Five European Christmas market destinations to celebrate the season
These seasonal wonderlands are some of the best Christmas markets to explore in Europe. Most are open from mid-November through late December.
Scott L. Hall, USA TODAY
Sleigh rides, ice skating, Christmas lights as far as the eye can see – there’s a lot for travelers to love about the holiday season, and Christmas markets are the one-stop shop for all the winter wonders.
Christmas markets are cherished winter traditions across Europe – predominantly in Germany – dating back to the 15th century. Set in town centers, they acted as bazaars for people to buy food and crafts in time for the religious feasts.
Over time, Christmas markets evolved into the romanticized Christmas custom we think of today. Think caroling, festive foods like mulled wine and gingerbread, gifts and more. Not only can these markets be found in European destinations like Austria, France and the Czech Republic, but also across Asia, Latin America and the U.S.
Travelers who don’t want to go all the way overseas to partake in the Christmas market tradition have their choice of yuletide options closer to home. Vacation rental platform HomeToGo looked at median accommodation prices per night to come up with a list of the most budget-friendly Christmas markets in the U.S.
“Growing up and residing in Germany, the birthplace of the Christkindlesmarkt, I’ve seen firsthand how these enchanting events capture the hearts of locals and visitors alike every winter,” said Jonas Upmann, Travel Expert at HomeToGo.
“With destinations around the world hosting celebrations inspired by the traditional Christmas market, this charming custom has become increasingly accessible,” Upmann added. “Around the holidays, there is an undoubtable eagerness among travelers to also create incredible Christmas memories while exploring new cities – and this year, in particular, vacationers are keen to find ways of doing so while making their budget go the extra mile.”
For those who want to frolic in a winter wonderland that’s a bit closer to home, here are the top 10 more affordable U.S. cities for Christmas festivities:
New York City can feel like a magical place at Christmas, just like in the movies. From department stores like Macy’s putting up their infamous holiday window displays to the ice skating rink at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park and the Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center, travelers have a myriad festivities to choose from. HomeToGo found the median cost for one night in New York to be $312.
Boston’s historic cobblestone streets and colonial architecture become even more charming during the holiday season. Throughout the city, lighting ceremonies and local markets selling treats and gifts fill the city with festive cheer. Accommodations will run travelers $307 per night.
Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood has become iconic for its “Miracle on 34th Street” lights, a tradition from nearly 70 years ago. At Inner Harbor is a big German Christmas market where travelers can purchase handmade ornaments, German pretzels and mulled wine as local choirs and bands perform. Travelers can expect to pay $293 per night.
When Denver’s famous mountain ranges get blanketed in snow, it’s hard not to feel like you’re in a winter wonderland. Travelers can stop by the Denver Zoo Lights, the European-style Christkindlmarket in Civic Center Park and City Hall, which has been lit up for Christmas since the 1920s. The median price for a night in Denver will run travelers $282.
Cincinnati’s biggest sites get a yuletide spin during the holidays, from the iconic Cincinnati Zoo putting on an impressive light show and the Cincinnati Music Hall hosting “The Nutcracker” ballet. There’s also a big Christmas market based on the traditional ones in Germany with vendors from all over the tri-state coming to sell food and gifts. A night in Cincinnati costs $273, according to HomeToGo.
The historic streets of Philly offer a slew of holiday festivities for travelers to partake in, from light displays at the Philadelphia Zoo to a big German-inspired Christmas Village at LOVE Park selling Belgian fries, German beer and more. Travelers can anticipate accommodations to cost $269 per night.
Located just north of Detroit, Michigan’s Little Bavaria becomes the perfect place to celebrate Christmas. Travelers can check out the streets decked out with 23,000 synchronized lights, a Christmas market, horse-drawn carriages and more. HomeToGo found accommodations in Frankenmuth for one night to go for $268.
Seattle’s most iconic destinations get a Christmas makeover during the winter, with accommodations going for around $229 per night. Travelers can enjoy the Pike Place Market’s Annual Magic at the Market, a day full of festivities and shopping, to the Christmas Ship Festival, where boats adorned with holiday lights sail across the Puget Sound with onboard choirs.
For four weekends, Saint Paul hosts a sprawling European Christmas market at Union Depot – a transportation hub and event venue – with a carousel, holiday train with vintage rail cars and vendors selling bratwurst, roasted nuts and desserts. Close by, Rice Park also transforms with a Christmas light show. Travelers to Saint Paul can budget $214 per night for accommodations.
The charming town of Bethlehem earned the nickname of Christmas City USA in 1937, and it’s also the cheapest town to visit on the list, with accommodations per night costing $175. Founded in 1741 by Moravian missionaries, the town was named after the birthplace of Jesus Christ and also claims to have put up the first documented Christmas tree in the country in 1747. During Christmastime, travelers can explore a variety of Christmas markets, take carriage rides past historic homes decorated to the nines and enjoy unique town traditions, such as a live advent calendar.
(This story was updated to correct a typo.)
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