Christmas markets near me: the best holiday markets for families.
A Christmas market is the season in one small square: wooden stalls, twinkling lights, hot cocoa and something sweet to eat while you walk. Kids love the carousel and the treats. Grown-ups love crossing a few gifts off the list.
We found 50 Christmas and holiday markets in 22 US cities for 2026, and 28 of them are free to walk into. Each one was checked on its official site, with dates, hours, prices and what's there for kids.
Our honest take: a market is a great outing with kids if you keep it short. Plan it around one thing your kids will love, like a carousel, Santa or a craft corner. Go when it opens on a weekday, and head home before the cold wins. One to two hours is plenty.
Updated . Dates and prices change, so check the official site before you go.
The best Christmas markets in the US for families
These are the markets we'd pick with kids, because each has something just for them. Most are free to walk into, and the big ones are much calmer on a weekday.
- A carousel, a Ferris wheel and a small kids' train Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Nov 21 - Dec 27 LOVE Park and City Hall, 1500 Arch St. · Philadelphia
Hours: Sun-Thu noon-8pm, Fri-Sat noon-9pm. Christmas Eve noon-5pm. Closed Nov 23-25 and Dec 25.
Cost: Free to enter. Food, rides and gifts cost extra.
A German-style Christmas market with wooden huts around LOVE Park and City Hall. Expect hot drinks, food, gifts, a carousel, a Ferris wheel and a small kids' train.
Parent tip: Weeknights are calmer than weekends. Kids under 12 ride SEPTA free, which is easier than parking downtown.
Official site - The calmer Christkindlmarket, open through New Year's Eve Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville
Nov 20 - Dec 31 Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St. · Chicago
Hours: Mon-Thu 3-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-7pm. Open from 11am Dec 21-23 and 28-30. Closed Christmas Day.
Cost: Free to enter
A smaller Christkindlmarket sits right next to Wrigley Field. It stays open a week longer than the downtown market, through New Year's Eve.
Parent tip: Families with small kids often find it calmer than Daley Plaza. On weekdays it doesn't open until 3pm.
Official site - A carousel and Santa photos. Kids 6 and under get in free Good for toddlersIndoor and outdoor
Seattle Christmas Market
Nov 20 - Dec 26 Fisher Pavilion and South Fountain Lawn, Seattle Center · Seattle
Hours: Daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Until Dec 13: weekdays 4-9pm, weekends 11:30am-9pm. Longer hours from Dec 14. Christmas Eve closes at 7pm.
Cost: About $7-$11 in opening week, $20-$22 at peak in December. Kids 6 and under free.
A European-style holiday market with wooden stalls, food and a carousel. Kids can get photos with Santa.
Parent tip: Tickets are cheapest in the first week. For the carousel, kids riding with an adult must be over 36 inches tall.
Official site - Free, with a carousel and extra kids' fun on Sundays Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Denver Christkindlmarket
Nov 20 - Dec 23 Tivoli Quad, Auraria Campus, 1000 Larimer St · Denver
Hours: Mon-Thu 1-9pm. Fri-Sun and Dec 17-23, 11am-9pm. Thanksgiving 11am-4pm.
Cost: Free entry
A German-style holiday market with wooden huts, food and a carousel. It is now on the Auraria Campus, next to the Mile High Tree.
Parent tip: Sundays have extra kid entertainment. Weekends get crowded, so weekday afternoons are easier with a stroller.
Official site - Free entry, and free skating if you bring your own skates Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Winter Village at Bryant Park
Oct 28 - Jan 3 Bryant Park · New York
Hours: Holiday shops daily to Jan 3: weekdays 11am-8pm, weekends 10am-8pm. Rink open to Feb 28.
Cost: Free entry. Free skating with your own skates. Skate rental from about $19.
An outdoor holiday market of small shops sits around a free ice rink. It is easy to pair with the library or a walk to Rockefeller Center.
Parent tip: Skate sessions last about 50 minutes. Weekday mornings are usually the quietest.
Official site - A kids' craft and character tent by the river Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt
Nov 20 - Dec 28 Schmidlapp Event Lawn by the Cincinnati Lager House, Smale Riverfront Park · Cincinnati
Hours: Thu-Fri 5-9pm, Sat 3-9pm, Sun 3-7pm. Closed Mon-Wed, except Dec 21-23 (3-9pm). Christmas Eve 3-7pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Cost: Free entry. Carousel rides and some events cost extra.
A German-style holiday market on the riverfront, with lights, choirs, igloos and a kids' craft and character tent.
Parent tip: The streetcar stops on 2nd Street, a short walk away. The Central Riverfront Garage is the closest parking.
Official site - Free, with a kids' play area by the stage Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
DowntownDC Holiday Market
Nov 13 - Dec 23 F Street NW, between 7th and 9th streets · Washington, DC
Hours: Daily, Nov 13-Dec 23. Mon-Thu noon-8pm; Fri-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-8pm. Closed Thanksgiving.
Cost: Free entry
Downtown's long-running holiday market fills F Street with about 120 stalls of local makers and treats. Kids get a play area called Rudolph Reindeer Games next to the stage.
Parent tip: Take Metro to Gallery Place-Chinatown. Restrooms are on 8th Street, and most stalls take cards, but bring a little cash.
Official site - A kids' building and ornament corner Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Snowport Holiday Market
Nov 6 - Dec 27 100 Seaport Blvd · Boston
Hours: Mon-Thu 3-8pm, Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-8pm
Cost: Free entry. Optional weekend fast pass: $15 adults, $7 ages 6-17, 5 and under free.
A large holiday market with more than 130 small sellers and food stands. Kids get a building and ornament corner and photo spots.
Parent tip: Go on a weekday afternoon to skip weekend lines and avoid paying for the fast pass.
Official site - Puppet shows, games, a carousel and a small steam train Good for toddlersIndoor
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Nov 21 - Dec 20 Cow Palace Exhibition Halls · San Francisco
Hours: Five weekends, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. Also open Fri Nov 27.
Cost: $50 adults, $30 ages 5-12, under 5 free (plus fees). Cheaper after 3pm.
A huge indoor fair dressed up as old London at Christmas. Kids get puppet shows, games, crafts, a carousel and a small steam train.
Parent tip: Twilight tickets after 3pm cost less. Parking is $20 per car, so bring a card or cash.
Official site - Pony rides, farm animals, Santa and St. Nikolaus Good for toddlersIndoor and outdoor
Germania Society Christkindlmarkt
Nov 6-8 Germania Park, 3529 W. Kemper Rd. · Cincinnati
Hours: Fri Nov 6, 5-10pm; Sat Nov 7, 11am-10pm; Sun Nov 8, noon-5pm.
Cost: $5. Kids 12 and under free. Cards only.
An old-style German Christmas market. Kids can meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and St. Nikolaus, pet farm animals, ride ponies and take a carriage ride.
Parent tip: Sunday is Family Day, with free face painting and a scavenger hunt. Krampus walks around on Friday and Saturday nights and may scare little ones.
Official site - A free German market with a Saturday morning parade Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Tomball German Christmas Market
Dec 11-13 Old Town Tomball · Houston
Hours: Fri Dec 11 6-10pm, Sat Dec 12 10am-10pm, Sun Dec 13 10am-6pm. Parade Sat at 10:30am.
Cost: Free. Free parking.
A German-style Christmas market with vendor booths, food, music and a Saturday morning parade.
Parent tip: On Saturday and Sunday, use the free shuttle from the east lot of HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball.
Official site
Christmas markets near me, by city
Pick your city to see every Christmas market near you this season. Each one lists its dates, hours and cost, plus what's there for kids.
New YorkChicagoBostonWashington, DCNashvilleSeattleDenverSan DiegoSan FranciscoLos AngelesAtlantaHoustonSan AntonioGatlinburgPhiladelphiaOrlandoCharlotteDallasAustinPhoenixTampaCincinnati
Christmas markets in New York
Winter Village at Bryant Park · Grand Central Holiday Fair · Union Square Holiday Market · NYSE Christmas Tree Lighting
- Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Winter Village at Bryant Park
Oct 28 - Jan 3 Bryant Park · Midtown Manhattan
Hours: Holiday shops daily to Jan 3: weekdays 11am-8pm, weekends 10am-8pm. Rink open to Feb 28.
Cost: Free entry. Free skating with your own skates. Skate rental from about $19.
An outdoor holiday market of small shops sits around a free ice rink. It is easy to pair with the library or a walk to Rockefeller Center.
Parent tip: Skate sessions last about 50 minutes. Weekday mornings are usually the quietest.
