2020 Christmas Markets in the U.S.

Looking for some Christmas spirit? Christmas markets put everyone in a festive holiday mood. You don’t need to travel to Europe to find a festive Christmas market. There are  Christmas markets in the U.S. that you can visit even during COVID-19 in 2020, both virtually and in person. While some of our favorite Christmas markets in the U.S. such as San Francisco’s theatrical Great Dickens Christmas Fair have been cancelled for 2020, others are proceeding in a new format and/or with new safety protocols. Here are our top suggestions for Christmas markets in the U.S. for 2020.

In Person

1. Bryant Park New York City

The Bank of America Winter Village is located at 42nd Street and Sixth avenue,  just a block east of Times Square. It offers kiosks with varied vendors. However, they have reduced the number of vendors and increased the space between them to allow social distancing. The Winter Village also offers ways to stay active during the holidays. They have both a curling course and NYC’s only free ice skating rink. For us figure skaters, they have ice time available at a cost. The Winter Village goes through January 3rd, 2021. Reservations for ice time are required. Check out the link HERE. The Winter Village goes through January 3rd, 2021.

2. Downtown D.C. Holiday Market

Washington D.C. has a downtown holiday market at 8th and F Street N.W. near the National Portrait Gallery. Their market features many vendors with increased space between them. What makes D.C.’s event special is the focus on vendors that are minority owned businesses. Thy will have 6 food vendors offering multicultural food choices. They have also planned varied live musical performances. The D.C. Christmas market will go through the evening of December 23rd. For more info, go HERE.

3. Solvang California’s Julefest

The Danish-inspired town of Solvang, California is moving forward with its annual Julefest (pronounced Yulefest) celebration albeit with some modifications. This month log celebration includes light shows Thursday-Saturday nights accompanied by musical and dance performers. They offer an annual scavenger hunt called the Nisse Adventure where you go around town following clues trying to chase down Nisse, a Danish gnome. Solvang’s fairy-tale like shops are open and sell everything from souvenirs and gifts to some of the most delicious Christmas cookies you will ever taste. Julefest will run through January 3rd. For more info, go HERE.

Virtual Christmas Markets in the U.S.

4. Christkindl Market (Chicago)

Chicago’s famous Christmas market ues the name Christkindl which literally mean Christ child. Chriskindl is the German equivalent of Santa Claus and Christkindl market is the name for Christmas markets used in Germany, the country that is most known for its Christmas markets. Chicago’s market usually held outside the Richard Daley Center is known usually for both its gift vendors and for its food, particularly sausages and gluhwein served in theme decorator cups that change annually. This year, they have gone to a virtual shop format. Nonetheless, they are offering a wide selection of clocks and other gifts, including clothing. Check it out HERE.

5. Christmas Village Baltimore

Baltimore’s Christmas Village is usually a popular and large indoor/outdoor market reminiscent of one in Germany. This year, they have moved to a virtual format that will still allow you to shop for ornaments and other unique gifts. Check it out HERE.

Want our help in finding a vacation package, a hotel or other accommodations so that you can see one or more of these Christmas markets in the U.S.? Please let us know, we would be happy to assist.

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