Your COVID-Friendly Guide To Must-See Christmas Markets in the U.S.

With 2020 hitting us like a brick wall, it’s safe to say that our normal Christmastime routines have nearly flipped upside down. With travel limited as it is, our holiday shopping itineraries have officially shifted from breaking through department store doors on Black Friday to online-only, “let’s hope it fits” shopping. But the saddest part of all? The Christmas markets, more traditionally referred to as Christkindlmarkts, that flood European regions and introduce artisan crafts and mulled wines come wintertime are taking a year off. 

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With Covid-19 restrictions and mandated quarantines plaguing most European countries, the thought of hosting a Christmas market is nothing but a mere fantasy. But while some markets are completely closed, others are still in full swing. And Europe isn’t the only place to find them. 

Major cities across the United States are hosting holiday markets of their own, most of which have been doing so for years. From New York City and Philadelphia to Denver and Charlotte, there is no doubt that the U.S. Christkindlmarkt scene refuses to cede, and here’s where you can find it. 

New York City, NY. 

Perhaps the most famous holiday market in all of New York City, the Union Square Holiday Market had to forego hosting its annual festivities. And while we’re bummed, we’re also thrilled that The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park’s Winter Village are in full swing, and have proved to be just as merry of a holiday market. 

The park, which is decorated with a variety of kiosks, offers skating, a quaint food scene and shops delivering on all of your gifting needs. Between the exotic jewelry, homemade hot sauces, luxury dog treats (yes, luxury), locally-sourced truffle oils and (of course) delectable French macarons, there is something for everyone on your list. 

After you’re finished skating (or, should we say, scooting around with a cone?) in front of the ornately decorated Christmas tree, we recommend grabbing a warm cup of something and making your way around the distanced kiosks to do some “walk-up shopping.” If you can’t make it before Christmas, don’t fret. These shops stay open until January 3, Covid-permitting. Who knows, maybe a trip here would be better spent to celebrate the New Year?

Philadelphia, PA. 

Christmas Village in Philadelphia, an annual weeks-long holiday celebration, will be held this year from November 26 to December 24. The market, which is modeled after a traditional European open-air market, will be held in the ever-popular LOVE Park, housing over 40 vendors that will surely check off holiday wishlist needs. Dubbed as a “shopper’s paradise,” this market will offer a wide selection of goods, some of which come from international locales. Ornaments, hand-crafted jewelry, personalized arts and crafts, seasonal apparel and so much more can be found among the village of wooden booths and open tents. And, in a typical, pandemic-free year, the market also hosts a plethora of entertainment to kick off the holiday season─so be sure to keep it in mind for future holiday festivities!

With socially distant shopping areas offered and a one-way-in, one-way-out design, shoppers can feel confident that a trip here would abide by pandemic guidelines and all safety precautions. Be sure to visit their website to stay informed, and have fun planning your festive shopping trip to the heart of Philadelphia!

Washington, D.C. 

Located in the heart of downtown D.C., the 16th annual Downtown Holiday Market will take place beginning November 20, and will last through December 23. The market, which will feature small businesses and local entrepreneurs, will be hosting a wide array Black-owned and minority-owned businesses. If that’s not a reason to shop, we don’t know what is.  

But if you’re not sold on the 70 exhibitors, all of which offer finely crafted art, intricately sewn garbs, impressive crafts, artisan jewelry or giftable foods for as far as the eye can see, perhaps you’ll be impressed with the market’s nuanced Covid-safe regulations. In order to ensure shoppers’ safety and comfort, the market will cover two blocks, increasing space and allowing more room for shoppers to check off their shopping lists while remaining socially-distanced. What’s more, vendors will be offering contactless sales and germ-free payment methods. Don’t forget your mask, and get to shopping! 

Denver, CO. 

Mirroring a traditional Christkindlmarkt, the Denver Christkindl Market is Denver’s rendition of an authentic European/German holiday market, and is the perfect one-stop shop for anyone on your holiday gift list. And when we say “authentic,” we mean it─a shopper’s day is not complete without a sweet German pretzel or glühwein. 

Offering an impressively wide array of exhibitors, shoppers can find everything from personalized glass ornaments to organic health and beauty products, like essential oils and body scrubs. The food scene isn’t one to undermine, either. With vendors cooking up German, Austrian, and Hungarian bites, a trip here might as well count as a trip across the pond. But the shopping and the food scene are just slivers of the Denver Christkindl market experience. 

Live music is also a key part of the shopping experience, with performances from The Denver Philharmonic Orchestra and a variety of bands playing anything from traditional German polka music to blue grass and more. There is truly no better way to kick off the festivities of the season than with a day spent here, basking in the delicious aromas escaping kettle-roasted nut vendors and Austrian bakery pop-ups. As always, mask-up, keep your distance and shop the market from November 20 until December 3.