Official site - Good for toddlersFreeIndoor
Grand Central Holiday Fair
Nov 9 - Dec 24 Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal · Midtown East
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm. Until 8pm Dec 17-23. Closed Thanksgiving.
Cost: Free entry
An indoor holiday market of local makers inside the train station. It is warm and dry, which helps on a cold or rainy day.
Parent tip: Look up at the main hall's ceiling on your way in. Weekday mornings are the calmest time to browse.
Official site - Good for toddlersOutdoor
Union Square Holiday Market
Nov 12 - Dec 24 Union Square Park (University Pl and E 14th St) · Union Square
Hours: Daily, Nov 12-Dec 24. Sun-Wed 11am-8pm, Thu-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm.
Cost: No entry fee listed. Shopping costs extra.
Nearly 200 stalls from local makers, artists and small businesses fill Union Square Park. It's one of the city's biggest holiday markets.
Parent tip: The 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R and W trains all stop at Union Square. Weekday mornings are the calmest time with a stroller.
Official site - Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
NYSE Christmas Tree Lighting
Dec 3 New York Stock Exchange, 11 Wall St · Financial District
Hours: Thu, Dec 3, 3:30-6:30pm
Cost: Free, open to the public
The Stock Exchange lights its big tree on Wall Street, with live music, snacks and a small holiday market.
Parent tip: Come before dark to walk around, then stay for the lighting.
Official site
Christmas markets in Chicago
Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza · Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville
- Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
Nov 20 - Dec 24 Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. · The Loop
Hours: Daily. Sun-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm. Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve 11am-4pm.
Cost: Free to enter
Chicago's big German-style Christmas market fills Daley Plaza with wooden huts. Expect hot drinks, pretzels, sausages, ornaments and wooden toys.
Parent tip: Go on a weekday morning or mid-afternoon. Lunch, after work and weekends get packed. Bring cash, since many vendors don't take cards.
Official site - Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville
Nov 20 - Dec 31 Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St. · Wrigleyville
Hours: Mon-Thu 3-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-7pm. Open from 11am Dec 21-23 and 28-30. Closed Christmas Day.
Cost: Free to enter
A smaller Christkindlmarket sits right next to Wrigley Field. It stays open a week longer than the downtown market, through New Year's Eve.
Parent tip: Families with small kids often find it calmer than Daley Plaza. On weekdays it doesn't open until 3pm.
Official site
Christmas markets in Boston
Snowport Holiday Market · SoWa Christmas Market
- Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Snowport Holiday Market
Nov 6 - Dec 27 100 Seaport Blvd · Seaport District
Hours: Mon-Thu 3-8pm, Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-8pm
Cost: Free entry. Optional weekend fast pass: $15 adults, $7 ages 6-17, 5 and under free.
A large holiday market with more than 130 small sellers and food stands. Kids get a building and ornament corner and photo spots.
Parent tip: Go on a weekday afternoon to skip weekend lines and avoid paying for the fast pass.
Official site - Good for toddlersIndoor
SoWa Christmas Market
Nov 20 - Dec 27 SoWa Power Station, 550 Harrison Ave · South End
Hours: Tue-Sun, closed Mondays. Weekday evenings and full days on weekends.
Cost: Small entry fee for adults. Kids 12 and under free.
An indoor market with more than 125 local makers, food and live music. It is warm and dry, which helps with little kids.
Parent tip: Weekend daytime is the easiest time with a stroller. Check the site for Santa visit days.
Official site
Christmas markets in Washington, DC
Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park · DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle · DowntownDC Holiday Market
- Good for toddlersOutdoor
Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park
Nov 20 - Dec 27 Nationals Park · Navy Yard, southeast DC
Hours: Nov 20-Dec 27; pick an entry time when you book
Cost: From $28; varies by date and time
The ballpark fills with light displays, a holiday market and a Santa visit. Ice skating is an add-on.
Parent tip: Kids under 5 must skate with a parent. Book an early slot for the cheapest prices and smallest crowds.
Official site - Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle
Nov 12 - Dec 23 1500 block of New Hampshire Ave NW · Dupont Circle
Hours: Daily, Nov 12-Dec 23. Mon-Fri noon-8pm; Sat-Sun 11am-8pm. Closed Nov 26 and Nov 30.
Cost: Free to browse
An open-air market of gift and craft stalls on a closed block just north of Dupont Circle. It's a separate market from the DowntownDC Holiday Market on F Street.
Parent tip: It's one block from the Dupont Circle Metro. Weekday afternoons are quieter for strollers.
Official site - Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
DowntownDC Holiday Market
Nov 13 - Dec 23 F Street NW, between 7th and 9th streets · Downtown (Penn Quarter)
Hours: Daily, Nov 13-Dec 23. Mon-Thu noon-8pm; Fri-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-8pm. Closed Thanksgiving.
Cost: Free entry
Downtown's long-running holiday market fills F Street with about 120 stalls of local makers and treats. Kids get a play area called Rudolph Reindeer Games next to the stage.
Parent tip: Take Metro to Gallery Place-Chinatown. Restrooms are on 8th Street, and most stalls take cards, but bring a little cash.
Official site
Christmas markets in Nashville
Nashville Christmas Village · Franklin Makers Holiday Market · MADE SOUTH Holiday Market · Holiday Market at the Mansion · Porter Flea Holiday Market
- Indoor
Nashville Christmas Village
Nov 13-15 The Fairgrounds Nashville · Fairgrounds (south of downtown)
Hours: Fri Nov 13 9am-9pm, Sat Nov 14 9am-6pm, Sun Nov 15 noon-6pm
Cost: $15 online. Kids 9 and under free.
A big holiday gift and craft market fills the Fairgrounds for one weekend in November. Santa is there for photos all three days.
Parent tip: Strollers and wagons aren't allowed, so bring a carrier. Parking is free.
Official site - Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Franklin Makers Holiday Market
Nov 14 The Lake at Westhaven, 157 Front St. · Franklin (Westhaven)
Hours: Sat Nov 14, 11am-4pm
Cost: Free
An outdoor holiday market by the lake at Westhaven, with local makers and food. Santa is there for free photos.
Parent tip: It's outside in mid-November, so pack layers for the kids.
Official site - Good for toddlersIndoor
MADE SOUTH Holiday Market
Nov 21 Liberty Hall, The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Rd. · Franklin
Hours: Sat Nov 21, 9am-5pm (the Friday night party is 21+)
Cost: Ticketed for adults. Kids 13 and under free on Saturday.
A big indoor market of Southern makers at The Factory in Franklin. Saturday is the all-ages shopping day.
Parent tip: Kids 13 and under get in free on Saturday, so only the grown-ups need tickets.
Official site - Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Holiday Market at the Mansion
Nov 21-22 Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, 4580 Rachel's Lane · Hermitage (east of the airport)
Hours: Sat Nov 21 10am-4pm, Sun Nov 22 10am-3pm
Cost: Free
An outdoor craft and gift market on the grounds of the Hermitage. Local artists sell gifts, and there's food too.
Parent tip: It's outdoors in late November, so dress the kids in layers.
Official site - Good for toddlersIndoor
Porter Flea Holiday Market
Dec 11-12 Nashville Fairgrounds, 320 Wedgewood Ave. · Wedgewood-Houston
Hours: Main market Sat Dec 12, 10am-5pm. Ticketed preview night Fri Dec 11, 6-9pm.
Cost: Preview night is ticketed. Check the site for Saturday entry. Parking $10 cash.
A large indoor handmade market at the Fairgrounds, with more than 200 local sellers. The hall is heated.
Parent tip: Bring cash for parking. The Friday preview night is ticketed and runs late, so Saturday is the better pick with kids.
Official site
Christmas markets in Seattle
Seattle Christmas Market · Julefest at the National Nordic Museum · Holiday Night Market with Santa at Pike Place Market
- Good for toddlersIndoor and outdoor
Seattle Christmas Market
Nov 20 - Dec 26 Fisher Pavilion and South Fountain Lawn, Seattle Center · Seattle Center (Lower Queen Anne)
Hours: Daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Until Dec 13: weekdays 4-9pm, weekends 11:30am-9pm. Longer hours from Dec 14. Christmas Eve closes at 7pm.
Cost: About $7-$11 in opening week, $20-$22 at peak in December. Kids 6 and under free.
A European-style holiday market with wooden stalls, food and a carousel. Kids can get photos with Santa.
Parent tip: Tickets are cheapest in the first week. For the carousel, kids riding with an adult must be over 36 inches tall.
Official site - Good for toddlersIndoor and outdoor
Julefest at the National Nordic Museum
Nov 21-22 National Nordic Museum · Ballard
Hours: Sat-Sun Nov 21-22, 10am-5pm. The Friday night market on Nov 20 is for ages 21+.
