glühwein! Daily, through Dec. 23, Civic Center Park 

Connecticut: Glow, Hartford 

Glow Hartford

Courtesy of Glow

This successful Canadian event lands in Connecticut’s capital city for the first time this year, pairing a photo-ready indoor light display — featuring an enchanted forest, an illuminated tunnel, and other surprises — with a gift market showcasing local products, food, drinks, and live entertainment. Santa will also attend. Admission from $22.99 for adults, $17.99 for children, and free under 5, daily through Jan. 1, Connecticut Conv. Ctr., 100 Columbus Blvd. 

Delaware: Lewes Historical Society Holiday Village, Lewes

The oldest town in the First State, first settled by Europeans in 1631, celebrates Christmas in a big way every December. A highlight of the party is this anticipated market featuring dozens of vendors, held on the charming campus of the local historical society, where buildings will be all dolled up for the season. Expect food, drink, and plenty of live music too. Stick around on Dec. 3 for the town’s annual Christmas Parade. Dec. 2, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 110 Shipcarpenter St.

Florida: Christkindlmarkt, Lake Worth

Were it not for the difference between the December weather in the Palm Beaches and the December in, say, Berlin, you might swear you were back in the old country (at least after a few glasses of peppermint schnapps). The local American-German Club here is known for its raucous Oktoberfest every year, so you can expect a bit of fun — and plenty to drink — here as well. After dark, a lantern parade culminates in a tree lighting ceremony, with Santa as the emcee. Dec. 10, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Dec. 11 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., 5111 Lantana Road

Georgia: Holly Jolly Jekyll, Jekyll Island

There are no bad months for visiting one of the Southeast’s most special places, but during December, the historic island resort is transformed into a subtropical winter wonderland, thanks to this weeks-long annual festival featuring trolley tours of the one million-plus lights, hung from the Spanish-moss covered live oak trees, a winter carnival, drive-in Christmas movies, and loads of shopping opportunities. Don’t miss the Merry Holiday Artists Market, featuring lots of thoughtful (and local) gifts. Through Jan. 8, islandwide 

Hawaii: Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace, Honolulu 

From hand-crafted chocolates to clever trucker hats, shell jewelry to exquisite woodwork, join Santa and Rudolph — both a long, long way from the North Pole — for this 300-plus vendor craft fair, which also features a full slate of live performances, a fashion show, and food tastings. Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Neil Blaisdell Expo Hall, 777 Ward Avenue  

Idaho: Open-Air Holiday Market, Sun Valley

Already an Alpine wonderland from the first snowfall, December in America’s oldest planned ski resort is extra magical, in part thanks to this just-before-Christmas event held evenings on the last weekend before the vacation crowd arrives. Pick up some roasted nuts, or a warm beverage, and stroll the outdoor fair, featuring quality local makers and lots of Christmas decorations, if you’ve still got room for more. Dec. 16, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Dec. 17, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Dec. 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun Valley Village

Illinois: Christkindlmarket, Chicago

More than a million revelers wander the aisles of America’s biggest and most authentically German holiday market, held in the heart of the Loop at Daley Plaza, an event large enough that organizers finally had the sense to launch two satellite markets elsewhere in the region. Shop for traditional market items — like ornaments and wooden nutcrackers, brought over from Germany — or sample from the well-curated selection of closer-to-home crafts. Many people are here, however, for the fun of it all, which includes lots of German snacks — bratwurst, pretzels, the like — and mulled wine. Daily through Dec. 24, 50 W. Washington St. 

Indiana: The Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt, Indianapolis

Chicago is known for its German heritage, but things really kick into high gear over at the neighbors. One of the most German places in Indiana is The Athenaeum, very simply described as one of the most over-the-top community centers ever built, by and for immigrants in the late 1800s. Host to the annual Sankt Nikolaus Festival and the colorful Krampusnacht celebration, honoring one of the less cuddly Christmas traditions from the old country, this year there’ll be a proper market, too, featuring crafts, cookies, live music and no doubt a full house in the center’s historic, year-round Biergarten. Dec. 8 to 11, 15 to 18, 401 E. Michigan St.

