Plus German/Bavaria-Themed Towns in the USA

Introduction
Although this is one of the most extensive guides to Old World, German-style Christmas markets and towns in the USA, we don’t claim that it’s complete. We welcome your suggestions for any we may have missed (via our Facebook page or in a comment here). Please note, however, that, with few exceptions, we do not include one-day-only events, or short ones that take place only in November or very early December for only a few days.

See Christmas Markets in Germany and Europe for an overview of the top Weihnachtsmärkte in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

---

U.S. STATES with German-Style Christmas Markets
Jump to: Alabama | California | Colorado | DC | Florida | Georgia | Indiana | Illinois | Maryland | Michigan | Minnesota | New York | North Carolina | Ohio | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Texas | Washington | Wisconsin

ALABAMA

Cullman Christkindlmarkt | Cullman was not in our guide in 2022, but this year Christmas in Cullman has expanded into a much bigger event that now runs in five segments of three to four days between 24 November and 23 December 2023 – with the slogan “Where German Tradition Meets Southern Charm.” The Cullman Christkindlmarkt takes place in the heart of downtown Cullman and “draws inspiration from Germany’s historic Christmas markets, infusing them with the welcoming spirit of southern hospitality.” Similar to traditional German markets that have combined commerce and celebration for centuries, Cullman’s market blends tradition with the unique character of this Alabama town named for its German immigrant founder, Johann Gottfried Cullmann (1823-1895). Both locals and visitors join in the festive spirit of the season at the Cullman Christkindlmarkt. Location: Depot Park, 304 1st Avenue NE, Cullman, AL 35055. See the website link below for an event schedule, daily hours, and more information.
WEB: Cullman Christkindlmarkt

CALIFORNIA

Cambria Christmas Market | Cambria is a scenic seaside town (pop. 5,678) on the Pacific coast, on Highway 1, only six miles (10 km) south of Hearst Castle (Hearst San Simeon State Park). This German-style market runs from November 24 through December 23, 2023. The Cambria Christmas Market features more than two million twinkling Christmas lights, artisan vendors, visits from Santa, a fun train ride, cozy fire pits, live music, delicious food and drink, and more. One caveat: This venue centers around a resort hotel, the Cambria Pines Lodge, and some nights are closed to the public, and open only to hotel guests. (Guests can combine a hotel stay with entry to the market and lights.) Tickets are required ($15-$35) and available at the door, but it is wise to buy them online (cheaper and some dates sell out early). Complimentary parking is in three lots, from which guests must take a shuttle to the market. Parking at the hotel is reserved for registered guests only. Gates open at 5:00 pm and close at 8:30 pm. Allow 2-3 hours to view the Market and Lights. No entry after 8:30 pm, so please arrive early. The Market and Lights close at 9:00 pm each night. Besides hiking and cycling, and the local beaches, other attractions include: 1. Nearby Hearst Castle. 2. The Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, a 430-acre park that separates Cambria’s East and West Villages; it protects over a mile of spectacular Pacific coastline. 3. The Cambria State Marine Conservation Area and White Rock (Cambria) State Marine Conservation Area are marine protected areas. 4. The Cambria Historical Museum.
WEB: Cambria Christmas Market

COLORADO

Denver Christkindlmarket | “Colorado’s only authentic German market” is now over two decades old, and takes place in downtown Denver’s Civic Center Park from Nov. 17 through Dec. 23, 2023. Key attractions include the Mile High Tree, America’s tallest digital Christmas tree, and cozy wooden huts with unique, finely crafted artisan gifts and tasty treats (Glühwein, beer, chocolate, etc.) offered by local and international small businesses.
WEB: Denver Christkindlmarket

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Downtown Holiday Market – Washington, DC | The 19th Annual Downtown Holiday Market, Washington D.C.’s outdoor shopping village, kicks off the holiday season on Friday, November 17. It will run through December 23, 2023. The popular outdoor market features over 70 exhibitors and continues to support small businesses and entrepreneurs across the region. The market highlights German, European, and international cuisine and products. See the website for details.
WEB: Downtown Holiday Market

FLORIDA

Lake Worth Beach – Krampus-Nacht and Christkindlmarkt | The American German Club of the Palm Beaches sponsors two winter holiday events over three days in December 2023. The “Naughty Krampus Nacht” happens on Friday, 8 December from 6:00 to 11:00 pm. The Krampus event, appropriately, is aimed more at adults as “a grown-up Christmas party.” Following that, on the weekend of 9 and 10 December, the more family-friendly Christkindlmarkt takes place. Featuring a large covered open-air hall with seating, this Christmas market is probably the best German-style market in Florida. Food, drinks, craft vendors, carnival rides, music, entertainment, and more. Admission per day is $10 for adults, $5.00 for children 12-20 (plus a one-dollar fee). Location: The American German Club, 5111 Lantana Rd, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33463.
WEB: Christkindlmarkt (Lake Worth Beach)
WEB: The German Christmas Market, Christkindlmarkt, Is A One-Of-A-Kind Place To Visit In Florida – from onlyinyourstate.com