Cost: Adults $12 online, $16 at the door. Youth $5.
A Nordic holiday fair with market stalls, live music and holiday treats. It is a good early-season outing.
Parent tip: Go on Saturday or Sunday. The Friday evening event is adults only.
Official site - Good for toddlersFreeIndoor and outdoor
Holiday Night Market with Santa at Pike Place Market
Dec 10 Pike Place Market · Downtown Seattle
Hours: Thu Dec 10, 5-9pm.
Cost: Santa photos are free. Shopping and treats cost extra.
An evening market with gifts from local makers and holiday treats. Kids can get a free photo with Santa.
Parent tip: Go early in the evening with little ones, before bedtime and the bigger crowds.
Official site
Christmas markets in Denver
Denver Christkindlmarket · Cherry Creek Holiday Market
- Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Denver Christkindlmarket
Nov 20 - Dec 23 Tivoli Quad, Auraria Campus, 1000 Larimer St · Auraria, west edge of downtown
Hours: Mon-Thu 1-9pm. Fri-Sun and Dec 17-23, 11am-9pm. Thanksgiving 11am-4pm.
Cost: Free entry
A German-style holiday market with wooden huts, food and a carousel. It is now on the Auraria Campus, next to the Mile High Tree.
Parent tip: Sundays have extra kid entertainment. Weekends get crowded, so weekday afternoons are easier with a stroller.
Official site - Good for toddlersOutdoor
Cherry Creek Holiday Market
Nov 19 - Dec 24 Fillmore Plaza, between 1st and 2nd Avenues · Cherry Creek North
Hours: Mon-Wed noon-7pm. Thu-Sat 11am-9pm. Sun 11am-7pm. Dec 18-23 11am-9pm. Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve noon-3pm.
Cost: No entry fee posted.
An outdoor holiday market on a closed-off block of Fillmore Street in Cherry Creek North.
Parent tip: The block is closed to cars, so it is easy to walk with a stroller.
Official site
Christmas markets in San Diego
Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village · Holiday in the Village, La Mesa · Makers Arcade Holiday Fair
- Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village
Dec 5 Piazza della Famiglia and India Street · Little Italy, downtown
Hours: Sat, Dec 5, 4-8pm; tree lighting 6:30pm
Cost: Free to attend
A street party with live music, treats, a gift market on India Street and a tree lighting. Santa comes too.
Parent tip: Take the trolley to the Little Italy stop. Streets close and parking is hard that night.
Official site - Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Holiday in the Village, La Mesa
Dec 12 La Mesa Blvd, Spring St to 4th St · La Mesa, East County
Hours: Sat, Dec 12, noon-9pm
Cost: Free to attend; kids' shopping items $5 or less
A holiday street fair fills La Mesa Blvd in the old downtown. Kids 10 and under can shop vendor booths for gifts at $5 or less.
Parent tip: Ask at the info booth for the elf scavenger hunt. It keeps kids busy while you walk the vendors.
Official site - Good for toddlersIndoor and outdoor
Makers Arcade Holiday Fair
Dec 12-13 Broadway Pier · Downtown waterfront
Hours: Sat, Dec 12 and Sun, Dec 13, 10am-5pm
Cost: $5 online, $6 at the door; kids under 10 free
A holiday craft fair with local makers on the downtown pier. Kids can try free make-and-take craft tables.
Parent tip: Go in the morning before it gets busy. A carrier is easier than a stroller in crowded aisles.
Official site
Christmas markets in San Francisco
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
- Good for toddlersIndoor
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Nov 21 - Dec 20 Cow Palace Exhibition Halls · Daly City, just south of SF
Hours: Five weekends, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. Also open Fri Nov 27.
Cost: $50 adults, $30 ages 5-12, under 5 free (plus fees). Cheaper after 3pm.
A huge indoor fair dressed up as old London at Christmas. Kids get puppet shows, games, crafts, a carousel and a small steam train.
Parent tip: Twilight tickets after 3pm cost less. Parking is $20 per car, so bring a card or cash.
Official site
Christmas markets in Los Angeles
Enchant Christmas at Santa Anita Park
- Good for toddlersOutdoor
Enchant Christmas at Santa Anita Park
Nov 20 - Dec 27 Santa Anita Park · Arcadia (San Gabriel Valley)
Hours: Evenings on select dates. Each ticket has an arrival window.
Cost: From about $29; price changes by date and time. Skating and rides cost extra.
A large Christmas light maze with a holiday village, food, music and Santa visits. Skating, a snow slide and small rides are extra.
Parent tip: Choose an early arrival window with little kids. Decide on add-ons before you go to keep the cost down.
Official site
Christmas markets in Atlanta
Atlanta Christkindl Market (Lawrenceville) · Atlanta Christkindl Market (Senoia)
- Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Atlanta Christkindl Market (Lawrenceville)
Nov 20 - Dec 24 Lawrenceville Lawn, 210 Luckie St · Lawrenceville, in Gwinnett County
Hours: Wed-Thu 3-9pm, Fri-Sun 11am-9pm. Also open Nov 23-25 and Dec 21-23, 11am-9pm. Closed Thanksgiving. Christmas Eve 11am-4pm.
Cost: Free admission
Atlanta's German-style Christmas market now sets up on the lawn in downtown Lawrenceville, with handmade gifts and German food. Free parking comes with a lit-up walk, the Winterlight Walk, to the market.
Parent tip: Last year's first season here broke records, so go on a Wednesday or Thursday when it opens at 3pm. Park free at the county justice center (75 Langley Dr) and walk under half a mile.
Official site - Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Atlanta Christkindl Market (Senoia)
Nov 27 - Dec 24 158 Seavy Street · Downtown Senoia, on Atlanta's south side
Hours: Wed-Thu 3-9pm, Fri-Sun 11am-9pm. Also open Dec 21-23, 11am-9pm. Christmas Eve 11am-4pm.
Cost: Free admission
The market opens a second, smaller-town location this year, just off Senoia's historic Main Street. Expect German food, handmade gifts and local makers.
Parent tip: Santa visits on set days, so check the Santa schedule on the official site. Park on the street downtown and walk over.
Official site
Christmas markets in Houston
Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market · Tomball German Christmas Market · The Woodlands Winter Makers Market · The Snowflake Market at POST Houston
- Indoor
Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market
Nov 12-15 Reliant Center (NRG Park) · NRG Park / South Loop
Hours: Thu Nov 12-Sun Nov 15
Cost: Ticketed. See the official site for prices.
A huge indoor holiday shopping market with more than 280 sellers, many of them local. Money raised supports Houston Ballet's community programs.
Parent tip: It draws big crowds. With little ones, go early on a weekday or leave them home for this one.
Official site - Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Tomball German Christmas Market
Dec 11-13 Old Town Tomball · Tomball
Hours: Fri Dec 11 6-10pm, Sat Dec 12 10am-10pm, Sun Dec 13 10am-6pm. Parade Sat at 10:30am.
Cost: Free. Free parking.
A German-style Christmas market with vendor booths, food, music and a Saturday morning parade.
Parent tip: On Saturday and Sunday, use the free shuttle from the east lot of HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball.
Official site - Good for toddlersFreeIndoor and outdoor
The Woodlands Winter Makers Market
Dec 12 The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Dr. · The Woodlands (Creekside Park)
Hours: Sat Dec 12, 10am-4pm
Cost: Free entry. KidZone wristbands cost extra.
A local makers' holiday market with food trucks and a kids' zone with a trackless train, crafts, putt-putt and bounce houses.
Parent tip: Buy the KidZone wristband if your kids will want the train and bounce houses.
Official site - Good for toddlersFreeIndoor
The Snowflake Market at POST Houston
Dec 13 POST Houston · Downtown
Hours: Sun Dec 13, 10:30am-5:30pm
Cost: Free
An indoor holiday market with local sellers and food on the ground floor. Upstairs, the rooftop has its winter decorations.
Parent tip: Go early, before lunch, when aisles are easier with a stroller.
Official site
Christmas markets in San Antonio
Holiday Night Market at Pearl · Holidays on Houston Street Market Experience · River Walk December and Holiday Artisan Shows · Holiday Art Market at the Tobin Center
- Good for toddlersOutdoor
Holiday Night Market at Pearl
Dec 2-16 Pearl · Pearl District, north of downtown
Hours: Wednesdays Dec 2, 9 and 16, 5-9pm
Cost: No ticket price listed
An evening holiday market with local vendors on Wednesday nights in December.