Iowa: Winter Solstice Market, Winterset 

This intimate affair on the courthouse square is as charming as you’d expect from the famed location of The Bridges of Madison County, featuring a tightly-curated selection of just over two dozen local vendors, baked goods, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Let it snow! Dec. 10, 10 a.m.  to 4 p.m., 116 S. 1st Ave. 

Kansas: Holiday Farmers Market, Lawrence

One of the Midwest’s coolest college towns hosts a terrific farmers market all season long, showcasing small producers in a state with nothing but space to make and grow. Every year, for three decades now, the food market makes a big stir before going on winter break with this festive, craft-centric celebration held at the county fairgrounds, featuring everything from Christmas decorations you’ll want to run home and hang to gift-worthy ceramics and woodwork. Dec. 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Douglas County Fairgrounds 

Kentucky: Michler’s Christmas Market, Lexington

At all times of the year, Michler’s is Lexington’s favorite garden center, a design-savvy, family-run institution complete with a casual café serving local beers on tap that moves into the greenhouse during the winter months. The winter is also when this wonderland for green thumbs comes alive for the holidays with this too-short but very sweet market and celebration, where an array of local makers moves into the gardens, with lots of live music and mulled wine. And just in case you don’t have a wreath on every door and window, or a tree for the living room, or a mistletoe garland for an upcoming party, you’ve come to the right place. Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 4 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 446 E. High St. 

Louisiana: Deutsches Haus Christkindlmarkt, New Orleans

A craft market at the local German club might not be the first thing you think of when visiting the Big Easy around the holidays, but this annual party does an excellent job of bringing a bit of Bayern to the bayou, specifically Bayou St. John. Grab a bratwurst, sip some glühwein, shop from an excellent selection of locally-made wares and traditional German ornaments, and enjoy — this is still New Orleans after all — a nearly non-stop selection of live music. Dec. 2 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Dec. 3 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Dec. 4 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1700 Moss St.  

Maine: Christmas Prelude, Kennebunkport

One of the most idyllic small-town Christmas celebrations in the country, this is a serious flex from a town you might assume shuts down for the season, but absolutely does not. An array of craft fairs complement the town’s already impressive collection of indie boutiques. There’s also a wing ding of a lobster bake, because no, they’re not just for summer. Stick around for the big pancake breakfast, the lobster trap Christmas tree, and mornings at the beach where all winter long, you can watch the surfers throw themselves into the waves. Dec. 1 to 11, town-wide 

Maryland: Christmas Village, Baltimore

It's always a good time along the Inner Harbor, but Baltimore’s one-of-a-kind waterfront gets extra festive during the holidays, when this modern-day version of a Christkindlmarkt — think plenty of German traditions, from the old-school ornaments to spiced glühwein and raclette sandwiches — takes over the western shoreline. Just follow the glow, courtesy of thousands of twinkling lights. That, or the 65-foot-high ferris wheel — can't really miss it. Through Dec. 24, closed Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, West Shore Park 

Massachusetts: Snowport at the Seaport, Boston

After more than two years of too-quiet in the canyons of downtown, the popularity of this smash-hit outdoor market — twice the size of last year — has been most encouraging. Now featuring over 120 makers, you’ll likely be able to find something for everyone here; there’s also a Christmas tree market, freshly-made crepes, hot cider, and a top-notch cocktail bar. Open Dec. 31 seven days, closed Dec. 25 to 26, 100 Seaport Blvd.

Michigan: Kerstmarkt, Holland

Many cities have German-style markets around the holidays, but Holland — the clue’s in the name — goes all in on its Dutch heritage with this event each year. (Yes, there’s a huge tulip festival every spring, too.) From bowlfuls of split pea soup, a Dutch winter staple, to dogsledding demonstrations to the annual Sinterklaas Procession, this is one of the Midwest’s more unique Christmas traditions, featuring — of course — a wide range of crafts for sale. Weekends through Dec. 10, 8th Street Marketplace, 150 W. 8th St. 

