11 Of The Most Magical German Christmas Markets Across The U.S.

Wunderbar!

Okay, so not all of us have the luxury of visiting Dresden or Nürnberg this winter to attend one of their amazing Christmas markets.

Luckily, German heritage runs deep here in the US, so there are plenty of German-style Christmas Markets here to choose from. We have taken the liberty to design the perfect Christkindl road trip for all you Christmas - or German culture - enthusiasts out there.

Here is your route...

This 5,488 mile, 84 hour journey may seem daunting, but think of all the Lebkuchen and Glühwein you will get to ingest at every stop! Also, this is a great way to get all of your holiday shopping done without having to face any black friday crowds. Let's face it, you would be standing in line for 84 hours anyway.

Let's look at it stop by stop...

1. Christkindlmarkt - Leavenworth, WA

leavenworth.org

The 18th Annual Bavarian-style Christmas Market for the whole family will be held in Front Street Park and also in the Leavenworth Festhalle. This popular and celebrated northwest tradition features delicious and authentic Bavarian foods, handmade arts & crafts and other gifts, and family-friendly, Bavarian- and Christmas-themed entertainment!

Dates: Nov 29 – 30

2. Christkindlmarkt - Denver, CO

denverchristkindlmarket.com

This German Christmas market brings the sights, sounds and flavors of the holiday season with its music, food, holiday lights and old-world vendors to Skyline Park; authentic atmosphere of the German holiday season, reminiscent of the times families spend at the Christmas Markets throughout Europe.

Dates: Nov 22 – Dec 21

3. Weihnachtsmarkt Texas Style - Tomball, TX

tomballgermanfest.org

Vendors sell German Christmas items, arts and crafts, and more at this seasonal music/street festival and open air market set among the antique shops in the old town area.

Dates: Dec 13 - 15

4. Old World Christmas Market - Elkhardt Lake, WI

christmasmarketatosthoff.com

Reminiscent of the centuries-old Christkindlesmarkt of Nüremberg, Germany, the 16th annual Old World Christmas Market at The Osthoff Resort offers the warmth and merriment of this Old World tradition. Guests stroll the aisles of a grand heated tent bedecked with fragrant boughs of fresh evergreens and the tantalizing scents of roasted almonds and Nüremberg bratwurst as they browse for unique and specialty items among international and regional artisans. Czech blown-glass ornaments, Russian nesting dolls, German hand-carved smokers and nutcrackers, gingerbread houses, fine apparel, handmade amber and silver jewelry, Turkish pashmina scarves and shawls, stained glass art, Russian hand-painted Santas, fresh green wreaths, kissing balls and centerpieces, alpaca products, Estonia woolens, fine chocolates, Plauen lace, fine woodwork, fur products and much more!

Dates: Dec 6 – 15

5. Christkindlmarket - Chicago, IL

christkindlmarket.com

Inspired by the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, the Christkindlmarket Chicago brings a cherished German and European tradition with international flair and local charm to Chicago. It has grown to become one of the most popular winter attractions in the heart of the city. Educational activities for students visiting the market include: scavenger hunts, interviews with vendors, or even singing German holiday songs for all to enjoy. At the market, students get to experience authentic German traditions without having to travel any farther than the city of Chicago.

Dates: Nov 26 – Dec 24

6. Christkindlmarket Alpine - Helen, GA

helenga.org

Traditional German event, offers everything from unique gifts & decorations to an assortment of savory &sweet foods, drinks & candied treats. Children’s activities: Lantern decorating, lantern parade & Kinderfest

Dates: Dec 1 – 2

7. Peoples Gas Holiday Market - Pittsburgh, PA

peoples-gas.com

Inspired by the original German Christkindlmarkts, the 2nd Annual Peoples Gas Holiday Market brings a cherished European tradition to Downtown Pittsburgh that mixes international flair with local charm. Visitors experience a one-of-a-kind holiday shopping village as they stroll through an illuminated Market Square, weaving through Alpine-style wooden chalets, brimming with high quality gifts.

Dates: Nov 23 – Dec 23

8. Christmas Village - Philadelphia, PA

press.visitphilly.com

Christmas Village in Philadelphia is an outside holiday market event in downtown Philadelphia - at Love Park - on the west side of City Hall, which is modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany. The unique atmosphere with thousands of lights, the big Holiday Tree, the delicious smell of waffles, gingerbread, bratwurst and mulled wine will bring you and your family into the perfect Christmas mood.

Dates: Nov 28 – Jan 1

9. Christmas Village - Baltimore, MD

wordpress.com

Christmas Village in Baltimore will be a combination of an outdoor and indoor Holiday Market at West Shore Park in the Inner Harbor. The event will be modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany like the famous Christkindl Market in Nuremberg. From Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve vendors in more than 60 booths will sell traditional European food, sweets and drinks. They will also offer a great shopping experience with international holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry and high-quality arts and crafts.

Dates: Nov 28 – Dec 24

10. Christkindlmarkt - Lovettsville, VA

lovettsvillegameclub.org

2013 Lovettsville Christkindlmarkt with multiple German food and drink vendors with live music and activities to get the children in the holiday spirit.

Dates: Dec 7 – 8

11. Tysons Corner Christmas Market - Tysons Corner, VA

dresden.de

Okay, so this isn't ACTUALLY a picture of the Tysons Corner Christmas Market, but only because this year is the innaugural year! This is a photo from the Dresden market, which is world-renowned. The city of Dresden partnered this year with us, the German Embassy, to bring this market to Tysons Corner Center. Shop for everyone on your list in a traditional German market setting - replete with festive German fare, lively entertainment and a Christmas atmosphere. Explore a winter wonderland of holiday gifts from home and abroad sure to delight!

Dates: Dec 13 – 15