Parent tip: Come at 5pm with young kids. You can shop, eat and be home by bedtime.
Official site - Good for toddlersOutdoor
Holidays on Houston Street Market Experience
Dec 4-20 Houston Street · Downtown
Hours: Two weekends: Dec 4-6 and Dec 18-20
Cost: See the official site
Downtown's Houston Street hosts a holiday market with local makers, live performers and family activities. The street has a canopy of lights overhead.
Parent tip: The River Walk is a few blocks away, so you can add the river lights after dark.
Official site - Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
River Walk December and Holiday Artisan Shows
Dec 11-20 River Walk Extension, near the Shops at Rivercenter · Downtown
Hours: Dec 11-13 and Dec 18-20
Cost: Free
Local artists set up booths along the river for holiday shopping. Shows usually have more than 40 booths.
Parent tip: The Shops at Rivercenter sit right next to the booths if you need a warm-up or snack stop.
Official site - Good for toddlersFreeIndoor and outdoor
Holiday Art Market at the Tobin Center
Nov 28 Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle · Downtown
Hours: Sat Nov 28, 10am-4pm
Cost: Free admission
A one-day holiday market across the Tobin Center. Kids get Santa photos, a mechanical reindeer and reindeer lawn games.
Parent tip: It's the day after the river parade, which starts right outside the Tobin.
Official site
Christmas markets in Gatlinburg
Winterfest Christmas Market
- Good for toddlersOutdoor
Winterfest Christmas Market
Nov 13-28 Patriot Park, 186 Old Mill Ave. · Pigeon Forge
Hours: Nov 13-15 and Nov 20-28, 2026
Cost: See the official site
A small Christmas market with local makers sets up next to the Winterfest light trail. It runs for two short stretches in November.
Parent tip: Pair it with the light trail next door. Go around dusk to shop first and see the lights come on.
Official site
Christmas markets in Philadelphia
Christmas Village in Philadelphia · Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
- Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Nov 21 - Dec 27 LOVE Park and City Hall, 1500 Arch St. · Center City
Hours: Sun-Thu noon-8pm, Fri-Sat noon-9pm. Christmas Eve noon-5pm. Closed Nov 23-25 and Dec 25.
Cost: Free to enter. Food, rides and gifts cost extra.
A German-style Christmas market with wooden huts around LOVE Park and City Hall. Expect hot drinks, food, gifts, a carousel, a Ferris wheel and a small kids' train.
Parent tip: Weeknights are calmer than weekends. Kids under 12 ride SEPTA free, which is easier than parking downtown.
Official site - Good for toddlersOutdoor
Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
Nov 13 - Jan 1 Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St. (west side of City Hall) · Center City
Hours: Sun-Thu noon-8pm, Fri-Sat noon-9pm. Closes 5pm Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Closed Dec 25.
Cost: No entry fee listed. Shopping costs extra.
A holiday market of local makers and food sellers at Dilworth Park. It's a good stop for gifts made in the city.
Parent tip: Pair it with the Dilworth Park rink or Christmas Village, both steps away.
Official site
Christmas markets in Orlando
Frontyard Holiday Festival at Dr. Phillips Center · Jingle Eve in Ivanhoe Village
- Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Frontyard Holiday Festival at Dr. Phillips Center
Nov 27 - Dec 31 Dr. Phillips Center front lawn, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. · Downtown Orlando
Hours: Wed-Fri 5-10pm, Sat-Sun 2-10pm through Dec 13. Then Mon-Fri 5-10pm, Sat-Sun 2-10pm. Closed Dec 14, 15, 24 and 25.
Cost: Free admission. Food and s'mores kits for sale.
A free downtown festival with falling snow and a lit tree. Kids get Santa story time and a craft workshop.
Parent tip: Sunday nights have free holiday movies on the lawn. Dec 31 has a family-friendly New Year's Eve party.
Official site - Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Jingle Eve in Ivanhoe Village
Nov 21 Orange Avenue, Virginia Drive and Gaston Edwards Park · Ivanhoe Village (near downtown)
Hours: Sat Nov 21, 4:30-9pm. Fireworks to finish.
Cost: Free. The wine walk for adults is a paid add-on.
A neighborhood street party with a children's holiday village, local makers, food trucks and music. Fireworks over Lake Ivanhoe end the night.
Parent tip: Head for the kids' village early. The night also has beer gardens, so it gets busier and more grown-up later.
Official site
Christmas markets in Charlotte
Holidays in Huntersville · Southern Christmas Show
- Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Holidays in Huntersville
Dec 5 Veterans Park, Downtown Huntersville · Huntersville (north Mecklenburg)
Hours: Sat Dec 5, 3-8pm
Cost: Free to attend. Food and drinks for sale.
A free town holiday afternoon with kids' rides, ice sculptures, face painting, holiday characters, stage shows and letters and photos with Santa. More than 50 local vendors sell gifts.
Parent tip: Missed Santa? The town's Santa's Village runs Dec 10-12, 5-8pm, inside the American Legion Post 321 building.
Official site - Good for toddlersIndoor
Southern Christmas Show
Nov 11-22 The Park Expo and Conference Center · East Charlotte
Hours: Thu-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun-Wed 10am-6pm. Opening day Wed Nov 11 runs to 9pm.
Cost: Adults 13+ about $19 on weekdays and $22 on weekends in advance. Each day needs its own ticket. Parking is extra.
A big indoor holiday shopping show with decorated displays and gift vendors. It's a good rainy-day pick early in the season.
Parent tip: Strollers and small push carts are fine, but wagons aren't. No strollers on the Early Bird VIP morning, Sat Nov 14. If you leave the lot, you pay for parking again.
Official site
Christmas markets in Dallas
Boho Holiday Market at Klyde Warren Park
- Good for toddlersOutdoor
Boho Holiday Market at Klyde Warren Park
Dec 5-6 Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy. · Downtown Dallas (Arts District / Uptown edge)
Hours: Sat Dec 5, 4-9pm. Sun Dec 6, 11am-5pm.
Cost: See the official site
An outdoor holiday market in the park on the same weekend as the tree lighting.
Parent tip: Do the market on Saturday afternoon, then catch the tree lighting.
Official site
Christmas markets in Austin
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
- Good for toddlersIndoor
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Dec 12-21 Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. · South of downtown (near Zilker)
Hours: Daily Dec 12-21. Hours change by day.
Cost: $12 plus fees for a day ticket. Kids 12 and under free.
A long-running indoor art market with handmade gifts and live music all day. There's a bar for grown-ups, but kids get in free.
Parent tip: Strollers fit the aisles, and there's a nursing room for parents.
Official site
Christmas markets in Phoenix
Christmas in the Park (Litchfield Park)
- Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Christmas in the Park (Litchfield Park)
Dec 12 Litchfield Square Park, 279 N. La Loma Ave. · Litchfield Park (West Valley)
Hours: Sat Dec 12. Holiday market 9am-3pm, parade at 10am.
Cost: Free
A small-town festival with a hometown parade, 60-plus market vendors, stage acts and kids' activities.
Parent tip: Browse the market from 9am, then grab a curb spot before the 10am parade.
Official site
Christmas markets in Tampa
Enchant Christmas at Tropicana Field · The Holiday Promenade at Water Street Tampa
- Good for toddlersIndoor and outdoor
Enchant Christmas at Tropicana Field
Nov 20 - Dec 27 Tropicana Field · St. Petersburg (about 20 miles from downtown Tampa)
Hours: Nov 20-Dec 27. You pick a date and entry time when you buy.
Cost: From $28. Prices change by date, entry time and demand. Skating, the snow slide, rides and parking cost extra.
A huge Christmas light maze with a holiday village, live music and caroling. A visit with Santa is part of the ticket.
Parent tip: Kids under 5 must skate with a parent. Infant tickets can't add rides or skating, and kids need their own add-on tickets.
Official site - Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
The Holiday Promenade at Water Street Tampa
Dec 3 Water Street Tampa, 971 Water St. · Downtown Tampa (Channel District)
Hours: Thu Dec 3, 5-9pm
Cost: Free to attend. Food, drinks and gifts for sale.
A one-night holiday market with more than 40 local makers, live music, hot cocoa and holiday snacks.
Parent tip: Food vendors are at Raybon Plaza. Go early in the evening if you have little ones in a stroller.
Official site
Christmas markets in Cincinnati
Germania Society Christkindlmarkt · Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt
- Good for toddlersIndoor and outdoor
Germania Society Christkindlmarkt
Nov 6-8 Germania Park, 3529 W. Kemper Rd. · Colerain Township (northwest of Cincinnati)
Hours: Fri Nov 6, 5-10pm; Sat Nov 7, 11am-10pm; Sun Nov 8, noon-5pm.
