As the days shorten and the chill strengthens at least one thing is for sure: the holidays are just around the corner. Attending a holiday market is the perfect way to channel your festive energy and spend time with your friends and loved ones. We have searched for the best holiday markets to attend across the United States, discovering the greatest in some of our favorite cities. Who knows, maybe one will even be just around your corner.

 

Union Square Holiday Market | Union Square, New York

New Yorkers revere the Union Square Holiday Market as one of their most sacred winter traditions. Every year the square transforms into a winter wonderland of unique red-and-white-striped booths, which bestow patrons with access to holiday tokens, treats, and cheers. Vendors of this year’s market include Fleisher’s Craft Butchery, Brookie’s Cookies, YOHO New York, With Roots Jewelry, and many others. Furthermore, while browsing through the winding maze of these vendors, market goers indulge in live music and the holiday spirit. Attending the Union Square Holiday Market is undoubtedly a unique and eclectic winter experience.

November 17 – December 24

 

Christkindlmarket | Daley Plaza, Chicago, Illinois

Drawing inspiration from the Christkindlmarket Nuremberg in Germany, the Christkindlmarket Chicago brings a cherished German and European tradition with international flair and local charm to Chicago. Chicagoans and holiday-spirit aficionados alike flock year after year to indulge in the festiveness, and this year marks the 21^st anniversary of the market, making it a very special year and a revered urban tradition. The open-air event offers its festival-goers high quality food and beverage options, gift and specialty items, and of course, holiday cheers. Vendors participating in the 2016 Christkindlmarket include Pallay Crafts, Crepes Paname, Wooden Treasures, Schnitzel House, and many others.

November 18 – December 24

 

Union Square Holiday Market

 

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair | Cow Palace Exhibition Hall, San Francisco, California

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair stands as one of – if not the most – unique holiday markets across the United States. This one-of-a-kind holiday adventure honors Victorian London, as it calls for an elaborate party with hundreds of costumed players performing and interacting with patrons in over 120,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, and Christmas shops. Gourmet chefs offer delicious foods from around the world, including English bangers and fish ‘n’ chips, exotic Greek delicacies, French onion soup, and enticing desserts. Fair-goers can also satisfy their hearty thirsts at one of the great pubs stationed throughout the venue. The Dickens Christmas Fair surely is a treasured Bay Area tradition since 1970 and a splendid way to celebrate the holidays.

November 19 – December 18 (Saturdays and Sundays only)

 

Christmas Village | LOVE Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Experience the magic of an authentic German Christmas market right in Philadelphia. Situated at City Hall from Thanksgiving through to Christmas Eve, Christmas Village features over eighty vendors, selling authentic European sweets and treats, food, and beverage. This open-air market additionally offers patrons a great shopping experience with international holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry and high-quality arts and crafts from all over the globe. The unique atmosphere with thousands of lights and the homey winter scents places one into a perfect holiday attitude.

November 24 – December 24

 

Downtown Holiday Market | Penn Quarter, Washington D.C.

The Downtown Holiday Market in Washington D.C. event celebrates its twelfth year in 2016, and it continues to boast one of the most spectacular outdoor shopping environments in the region. Bringing a unique and festive shopping village to the heart of Downtown DC, the market features more than 150 regional artisans, crafters and boutique businesses of ethnically produced goods. Vendors of this year’s event include Thomas Bucci Art, Italy in Color, J. Chocolatier, Whisked!, and many others. In addition, while patrons shop until they drop, they can enjoy lively seasonal entertainment. The variety of the market’s entertainment matches its wide selection of exhibitors. Jazz, rock, gospel, R&B, classical music, blues and bluegrass – if it’s a genre, it’s probably on stage at some point during the month-long market.

November 25 – December 23