18 Magical Christmas Markets In The United States For Families

Photo Courtesy: Rana Monet Photography

Christmas markets, or Christkindlmarkts, are a time-honored tradition in Europe, and they’re becoming increasingly popular in the United States – especially for families! Originating from Germany, this beloved custom lets families wander through stalls selling everything from handmade gifts and trinkets to unique Christmas-themed food. While American cities don’t have quite the same history, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any great ones! From large, bustling markets in New York City and Chicago to small, quaint markets in the mountains of Colorado, there’s a Christmas market for everyone to enjoy throughout the country. What’s more, many offer family-friendly activities like visits with Santa Claus, face painting, and candy making. So if you’re looking for a festive and fun-filled day out with your family during the holidays, read this article on the Best Christmas Markets In The United States For Families!

Best Christmas Markets on the East Coast for Families

There’s nothing quite like exploring a Christmas market with your family. And if you’re lucky enough to live on the East Coast of the United States, you have plenty of great options to choose from! From the famous markets of New York City to German-inspired options in Georgia, here are some of the best Christmas markets on the East Coast for families! 

Columbus Circle Holiday Market New York, New York Photo Courtesy: Jacob Williamson

A visit to the Columbus Circle Holiday Market is a must for any family seeing New York City during the holidays! In fact, it is one of the best Christmas markets in NYC for kids. Running through the month of December, this outdoor market, located adjacent to Central Park, offers a wide variety of holiday-themed merchandise. Families can browse anything from traditional German nutcrackers and wooden toys to handmade jewelry and Christmas decorations. Plus, the market is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the city, so you can enjoy some holiday sights and sounds while you shop! There’s also live music, entertainment, and plenty of food options, including roasted chestnuts, gingerbread cookies, and hot cocoa. Kids will love the bustling ambiance and the unique attractions, like Santa’s workshop.

Where To Stay In New York City With Kids

Looking for somewhere to stay in New York City with kids? In Lower Manhattan, we recommend the Millennium Downtown New York Hotel in the Financial District or the trendy Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca. In Midtown Manhattan, try the Loews Regency New York or Omni Berkshire Place, which also has a Kids’ Club. For a true luxury experience, we also recommend the nearby St. Regis New York. NYC also has lots of affordable Airbnbs and Vrbos in and around the outer boroughs.

Find more hotel suggestions on our list of the Best Family Hotels In New York City With A Pool (including 1- to 3-Bedroom Suites!)

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park New York, New York Photo Courtesy: Colin Miller

​​Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park in New York City is an excellent place for families to enjoy the Christmas season! Open from November to January; this winter wonderland is home to the Bryant Park Holiday Shops, where over 150 vendors sell handmade jewelry, clothing, and holiday decorations. The market also has a wide variety of food options to grab a bite while you shop. Families can rent their own private igloo and enjoy the ultimate winter experience!

The Bryant Park Winter Village also boasts a kid-friendly ice skating rink with free admission, skate rentals, and even skating aids for little ones. Plus, a fun carousel to ride! Other Christmas events range throughout the season, from storytimes to arts and crafts. And nearby Macy’s Santa Land is the perfect place for little ones to visit with Santa Claus himself! No wonder this is one of the best Christmas markets in NYC with kids.

Union Square Holiday Market New York, New York Photo Courtesy: Jacob Williamson

The holidays are a special time of year when friends and family come together to celebrate. What better way to celebrate than by visiting one of the best Christmas markets in the United States? Union Square Holiday Market in New York City is the perfect place for families to enjoy the holiday season! With over 100 different vendors, families can shop for unique gifts, enjoy traditional holiday foods and drinks, and listen to live music. Plus, the convenient location in the heart of Union Square makes it easy to fit into your busy holiday schedule. Kids will love the bright lights, cute decorations, and abundance of activities nearby. Visit a cafe after exploring, or head to a local toy store like Forbidden Planet. Not to mention there’s CAMP on nearby Fifth Avenue, where kids can play on a jungle gym while they shop! 

Plan a winter excursion to one of the Best New York City Christmas Activities With Kids! 

Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem  Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Photo Courtesy: Lisa Boehm, ArtsQuest

Families who want to experience an authentic German Christmas market on the East Coast should head to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania! Held on Main Street in historic downtown Bethlehem, Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem is a must-visit to get into the holiday spirit. From mid-November through mid-December, this open-air market features more than 150 vendor booths selling everything from handmade gifts and decorations to delicious German foods and sweets. And with live music and performances throughout the market, there’s always something to enjoy while you shop! Kids will especially love all the holiday-specific activities, like ornament or cookie decorating, ice skating, and the chance to enjoy a visit from Santa Claus. And no visit to Bethlehem’s Christkindlmarkt would be complete without a stop at the famous Moravian Star Tower, decked out in twinkling lights! 

Looking for more family-friendly activities in Bethlehem this Christmas? Families can embark on one of the local Christmas tours offered by the museums and historic sites in town. You can even take a Christmas stroll with a certified guide outfitted in a 1700s-era Moravian dress! Afterward, rest your feet while you explore the city by horse-drawn carriage. Bethlehem is undoubtedly home to one of the best Christmas markets in the United States for families! Indeed, this is one of the best Christmas markets in the USA.

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Christmas Village in Philadelphia Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

* This article was originally published here