Cost: $5. Kids 12 and under free. Cards only.
An old-style German Christmas market. Kids can meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and St. Nikolaus, pet farm animals, ride ponies and take a carriage ride.
Parent tip: Sunday is Family Day, with free face painting and a scavenger hunt. Krampus walks around on Friday and Saturday nights and may scare little ones.
Official site - Good for toddlersFreeOutdoor
Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt
Nov 20 - Dec 28 Schmidlapp Event Lawn by the Cincinnati Lager House, Smale Riverfront Park · The Banks (riverfront downtown)
Hours: Thu-Fri 5-9pm, Sat 3-9pm, Sun 3-7pm. Closed Mon-Wed, except Dec 21-23 (3-9pm). Christmas Eve 3-7pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Cost: Free entry. Carousel rides and some events cost extra.
A German-style holiday market on the riverfront, with lights, choirs, igloos and a kids' craft and character tent.
Parent tip: The streetcar stops on 2nd Street, a short walk away. The Central Riverfront Garage is the closest parking.
Official site
German Christmas markets near you
A German Christmas market, or Christkindlmarkt, copies the old markets of Germany. Expect wooden huts, pretzels, sausages and hot drinks, plus ornaments and wooden toys.
- Christkindlmarket at Daley PlazaChicago · Nov 20 - Dec 24 · Free
- Christkindlmarket WrigleyvilleChicago · Nov 20 - Dec 31 · Free
- Denver ChristkindlmarketDenver · Nov 20 - Dec 23 · Free
- Atlanta Christkindl Market (Lawrenceville)Atlanta · Nov 20 - Dec 24 · Free
- Atlanta Christkindl Market (Senoia)Atlanta · Nov 27 - Dec 24 · Free
- Tomball German Christmas MarketHouston · Dec 11-13 · Free
- Christmas Village in PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia · Nov 21 - Dec 27 · Free
- Germania Society ChristkindlmarktCincinnati · Nov 6-8 · $5
- Cincinnati ChristkindlmarktCincinnati · Nov 20 - Dec 28 · Free
Indoor holiday markets (warm and dry)
Indoor markets are warm and dry, which helps a lot with little kids. They're often bigger shopping shows, so they work best for short visits or older kids. Check the stroller rule first. A few big shows don't allow strollers or wagons.
- Grand Central Holiday FairNew York · Nov 9 - Dec 24 · Free
- SoWa Christmas MarketBoston · Nov 20 - Dec 27 · Small entry fee for adults
- Nashville Christmas VillageNashville · Nov 13-15 · $15 online
- MADE SOUTH Holiday MarketNashville · Nov 21 · Ticketed for adults
- Porter Flea Holiday MarketNashville · Dec 11-12 · Preview night is ticketed
- Great Dickens Christmas FairSan Francisco · Nov 21 - Dec 20 · $50 adults, $30 ages 5-12, under 5 free (plus fees)
- Houston Ballet Nutcracker MarketHouston · Nov 12-15 · Ticketed
- The Snowflake Market at POST HoustonHouston · Dec 13 · Free
- Southern Christmas ShowCharlotte · Nov 11-22 · Adults 13+ about $19 on weekdays and $22 on weekends in advance
- Armadillo Christmas BazaarAustin · Dec 12-21 · $12 plus fees for a day ticket
Christmas villages near you
Looking for a Christmas village? These are towns, historic villages and street festivals that dress up for the holidays, often with Santa, carolers and lights.
- Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge VillageBoston · Nov 27 - Dec 27 · Paid, cheaper online and before Nov 26
- Grand Illumination Celebration at Peddler's VillagePhiladelphia · Nov 20 · Free
- Holly Jolly Weekend at Peddler's VillagePhiladelphia · Dec 5-6 · Free
- Skippack Holiday VillagePhiladelphia · Dec 12 · No ticket price listed
- A Charming Christmas at Cannonsburgh VillageNashville · Dec 4-19 · $5 per person
- Dickens of a ChristmasNashville · Dec 12-13 · No ticket price listed
- Dickens on The StrandHouston · Dec 4-6 · Ticketed
- Winter Village at Curtis Hixon ParkTampa · Nov 20 - Jan 3 · Free
For a whole trip, some small towns are famous for their Christmas markets and lights. See our guide to the best Christmas towns in the USA.
Tips for a Christmas market with kids
- Pick the kid thing first. Find the carousel, Santa or craft corner, and do that before you shop.
- Go when the market opens on a weekday. Friday and Saturday nights are the most crowded, and lines can stretch around the block.
- Dress kids in layers, warm socks and gloves. Know where you'll warm up, like a café or a heated tent, before the first "I'm cold."
- Set a budget for each child. Treats often cost about $10 each, and rides add up fast.
- Bring a card and a little cash. Find the bathroom when you arrive, not when you need it.
- Take the train or bus to the big city markets if you can. Parking nearby is hard to find.
- Strollers work at most outdoor markets on a quiet weekday. On a busy weekend night, a carrier is easier.
What to bring
- Warm layers, hats and gloves
- Snacks and a cup with a lid
- A card and a little cash
- A carrier for crowds
- Wipes for sticky hands
Find a Christmas market near you
50 events
- Christmas marketsIce skatingFree Good for toddlers
Winter Village at Bryant Park
- Dates
- Oct 28 - Jan 3 · Holiday shops daily to Jan 3: weekdays 11am-8pm, weekends 10am-8pm. Rink open to Feb 28.
- Where
- Bryant Park, Midtown Manhattan (New York)
- Price
- Free entry. Free skating with your own skates. Skate rental from about $19.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up for the shops. Reserve a skate slot online; free slots open one week ahead.
An outdoor holiday market of small shops sits around a free ice rink. It is easy to pair with the library or a walk to Rockefeller Center.
Parent tip: Skate sessions last about 50 minutes. Weekday mornings are usually the quietest.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Grand Central Holiday Fair
- Dates
- Nov 9 - Dec 24 · Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm. Until 8pm Dec 17-23. Closed Thanksgiving.
- Where
- Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal, Midtown East (New York)
- Price
- Free entry
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
An indoor holiday market of local makers inside the train station. It is warm and dry, which helps on a cold or rainy day.
Parent tip: Look up at the main hall's ceiling on your way in. Weekday mornings are the calmest time to browse.
- Christmas markets Good for toddlers
Union Square Holiday Market
- Dates
- Nov 12 - Dec 24 · Daily, Nov 12-Dec 24. Sun-Wed 11am-8pm, Thu-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm.
- Where
- Union Square Park (University Pl and E 14th St) (New York)
- Price
- No entry fee listed. Shopping costs extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Nearly 200 stalls from local makers, artists and small businesses fill Union Square Park. It's one of the city's biggest holiday markets.
Parent tip: The 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R and W trains all stop at Union Square. Weekday mornings are the calmest time with a stroller.
- Parades and tree lightingsChristmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
NYSE Christmas Tree Lighting
- Dates
- Dec 3 · Thu, Dec 3, 3:30-6:30pm
- Where
- New York Stock Exchange, 11 Wall St, Financial District (New York)
- Price
- Free, open to the public
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No tickets needed
The Stock Exchange lights its big tree on Wall Street, with live music, snacks and a small holiday market.
Parent tip: Come before dark to walk around, then stay for the lighting.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 24 · Daily. Sun-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm. Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve 11am-4pm.
- Where
- Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., The Loop (Chicago)
- Price
- Free to enter
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Chicago's big German-style Christmas market fills Daley Plaza with wooden huts. Expect hot drinks, pretzels, sausages, ornaments and wooden toys.
Parent tip: Go on a weekday morning or mid-afternoon. Lunch, after work and weekends get packed. Bring cash, since many vendors don't take cards.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 31 · Mon-Thu 3-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-7pm. Open from 11am Dec 21-23 and 28-30. Closed Christmas Day.
- Where
- Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St., Wrigleyville (Chicago)
- Price
- Free to enter
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A smaller Christkindlmarket sits right next to Wrigley Field. It stays open a week longer than the downtown market, through New Year's Eve.
Parent tip: Families with small kids often find it calmer than Daley Plaza. On weekdays it doesn't open until 3pm.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Snowport Holiday Market
- Dates
- Nov 6 - Dec 27 · Mon-Thu 3-8pm, Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-8pm
- Where
- 100 Seaport Blvd, Seaport District (Boston)
- Price
- Free entry. Optional weekend fast pass: $15 adults, $7 ages 6-17, 5 and under free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up. The fast pass only skips the weekend entry line.
