The Best Winter Markets and Festivals in the US

What better way is there to make the most out of the winter season and get into the holiday spirit than by making special trips to the many markets and festivals taking place around the country? These markets are the best of the best and make for fun family outings or a unique date night where you can marvel at the twinkling lights, shop around at the local vendors, indulge in some delicious fare, and make memories that’ll last a lifetime. If you’re looking for somewhere new to visit this winter and want to make the absolute most out of it, consider any of the destinations we’ve outlined in this guide for you!

Christkindlmarkt – Carmel, IN

In the heart of Indiana, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt delivers a traditional German Christmas market experience complete handmade crafts, tasty treats, and wooden stalls illuminated in brilliant lights. The market started as a non-profit in 2017 and sources authentic German artisanal goods and delicacies such as bratwurst, pretzels, potato pancakes, mulled wine, and of course, beer.

You’ll be transported to a nostalgic winter wonderland as you browse the different vendors with a warm beverage, and there’s even a large outdoor ice-skating rink that adds an extra layer of fun to this holiday fest. There’s a kid corner where little ones can make crafts, live music, and a workshop where visitors can watch demonstrations of woodworking and glassblowing! This family-friendly market has quickly become a beloved holiday tradition in Central Indiana, drawing visitors with its extraordinary charm and holiday magic.

DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle

Discover incredible holiday cheer in the nation’s capital at the DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle. This lively market offers a variety of unique, handcrafted items from over 30 local artisans against a backdrop of historic buildings and festive city lights. This open-air market is known for its impressive selection of jewelry, art, textiles, and gifts that highlight D.C.’s creative community.

Jam out to fantastic live music, treat yourself to fresh coffee, pastries, desserts, and candies, and check out the local shops that line Dupont Circle in addition to the vendors at the market. The phenomenal location and wide variety of vendors make the DC Holiday Market a can’t-miss spot for locals and tourists alike looking to celebrate the season in an exceptional way.

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair – Daly City, CA

Be transported to historic London at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in Daly City, California this winter! The world of Charles Dickens is brought to life through characters, reenactments, classic English fare like fish and chips and roasted chestnuts, performances, and crafts. Held at the historic 4-acre Cow Palace, this immersive fair is a market and a full-on experience, giving visitors the best of both worlds.

Patrons are encouraged to dress up in their best Victorian-era attire and can browse handcrafted gifts, say hello to Ebenezer Scrooge and Father Christmas, sip on decadent hot chocolate, watch the miniature steam train roll on by, and dance the night away. The fair’s charm lies in its immense dedication to detail that helps create a magical experience that feels like you’ve stepped into a storybook for visitors of all ages.

Philadelphia Christmas Village

Located at LOVE Park and City Hall, the Philadelphia Christmas Village is an outdoor market that takes you on a trip around the world. This charming festival has handmade gifts from all over the globe, dazzling lights that are seemingly endless, beer tastings, cozy mulled wine, Christmas treats like waffles and gingerbread cookies, live music, and fun rides for the kids. The remarkable history of Philadelphia adds to the atmosphere of the festival in the best way imaginable and sets the scene for stunning photos, especially when the massive Christmas tree is in the shot! Come and get some holiday shopping done and pay a visit to the awesome Philadelphia Christmas Village for a special holiday experience that the whole family will love!

Saranac Lake Winter Carnival – Saranac Lake, NY

With over one hundred years of tradition embedded at the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, this cherished festival in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Saranac Lake used to be a bustling logging town in the 1800s, and the carnival, with its wonderful natural surroundings and cold-weather activities, was a rejuvenating health resort for those who were ill with tuberculosis.

Today, this winter carnival is definitely known for its remarkable Ice Palace, which the community builds together each year with blocks cut from nearby Lake Flower. The festival’s purpose is to bring the community together, to educate all about the history and culture of Lake Saranac, support the local economy, and of course foster a great sense of holiday spirit. The event includes fun activities such as live music, firework displays, a silly royal court coronation, parades, and friendly contests that all work to create a lively and unforgettable atmosphere. Rooted in local pride and community spirit, the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival truly captures the magic of the winter season with unique events and incredible history.

Go Wandering in a Winter Wonderland

There are so many ways to embrace the holiday season with the incredible variety of winter festivals and markets that take place around the country every single year. No matter if you’re in the Northeast, the Pacific Northwest, the South, or the Midwest, each destination invites visitors to enjoy amazing traditions, try out unique foods, support local crafters, and create fond memories with those you love the most. Whether you’re seeking an authentic German-inspired market or a small-town winter festival, these celebrations remind us that winter is a time for appreciating life’s simple pleasures. It’s nearly time to bundle up, grab a cup of delectable hot cocoa, and share experiences that warm the heart and soul even on the coldest of days.