Minnesota: Duluth Winter Village, Duluth 

The dark days of December aren’t necessarily the most inviting time along the frigid Lake Superior shoreline, but the annual Christmas market in Minnesota’s second city draws crowds for its cozy vibes and one of the best places to shop local for the holidays. You’ll find a well-curated selection of over 40 Northern Minnesota makers, setting up shop in custom-built wooden cabins, and it’s all complemented by waterfront campfires, carol singing, and a selection of food and drink from area restaurants. Dec. 3 to 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 350 Harbor Dr.

Mississippi: Downtown Candlelit Christmas, Hattiesburg

Grab your go cups and make the rounds of one of the state’s most pleasant downtowns, found just a short drive north of New Orleans. For one weekend in December, shops — many of them competing in the annual holiday window display contest — stay open late, while 18,000 candles light the way to hundreds of homes and businesses decked out in seasonal finery. Food trucks, a seasonal release from a local brewery, and other refreshments ensure an extra festive atmosphere. Dec. 10 to 11

Missouri: Christmastime in Hermann, Hermann 

Roughly a century before Prohibition crashed the party, German settlers were making wine in the northern Ozarks. In modern times, Hermann and its bucolic surroundings are known as one of the first officially designated American Viticultural Areas, which is to say, there will be plenty of local wine on hand at Missouri’s best traditional German holiday celebration. It features not one but two Christkindlmarkt events, all the springerle (anise-scented cookies) you can handle, a lantern parade, and farm tours. Through Dec. 25, town-wide  

Montana: Little Red Truck’s European Christmas Market, Missoula

Celebrating both local and vintage, the Little Red Truck shows have become a Montana shopping favorite over the last decade and change. It’s all stops for the annual holiday event, held at the fairgrounds in Montana’s hippest town. Expect a Christkindlmarkt-ish fest on Mountain Time, with piping-hot chili, good bands, an espresso bar, Santa Claus, and scads of found treasure. Dec. 2, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., admission $10, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., admission $5, kids 12 and under free, Missoula Fairgrounds 

Nebraska: Holiday Market, Omaha

The finest showcase in a state full of farmers, the Omaha Farmers Market isn’t a year-round event, which is to be expected, given how early the cold weather comes around here. To mark the tail end of the annual season, the market comes back for one last hurrah on the first weekend of December to celebrate local growers and makers, with dozens of booths selling everything from farmstead cheeses to candles to cookies. Dec. 3 to 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aksarben Village 

Nevada: Cowboy Christmas, Las Vegas

This long-running gift show for lovers of everything Western — and Western wear — runs alongside the annual Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, an early December highlight in a city known for throwing a large event or two. Curious shoppers will find over 500,000 square feet of leather goods, custom jewelry, and more cowpeople than you’d ever thought you’d see in one place. Did we mention it’s also a rodeo? Admission to the exhibit hall is free. Dec. 1 to 10, daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Las Vegas Convention Center 

New Hampshire: Midnight Merriment, Concord

The state capital’s cute downtown stays open late-late for this anticipated seasonal event, where top shops like Gibson’s Bookstore and Pitchfork Records and a store specializing in Birkenstocks are joined by a craft fair, Santa, strolling carolers, and a Christmas-y dance party in the park. If you can get yourself out of bed the next morning, there’s more shopping to be done at the Concord Arts Market’s annual holiday do, as well. Dec. 2, 5 p.m. to Midnight, Downtown 

New Jersey: Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar, Asbury Park 

New Jersey’s own Williamsburg (-on-Sea) gets festive with the holiday edition of the popular Asbury Park Bazaar, a proper flea market — in the Brooklyn sense — that takes over the majestic old convention hall, right on the Boardwalk, and the rather grand Asbury Hotel, featuring scads of vendors, live music, locally-roasted coffee, craft workshops, and Christmas vibes. Look for satellite events held up and down the shore in Atlantic City, Bayshore, and Long Branch. Weekends through Dec. 18, Sat to Sun, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Convention Center, 1300 Ocean Ave., Sun 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Asbury Hotel, 210 5th Ave.    