A large holiday market with more than 130 small sellers and food stands. Kids get a building and ornament corner and photo spots.
Parent tip: Go on a weekday afternoon to skip weekend lines and avoid paying for the fast pass.
- Christmas markets Good for toddlers
SoWa Christmas Market
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 27 · Tue-Sun, closed Mondays. Weekday evenings and full days on weekends.
- Where
- SoWa Power Station, 550 Harrison Ave, South End (Boston)
- Price
- Small entry fee for adults. Kids 12 and under free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
An indoor market with more than 125 local makers, food and live music. It is warm and dry, which helps with little kids.
Parent tip: Weekend daytime is the easiest time with a stroller. Check the site for Santa visit days.
- Christmas lightsSanta visitsIce skatingChristmas markets Good for toddlers
Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 27 · Nov 20-Dec 27; pick an entry time when you book
- Where
- Nationals Park, Navy Yard, southeast DC (Washington, DC)
- Price
- From $28; varies by date and time
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets, book ahead
The ballpark fills with light displays, a holiday market and a Santa visit. Ice skating is an add-on.
Parent tip: Kids under 5 must skate with a parent. Book an early slot for the cheapest prices and smallest crowds.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle
- Dates
- Nov 12 - Dec 23 · Daily, Nov 12-Dec 23. Mon-Fri noon-8pm; Sat-Sun 11am-8pm. Closed Nov 26 and Nov 30.
- Where
- 1500 block of New Hampshire Ave NW, Dupont Circle (Washington, DC)
- Price
- Free to browse
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
An open-air market of gift and craft stalls on a closed block just north of Dupont Circle. It's a separate market from the DowntownDC Holiday Market on F Street.
Parent tip: It's one block from the Dupont Circle Metro. Weekday afternoons are quieter for strollers.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
DowntownDC Holiday Market
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Dec 23 · Daily, Nov 13-Dec 23. Mon-Thu noon-8pm; Fri-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-8pm. Closed Thanksgiving.
- Where
- F Street NW, between 7th and 9th streets, Downtown (Penn Quarter) (Washington, DC)
- Price
- Free entry
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Downtown's long-running holiday market fills F Street with about 120 stalls of local makers and treats. Kids get a play area called Rudolph Reindeer Games next to the stage.
Parent tip: Take Metro to Gallery Place-Chinatown. Restrooms are on 8th Street, and most stalls take cards, but bring a little cash.
- Christmas marketsSanta visits
Nashville Christmas Village
- Dates
- Nov 13-15 · Fri Nov 13 9am-9pm, Sat Nov 14 9am-6pm, Sun Nov 15 noon-6pm
- Where
- The Fairgrounds Nashville, Fairgrounds (south of downtown) (Nashville)
- Price
- $15 online. Kids 9 and under free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy tickets online
A big holiday gift and craft market fills the Fairgrounds for one weekend in November. Santa is there for photos all three days.
Parent tip: Strollers and wagons aren't allowed, so bring a carrier. Parking is free.
- Christmas marketsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Franklin Makers Holiday Market
- Dates
- Nov 14 · Sat Nov 14, 11am-4pm
- Where
- The Lake at Westhaven, 157 Front St., Franklin (Westhaven) (Nashville)
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
An outdoor holiday market by the lake at Westhaven, with local makers and food. Santa is there for free photos.
Parent tip: It's outside in mid-November, so pack layers for the kids.
- Christmas markets Good for toddlers
MADE SOUTH Holiday Market
- Dates
- Nov 21 · Sat Nov 21, 9am-5pm (the Friday night party is 21+)
- Where
- Liberty Hall, The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Rd. (Nashville)
- Price
- Ticketed for adults. Kids 13 and under free on Saturday.
- Ages and booking
- All ages on Saturday · Buy adult tickets online ahead
A big indoor market of Southern makers at The Factory in Franklin. Saturday is the all-ages shopping day.
Parent tip: Kids 13 and under get in free on Saturday, so only the grown-ups need tickets.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Holiday Market at the Mansion
- Dates
- Nov 21-22 · Sat Nov 21 10am-4pm, Sun Nov 22 10am-3pm
- Where
- Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, 4580 Rachel's Lane, Hermitage (east of the airport) (Nashville)
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
An outdoor craft and gift market on the grounds of the Hermitage. Local artists sell gifts, and there's food too.
Parent tip: It's outdoors in late November, so dress the kids in layers.
- Christmas markets Good for toddlers
Porter Flea Holiday Market
- Dates
- Dec 11-12 · Main market Sat Dec 12, 10am-5pm. Ticketed preview night Fri Dec 11, 6-9pm.
- Where
- Nashville Fairgrounds, 320 Wedgewood Ave., Wedgewood-Houston (Nashville)
- Price
- Preview night is ticketed. Check the site for Saturday entry. Parking $10 cash.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up on Saturday. Buy preview tickets online.
A large indoor handmade market at the Fairgrounds, with more than 200 local sellers. The hall is heated.
Parent tip: Bring cash for parking. The Friday preview night is ticketed and runs late, so Saturday is the better pick with kids.
- Christmas marketsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Seattle Christmas Market
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 26 · Daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Until Dec 13: weekdays 4-9pm, weekends 11:30am-9pm. Longer hours from Dec 14. Christmas Eve closes at 7pm.
- Where
- Fisher Pavilion and South Fountain Lawn, Seattle Center, Seattle Center (Lower Queen Anne) (Seattle)
- Price
- About $7-$11 in opening week, $20-$22 at peak in December. Kids 6 and under free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Pick a 30-minute entry slot online. Stay as long as you like, but no re-entry.
A European-style holiday market with wooden stalls, food and a carousel. Kids can get photos with Santa.
Parent tip: Tickets are cheapest in the first week. For the carousel, kids riding with an adult must be over 36 inches tall.
- Holiday festivalsChristmas markets Good for toddlers
Julefest at the National Nordic Museum
- Dates
- Nov 21-22 · Sat-Sun Nov 21-22, 10am-5pm. The Friday night market on Nov 20 is for ages 21+.
- Where
- National Nordic Museum, Ballard (Seattle)
- Price
- Adults $12 online, $16 at the door. Youth $5.
- Ages and booking
- All ages (weekend days) · Buy online to save, or pay at the door.
A Nordic holiday fair with market stalls, live music and holiday treats. It is a good early-season outing.
Parent tip: Go on Saturday or Sunday. The Friday evening event is adults only.
- Christmas marketsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Holiday Night Market with Santa at Pike Place Market
- Dates
- Dec 10 · Thu Dec 10, 5-9pm.
- Where
- Pike Place Market, Downtown Seattle (Seattle)
- Price
- Santa photos are free. Shopping and treats cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
An evening market with gifts from local makers and holiday treats. Kids can get a free photo with Santa.
Parent tip: Go early in the evening with little ones, before bedtime and the bigger crowds.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Denver Christkindlmarket
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 23 · Mon-Thu 1-9pm. Fri-Sun and Dec 17-23, 11am-9pm. Thanksgiving 11am-4pm.
- Where
- Tivoli Quad, Auraria Campus, 1000 Larimer St, Auraria, west edge of downtown (Denver)
- Price
- Free entry
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A German-style holiday market with wooden huts, food and a carousel. It is now on the Auraria Campus, next to the Mile High Tree.
Parent tip: Sundays have extra kid entertainment. Weekends get crowded, so weekday afternoons are easier with a stroller.
- Christmas markets Good for toddlers
Cherry Creek Holiday Market
- Dates
- Nov 19 - Dec 24 · Mon-Wed noon-7pm. Thu-Sat 11am-9pm. Sun 11am-7pm. Dec 18-23 11am-9pm. Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve noon-3pm.
- Where
- Fillmore Plaza, between 1st and 2nd Avenues, Cherry Creek North (Denver)
- Price
- No entry fee posted.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
An outdoor holiday market on a closed-off block of Fillmore Street in Cherry Creek North.
Parent tip: The block is closed to cars, so it is easy to walk with a stroller.
- Parades and tree lightingsChristmas marketsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat, Dec 5, 4-8pm; tree lighting 6:30pm
- Where
- Piazza della Famiglia and India Street, Little Italy, downtown (San Diego)
- Price
- Free to attend
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A street party with live music, treats, a gift market on India Street and a tree lighting. Santa comes too.
Parent tip: Take the trolley to the Little Italy stop. Streets close and parking is hard that night.
- Holiday festivalsChristmas marketsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Holiday in the Village, La Mesa
- Dates
- Dec 12 · Sat, Dec 12, noon-9pm
- Where
- La Mesa Blvd, Spring St to 4th St, La Mesa, East County (San Diego)
- Price
- Free to attend; kids' shopping items $5 or less
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A holiday street fair fills La Mesa Blvd in the old downtown. Kids 10 and under can shop vendor booths for gifts at $5 or less.
Parent tip: Ask at the info booth for the elf scavenger hunt. It keeps kids busy while you walk the vendors.
- Christmas markets Good for toddlers
Makers Arcade Holiday Fair
- Dates
- Dec 12-13 · Sat, Dec 12 and Sun, Dec 13, 10am-5pm
- Where
- Broadway Pier, Downtown waterfront (San Diego)
- Price
- $5 online, $6 at the door; kids under 10 free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up, or buy tickets online for less
A holiday craft fair with local makers on the downtown pier. Kids can try free make-and-take craft tables.
Parent tip: Go in the morning before it gets busy. A carrier is easier than a stroller in crowded aisles.
- Christmas marketsHoliday festivalsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
- Dates
- Nov 21 - Dec 20 · Five weekends, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. Also open Fri Nov 27.
- Where
- Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, Daly City, just south of SF (San Francisco)
- Price
- $50 adults, $30 ages 5-12, under 5 free (plus fees). Cheaper after 3pm.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Online only. No tickets sold at the door.
A huge indoor fair dressed up as old London at Christmas. Kids get puppet shows, games, crafts, a carousel and a small steam train.
Parent tip: Twilight tickets after 3pm cost less. Parking is $20 per car, so bring a card or cash.
- Christmas lightsChristmas marketsSanta visitsIce skating Good for toddlers
Enchant Christmas at Santa Anita Park
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 27 · Evenings on select dates. Each ticket has an arrival window.
- Where
- Santa Anita Park, Arcadia (San Gabriel Valley) (Los Angeles)
- Price
- From about $29; price changes by date and time. Skating and rides cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets, book ahead. Add-ons can sell out.
A large Christmas light maze with a holiday village, food, music and Santa visits. Skating, a snow slide and small rides are extra.
Parent tip: Choose an early arrival window with little kids. Decide on add-ons before you go to keep the cost down.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Atlanta Christkindl Market (Lawrenceville)
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 24 · Wed-Thu 3-9pm, Fri-Sun 11am-9pm. Also open Nov 23-25 and Dec 21-23, 11am-9pm. Closed Thanksgiving. Christmas Eve 11am-4pm.
- Where
- Lawrenceville Lawn, 210 Luckie St, Lawrenceville, in Gwinnett County (Atlanta)
- Price
- Free admission
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Atlanta's German-style Christmas market now sets up on the lawn in downtown Lawrenceville, with handmade gifts and German food. Free parking comes with a lit-up walk, the Winterlight Walk, to the market.
Parent tip: Last year's first season here broke records, so go on a Wednesday or Thursday when it opens at 3pm. Park free at the county justice center (75 Langley Dr) and walk under half a mile.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Atlanta Christkindl Market (Senoia)
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 24 · Wed-Thu 3-9pm, Fri-Sun 11am-9pm. Also open Dec 21-23, 11am-9pm. Christmas Eve 11am-4pm.
- Where
- 158 Seavy Street, Downtown Senoia, on Atlanta's south side (Atlanta)
- Price
- Free admission
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
The market opens a second, smaller-town location this year, just off Senoia's historic Main Street. Expect German food, handmade gifts and local makers.
Parent tip: Santa visits on set days, so check the Santa schedule on the official site. Park on the street downtown and walk over.
- Christmas markets
Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market
- Dates
- Nov 12-15 · Thu Nov 12-Sun Nov 15
- Where
- Reliant Center (NRG Park), NRG Park / South Loop (Houston)
- Price
- Ticketed. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages, best for older kids · Buy tickets ahead online
A huge indoor holiday shopping market with more than 280 sellers, many of them local. Money raised supports Houston Ballet's community programs.
Parent tip: It draws big crowds. With little ones, go early on a weekday or leave them home for this one.
- Christmas marketsHoliday festivalsFree Good for toddlers
Tomball German Christmas Market
- Dates
- Dec 11-13 · Fri Dec 11 6-10pm, Sat Dec 12 10am-10pm, Sun Dec 13 10am-6pm. Parade Sat at 10:30am.
- Where
- Old Town Tomball (Houston)
- Price
- Free. Free parking.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A German-style Christmas market with vendor booths, food, music and a Saturday morning parade.
Parent tip: On Saturday and Sunday, use the free shuttle from the east lot of HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
The Woodlands Winter Makers Market
- Dates
- Dec 12 · Sat Dec 12, 10am-4pm
- Where
- The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Dr., The Woodlands (Creekside Park) (Houston)
- Price
- Free entry. KidZone wristbands cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A local makers' holiday market with food trucks and a kids' zone with a trackless train, crafts, putt-putt and bounce houses.
Parent tip: Buy the KidZone wristband if your kids will want the train and bounce houses.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
The Snowflake Market at POST Houston
- Dates
- Dec 13 · Sun Dec 13, 10:30am-5:30pm
- Where
- POST Houston, Downtown (Houston)
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
An indoor holiday market with local sellers and food on the ground floor. Upstairs, the rooftop has its winter decorations.
Parent tip: Go early, before lunch, when aisles are easier with a stroller.
- Christmas markets Good for toddlers
Holiday Night Market at Pearl
- Dates
- Dec 2-16 · Wednesdays Dec 2, 9 and 16, 5-9pm
- Where
- Pearl, Pearl District, north of downtown (San Antonio)
- Price
- No ticket price listed
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
An evening holiday market with local vendors on Wednesday nights in December.
Parent tip: Come at 5pm with young kids. You can shop, eat and be home by bedtime.
- Christmas marketsHoliday festivals Good for toddlers
Holidays on Houston Street Market Experience
- Dates
- Dec 4-20 · Two weekends: Dec 4-6 and Dec 18-20
- Where
- Houston Street, Downtown (San Antonio)
- Price
- See the official site
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Downtown's Houston Street hosts a holiday market with local makers, live performers and family activities. The street has a canopy of lights overhead.
Parent tip: The River Walk is a few blocks away, so you can add the river lights after dark.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
River Walk December and Holiday Artisan Shows
- Dates
- Dec 11-20 · Dec 11-13 and Dec 18-20
- Where
- River Walk Extension, near the Shops at Rivercenter, Downtown (San Antonio)
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Local artists set up booths along the river for holiday shopping. Shows usually have more than 40 booths.
Parent tip: The Shops at Rivercenter sit right next to the booths if you need a warm-up or snack stop.
- Christmas marketsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Holiday Art Market at the Tobin Center
- Dates
- Nov 28 · Sat Nov 28, 10am-4pm
- Where
- Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, Downtown (San Antonio)
- Price
- Free admission
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A one-day holiday market across the Tobin Center. Kids get Santa photos, a mechanical reindeer and reindeer lawn games.
Parent tip: It's the day after the river parade, which starts right outside the Tobin.
- Christmas markets Good for toddlers
Winterfest Christmas Market
- Dates
- Nov 13-28 · Nov 13-15 and Nov 20-28, 2026
- Where
- Patriot Park, 186 Old Mill Ave., Pigeon Forge (Gatlinburg)
- Price
- See the official site
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A small Christmas market with local makers sets up next to the Winterfest light trail. It runs for two short stretches in November.
Parent tip: Pair it with the light trail next door. Go around dusk to shop first and see the lights come on.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
- Dates
- Nov 21 - Dec 27 · Sun-Thu noon-8pm, Fri-Sat noon-9pm. Christmas Eve noon-5pm. Closed Nov 23-25 and Dec 25.
- Where
- LOVE Park and City Hall, 1500 Arch St., Center City (Philadelphia)
- Price
- Free to enter. Food, rides and gifts cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A German-style Christmas market with wooden huts around LOVE Park and City Hall. Expect hot drinks, food, gifts, a carousel, a Ferris wheel and a small kids' train.
Parent tip: Weeknights are calmer than weekends. Kids under 12 ride SEPTA free, which is easier than parking downtown.
- Christmas markets Good for toddlers
Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Jan 1 · Sun-Thu noon-8pm, Fri-Sat noon-9pm. Closes 5pm Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Closed Dec 25.
- Where
- Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St. (west side of City Hall), Center City (Philadelphia)
- Price
- No entry fee listed. Shopping costs extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A holiday market of local makers and food sellers at Dilworth Park. It's a good stop for gifts made in the city.
Parent tip: Pair it with the Dilworth Park rink or Christmas Village, both steps away.