New Mexico: Winter Indian Market, Santa Fe 

You can’t really call it the holidays in the country’s oldest state capital — or the holiday shopping season, anyway — until this juried show, put on by the Southwest Association for Indian Arts, featuring some of the finest makers and artists in the region. It kicks off at Santa Fe’s convention center, just a block or two from the iconic plaza. From striking fashions to thoughtful, handcrafted gifts, plus all the turquoise, the event draws serious shoppers from around the country, and even further afield. Dec. 3 to 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission $15/day or $25 for the weekend, 201 W. Marcy St.   

New York: Holiday Hop at Snug Harbor, Staten Island

Wave the commercialized, overcrowded (not today, Santa!) markets in Manhattan goodbye and sail across New York Harbor for this truly local event at one of the city’s most underrated destinations, the 83-acre Snug Harbor cultural campus, boasting marvelous historic architecture, gardens both indoor and outdoor, art, music, theater, a farm — with its own farmers market — and so much else to experience, year-round. For one day in December, the smallest borough will come out in a big way to support its local creative community; there will also be a delicious market curated by the food editor of the Staten Island Advance. Look for more than 100 island-dwelling makers and artisans at the various events, held both indoors and outdoors around campus. Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1000 Richmond Terrace 

North Carolina: Scandinavian Christmas Fair, Raleigh

From the annual Saint Lucia procession — featuring a woman dressed in flowing white robes, wearing a crown made of burning candles, talk about a balancing act — to the post-New Year’s Julgransplundring, or looting of the tree, Scandinavia has some pretty wild Christmas traditions. This unique annual celebration thrown by the highly-committed local Swedish-American organization aims to spotlight as many of them as possible, in between gulps of spiced wine. A couple dozen craft vendors will be on hand as well; think Norwegian-style sweaters and the sort of ornaments you'd find on a classic Swedish tree. Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission $7, State Fairgrounds   

North Dakota: Fargo Holiday Junk Market, Fargo 

Skip the superstores and buy local — and repurposed — at this vintage-focused alternative in one of the Midwest’s coolest small (well, big for around here) cities. Shop from more than 60 vendors, selling everything from antiques to handmade jewelry. Consider this the perfect jumping off point for a proper exploration of the shopping scene in Fargo's pleasant downtown, where you’ll also find plenty of brewpubs, coffee shops, and restaurants to warm you up. Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., admission $5, Red River Valley Fairgrounds 

Ohio: Little Italy Holiday Art Walk, Cleveland

No matter the weather, one of The Cleve's best neighborhoods comes truly alive with this weekend-long, highly festive art walk dedicated to highlighting its most creative residents — and their wares. Being that you're in one of the Midwest’s last great Little Italy commercial districts, you can also expect plenty to eat, as well. Bundle up, grab a map at any local art gallery or business, and start exploring. Dec. 2 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Dec. 3, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Dec. 4, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Little Italy 

Oklahoma: Christkindlmarkt, Tulsa

A quilt raffle, a glühwein hut, a vast display museum-quality Christmas figurines from the old country — this small but mighty event, held by the local German-American society, is one of the least modernized on this list, and that’s a good thing. Feel the old-fashioned vibes, fill up on gulaschsüppe and apfel strudel (they’ll pack up a whole one for you to take home), and pick up a few things from the shopping village. The only thing that doesn’t feel entirely authentic is that it’s held indoors, but at least the indoors happens to be the society’s handsome clubhouse, a nearly century-old Gothic cathedral-ette built by a congregation of Christian Scientists. P.S., they do weddings. Tree lighting Dec. 1, 6 p.m., market Dec. 2 to 4, 2301 E. 15th St. 

Oregon: Crafty Wonderland Holiday Art + Craft Market, Portland

Leave it to Portland to show up to a craft fair in the sort of numbers that require organizers to practice crowd control techniques, but if you can snag a (timed) ticket, you’ll find yourself at one of the city’s favorite holiday shopping stops, featuring more than 250 Portland-based makers, plucked from one of the most creative big cities in the country. Not that you have to get to town for a three-day event in December to see for yourself; Crafty Wonderland operates two year-round shops in the city, stocking a well-curated selection of local goods. Dec. 9 to 11, Oregon Convention Center  

Pennsylvania: Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, Philadelphia

 Everyone likes to party at the beer garden at Philly’s famed Christmas Village, taking up residence next to City Hall every holiday season. Right next door, however, those in the market for some 215-centric shopping also have this fine selection of hometown-proud options. Fuel up on frites, ride the double-decker carousel, and whatever else you’ve come for, then get out your Christmas list and go to town — clustered around the popular seasonal skating rink, you’ll find everything from African art and vintage accessories to tarot decks and books by local authors. Every day through Jan. 1, closed Dec. 25, Dilworth Park

Rhode Island: Providence Artisans Holiday Show, Providence

The weekend before Christmas isn’t too late to do some serious — and seriously thoughtful — shopping, at least not in Providence, where a collection of almost 100 local vendors set up shop in the WaterFire Arts Center for a two-day, artist-run event, a seasonal extension of the city’s Saturday artisans market. The show tends to also be something of a social occasion, featuring food trucks and a coffee bar. Dec. 17 to 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 475 Valley St. 

South Carolina: Holiday Market at Charleston Farmers Market, Charleston 

The only thing we don’t love about the grower/artisan market — peach season, forget about it — at Marion Square on Saturday mornings is that they take the winter off, depriving us of some of the most heavenly people-watching (and food shopping) in the Holy City for more than three months out of the year. Thank goodness, at least, for this five-day experience marking the finish of another season. Come mingle with a local crowd that loves to shop local for everything from fresh produce to fine food and drink, plus plenty of smart stocking stuffers. Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Marion Square

South Dakota: Santa’s Village Craft Fair and Christmas Parade, Custer

Known for its tens of thousands of acres of ponderosa pine and spruce, not to mention the cathedral spires of granite rock jutting out of the ground (you may have heard of a little place called Mount Rushmore), Custer State Park is one of the many lures to the Black Hills, and the small town of Custer is where park visitors tend to congregate at day’s end. Just after Thanksgiving each year, the local YMCA throws one of the state’s most fun little holiday events, this festive fair held at the local high school gym, featuring a candy cane hunt. After shopping local, stick around for Custer's annual Christmas Parade and tree-lighting ceremony, kicking off downtown shortly after dark. Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1645 Wildcat Ln., parade at 5:30 p.m., downtown 

Tennessee: Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show, Gatlinburg

Not that we don’t love a day at Dollywood, but tucked behind the more obvious attractions on the Tennessee side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you will find the country’s largest independent consortium of craftspeople, living and working along an eight-mile driving route in the shadow of one of the South’s greatest natural treasures. For a few days each holiday season, shoppers can skip the schlep and head to this show, which brings scores of makers — anyone in your life need a handcrafted dulcimer? — under one roof. Through Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. daily, Gatlinburg Convention Center 

Texas: Holiday Night Market, San Antonio 

There’s San Antonio's iconic Riverwalk, and then there’s the locals version of that legendary public space, The Pearl, a handsome mixed-use complex on the historic site of one of the largest breweries in Texas. (Incidentally, you can reach it on foot via an extension of the Riverwalk.) Weekends year-round, the main plaza is home to one of the best neighborhood markets in the country — Saturday for food, Sunday for artisans — but in the weeks before Christmas, the shopping opportunities extend to Wednesday evenings, keeping things in the district hopping well after dark with more than 40 local vendors, live music, and plenty of food. Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., The Pearl 