- Holiday festivalsSanta visitsChristmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Frontyard Holiday Festival at Dr. Phillips Center
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 31 · Wed-Fri 5-10pm, Sat-Sun 2-10pm through Dec 13. Then Mon-Fri 5-10pm, Sat-Sun 2-10pm. Closed Dec 14, 15, 24 and 25.
- Where
- Dr. Phillips Center front lawn, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Downtown Orlando (Orlando)
- Price
- Free admission. Food and s'mores kits for sale.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A free downtown festival with falling snow and a lit tree. Kids get Santa story time and a craft workshop.
Parent tip: Sunday nights have free holiday movies on the lawn. Dec 31 has a family-friendly New Year's Eve party.
- Holiday festivalsChristmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Jingle Eve in Ivanhoe Village
- Dates
- Nov 21 · Sat Nov 21, 4:30-9pm. Fireworks to finish.
- Where
- Orange Avenue, Virginia Drive and Gaston Edwards Park, Ivanhoe Village (near downtown) (Orlando)
- Price
- Free. The wine walk for adults is a paid add-on.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A neighborhood street party with a children's holiday village, local makers, food trucks and music. Fireworks over Lake Ivanhoe end the night.
Parent tip: Head for the kids' village early. The night also has beer gardens, so it gets busier and more grown-up later.
- Holiday festivalsSanta visitsChristmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Holidays in Huntersville
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat Dec 5, 3-8pm
- Where
- Veterans Park, Downtown Huntersville, Huntersville (north Mecklenburg) (Charlotte)
- Price
- Free to attend. Food and drinks for sale.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A free town holiday afternoon with kids' rides, ice sculptures, face painting, holiday characters, stage shows and letters and photos with Santa. More than 50 local vendors sell gifts.
Parent tip: Missed Santa? The town's Santa's Village runs Dec 10-12, 5-8pm, inside the American Legion Post 321 building.
- Christmas markets Good for toddlers
Southern Christmas Show
- Dates
- Nov 11-22 · Thu-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun-Wed 10am-6pm. Opening day Wed Nov 11 runs to 9pm.
- Where
- The Park Expo and Conference Center, East Charlotte (Charlotte)
- Price
- Adults 13+ about $19 on weekdays and $22 on weekends in advance. Each day needs its own ticket. Parking is extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy ahead online or at Harris Teeter for the advance price.
A big indoor holiday shopping show with decorated displays and gift vendors. It's a good rainy-day pick early in the season.
Parent tip: Strollers and small push carts are fine, but wagons aren't. No strollers on the Early Bird VIP morning, Sat Nov 14. If you leave the lot, you pay for parking again.
- Christmas markets Good for toddlers
Boho Holiday Market at Klyde Warren Park
- Dates
- Dec 5-6 · Sat Dec 5, 4-9pm. Sun Dec 6, 11am-5pm.
- Where
- Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy., Downtown Dallas (Arts District / Uptown edge) (Dallas)
- Price
- See the official site
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
An outdoor holiday market in the park on the same weekend as the tree lighting.
Parent tip: Do the market on Saturday afternoon, then catch the tree lighting.
- Christmas markets Good for toddlers
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
- Dates
- Dec 12-21 · Daily Dec 12-21. Hours change by day.
- Where
- Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd., South of downtown (near Zilker) (Austin)
- Price
- $12 plus fees for a day ticket. Kids 12 and under free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy online or at the door
A long-running indoor art market with handmade gifts and live music all day. There's a bar for grown-ups, but kids get in free.
Parent tip: Strollers fit the aisles, and there's a nursing room for parents.
- Parades and tree lightingsChristmas marketsHoliday festivalsFree Good for toddlers
Christmas in the Park (Litchfield Park)
- Dates
- Dec 12 · Sat Dec 12. Holiday market 9am-3pm, parade at 10am.
- Where
- Litchfield Square Park, 279 N. La Loma Ave., Litchfield Park (West Valley) (Phoenix)
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A small-town festival with a hometown parade, 60-plus market vendors, stage acts and kids' activities.
Parent tip: Browse the market from 9am, then grab a curb spot before the 10am parade.
- Christmas lightsSanta visitsChristmas markets Good for toddlers
Enchant Christmas at Tropicana Field
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 27 · Nov 20-Dec 27. You pick a date and entry time when you buy.
- Where
- Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg (about 20 miles from downtown Tampa) (Tampa)
- Price
- From $28. Prices change by date, entry time and demand. Skating, the snow slide, rides and parking cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy timed tickets online ahead. Tickets can't be refunded, and you can't enter before your time.
A huge Christmas light maze with a holiday village, live music and caroling. A visit with Santa is part of the ticket.
Parent tip: Kids under 5 must skate with a parent. Infant tickets can't add rides or skating, and kids need their own add-on tickets.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
The Holiday Promenade at Water Street Tampa
- Dates
- Dec 3 · Thu Dec 3, 5-9pm
- Where
- Water Street Tampa, 971 Water St., Downtown Tampa (Channel District) (Tampa)
- Price
- Free to attend. Food, drinks and gifts for sale.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A one-night holiday market with more than 40 local makers, live music, hot cocoa and holiday snacks.
Parent tip: Food vendors are at Raybon Plaza. Go early in the evening if you have little ones in a stroller.
- Christmas marketsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Germania Society Christkindlmarkt
- Dates
- Nov 6-8 · Fri Nov 6, 5-10pm; Sat Nov 7, 11am-10pm; Sun Nov 8, noon-5pm.
- Where
- Germania Park, 3529 W. Kemper Rd., Colerain Township (northwest of Cincinnati) (Cincinnati)
- Price
- $5. Kids 12 and under free. Cards only.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Pay at the gate.
An old-style German Christmas market. Kids can meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and St. Nikolaus, pet farm animals, ride ponies and take a carriage ride.
Parent tip: Sunday is Family Day, with free face painting and a scavenger hunt. Krampus walks around on Friday and Saturday nights and may scare little ones.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 28 · Thu-Fri 5-9pm, Sat 3-9pm, Sun 3-7pm. Closed Mon-Wed, except Dec 21-23 (3-9pm). Christmas Eve 3-7pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
- Where
- Schmidlapp Event Lawn by the Cincinnati Lager House, Smale Riverfront Park, The Banks (riverfront downtown) (Cincinnati)
- Price
- Free entry. Carousel rides and some events cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up.
A German-style holiday market on the riverfront, with lights, choirs, igloos and a kids' craft and character tent.
Parent tip: The streetcar stops on 2nd Street, a short walk away. The Central Riverfront Garage is the closest parking.
Dates and prices were checked on each event's official site. They can change, so check the official site before you go.
More Christmas outings for families: where to see Santa, Christmas light displays, the Nutcracker and Christmas shows and Christmas train rides.
Questions parents ask
When do Christmas markets open?
Most US Christmas markets open in mid to late November and run until just before Christmas. A few start earlier: Winter Village at Bryant Park opens Oct 28. Some, like Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville in Chicago, stay open through New Year's Eve. Check each market's dates on this page.
Which US city has the best Christmas market?
For families, our top picks are in Philadelphia, Chicago, Seattle, Denver and New York. Each has something just for kids. Think of a carousel, Santa, or a rink where you skate free with your own skates.
Do you need tickets for a Christmas market?
Most don't. 28 of the 50 markets on this page are free to walk into, including Chicago, Philadelphia and Denver. A few charge to get in, like the markets in Seattle and San Francisco. Kids are often free or cheaper at those. Rides, food and gifts cost extra everywhere.
Are Christmas markets good for kids?
Yes, if you keep it short. Plan the visit around something kids love, like a carousel, Santa, crafts or hot cocoa. Go when the market opens on a weekday, dress warmly, and plan on one to two hours. Busy weekend nights are hard with little ones.
Can you bring a stroller to a Christmas market?
At most outdoor markets, yes, and a quiet weekday is the easiest time. On a busy night, a carrier is easier in the crowds. Some big indoor shows don't allow strollers or wagons, like Nashville Christmas Village, so check the rules first.
Do Christmas markets take credit cards?
Most stalls take cards, but some only take cash. Bring both. In Chicago, many sellers at the big downtown market don't take cards.
What is a German Christmas market?
It's a market built like the old holiday markets of Germany. Think wooden huts, hot drinks, pretzels, sausages, ornaments and wooden toys. We list 9 German-style markets, including Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Atlanta and Tomball, Texas.
Is the Seattle Christmas Market worth it with kids?
It can be. Kids 6 and under get in free, and there's a carousel and Santa photos. Adult tickets cost the least in the first week and the most at busy times in December. Go early in the season, on a weekday, for the best deal.