Utah: Christkindlmarkt, Salt Lake City

Sitting at the bottom of Emigration Canyon, which is how Brigham Young got down from the Wasatch Mountains and into what would become the biggest city in what would become the Beehive State, This Is The Place Heritage Park is mostly one of those places you remember going on class trips, with its monuments and petting zoo and train rides. But for a short while at holiday time, Christmas-loving Salt Lakers turn up en masse for the city’s proper — and non-profit — German market, featuring many of the traditions you’ll find at other Christkindlmarkts around the country. Although here, you’ll see a lot more people drinking non-alcoholic apple beer than you might elsewhere.Through Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., This Is The Place Heritage Park  

Vermont: Holiday Market at the Hotel Vermont, Burlington

The city’s most stylish hotel puts on its most stylish market, popular enough that the hotel itself can’t hold the entire event, which will sprawl out into the street and a neighboring event space, featuring food trucks, hot toddies of all kinds from the hotel bar, a DJ and — this is Vermont, after all, a maker’s paradise — a beautifully curated lineup of local goods. Sleep over and check out downtown's appealing lineup of year-round shopping. Dec. 10, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 41 Cherry St. 

Virginia: Williamsburg Christmas Market, Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg decked to the nines in tasteful, period holiday finery is about as close to the fantasy classic American Christmas as one will find in actual America these days, all wreath-making demonstrations and handmade straw stars for the tree. Weekends until the big day, downtown actual Williamsburg — immediately adjacent to the rather legendary historical park — gets into the spirit with this outdoor shindig, featuring dozens of makers occupying a little village of wooden chalets, plus lots of food, drink, street performers, and a visit from Santa. Thurs to Sun through Dec. 18, plus Dec. 19 to 21, 320 W. Court St.    

Washington: Winter Solstice Night Market, Seattle

Held every Sunday year-round, rain or shine, the Fremont Sunday Market has become an integral part of weekend-in-Seattle itineraries, for local and visitor alike. Just days before Christmas, the organizers lay on this 21+ indoor shopping extravaganza — with over 100 pop-up shops under one roof — and beer festival, featuring scads of live music, an ugly sweater contest, and a food truck rodeo. Dec. 16 to 17, admission $15 to $35, Magnuson Park 

West Virginia: Old Tyme Christmas, Harpers Ferry

Never not postcard-ready, this jewel box town, located at the strategic and scenic confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, gets into the year-end festivities in a big way, taking two weekends in December to celebrate. Historic homes and businesses are decorated in all the holiday get-up they can handle, including acres of twinkling lights. Shop the downtown and take a ride in a horse-drawn cart, then hit the popular Handmade Holiday Market for unique gift-giving opportunities. Dec. 2 to 4, 10 to 11, townwide  

Wisconsin: Old World Christmas Market, Elkhart Lake

Osthoff is one of the rare family resorts in the Midwest that manages to make the grownups feel at home as well, with an excellent spa, great restaurants, and stiff drinks, all on a postcard-perfect lake. The hotel’s mounting of a traditional German holiday market reels in both overnight guests and locals, not only for the craft shopping, but also for horse-drawn carriage rides, make-your-own-ornament sessions, hearty German eats (this is Wisconsin, you’re in good hands), and plenty to drink, because, again, Wisconsin. Dec. 2 to 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission $7, 14 and under free with adult. 101 Osthoff Ave.   

Wyoming: University of Wyoming Holiday Market, Laramie

Even if you don’t win the meat raffle, you can put a serious dent in your who’s-been-nice list at this end-of-semester fair, featuring roughly 50 area craftspeople and artists and attracting both town and gown. University employees get a few hours off to attend, so expect a small crowd, snapping up everything from handmade crafts to freshly baked treats. Dec. 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 2221 E. Grand Ave. 

Was this page helpful?

Related Articles