GEORGIA

Atlanta – Christkindl Market | In 2023, this Atlanta Christmas market takes place on November 17, 18, 19, and from 24 Nov. until 24 December 24 (Christmas Eve) daily from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm (11:00 am-9:00 pm Friday-Sunday). It claims to be “authentic.” Location: Buckhead Village District, 290 East Paces Ferry Road NE / Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305.
WEB: Christkindl Market, Atlanta

Helen | No, “Helen” doesn’t look or sound like a German name – because it isn’t. But Helen has taken on a Bavarian or German identity. Helen is a city in White County, located along the Chattahoochee River in northeastern Georgia in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Helen got its name in 1912, for the daughter of a railroad official, just before it was incorporated in 1913. It was a logging town in decline, when in 1968 it decided to reinvent itself as a Bavarian village in the “Alps” of the Northeast Georgia Mountains. The town modified its building code in 1969 to mandate Bavarian-style architecture. Today the small town is a popular attraction, drawing visitors from across the state and elsewhere. For instance, Helen hosts Oktoberfest from September through November. Other events and festivals are held throughout the year, with Christmas being a highlight. Helen’s Christkindlmarkt is held on November 25-26 and December 2-3, 2023. The Annual Lighting of the Village takes place on 24 November 2023 at 6:00 pm.
WEB: Christkindlmarkt in Helen
WEB: Georgia’s Beloved German Alpine Village – secretatlanta.co

Savannah Christmas Market | In 2023 this “traditional Salzburg Christmas Market” runs from November 16 through January 1. (See the website for more.) From the website: “Discover the magic and festivity of a traditional Salzburg Christmas Market brought to life at Plant Riverside Savannah’s Entertainment District.” Location: 400 W River St., Savannah, GA 31401. Plant Riverside District.
WEB: Savannah Christmas Market

INDIANA

Carmel | A suburban city in Indiana north of Indianapolis (“Just north of Indy”). The city spans 49 square miles (130 km2) across Clay Township in Hamilton County, and is bordered by the White River to the east. Originally called “Bethlehem,” the community was platted and recorded in 1837. The original settlers were predominantly Quakers. The town of Bethlehem was renamed “Carmel” in 1874 when it was incorporated and got a post office. The Carmel Christkindlmarkt, established in 2017, is an open-air holiday market with the “festive ambiance of an authentic Christmas German market.” From the website: “Each year, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt hosts world-renowned woodworkers from the Erzgebirge region, who share their craft and culture through demonstrations. And in 2018, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt brought another German tradition to the market: the iconic Glühwein Pyramid. It’s the first of its kind in the United States.” Carmel has been the winner of USA Today’s “Best Holiday Market” the last three years running. The 2023 dates are 16 November – 24 December. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. See the website for more information. Market location: 10 Center Green, Carmel, IN (between the Palladium and the Tarkington Theater).
WEB: carmelchristkindlmarkt.com

Ferdinand | Ferdinand’s Christkindlmarkt comes a bit early for a Christmas market (18-19 November 2023), and it’s short. But we made an exception to our listing rule because of its authenticity. A town in Ferdinand Township, Dubois County, Indiana, Ferdinand was founded in 1840 and named after Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria. The town was settled by mostly German-speaking Catholics from Europe. At the end of the 19th century, the town contained many businesses, including a machine works, a brick works, brewery, several taverns, and a dairy. The Ferdinand post office (Zip: 47532) has been in operation since 1850. The Monastery of the Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand is home to one of the largest communities of Benedictine women in the United States. The Saint Meinrad Archabbey, a Benedictine monastery for men, is located about eight miles southeast of Ferdinand. (See “St. Meinrad” below.) The Monastery of the Immaculate Conception and Dr. Alois Wollenmann House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
WEB: ferdinandchristkindlmarkt.com

ILLINOIS

Belleville – Christkindlmarkt | Unlike Chicago below, Belleville at least knows how to correctly spell the German name of its Christmas market (“Christkindlmarkt” – no ‘e’). The 2023 Christkindlmarkt is the 10th annual open-air edition in Belleville’s downtown Public Square. As in Chicago, the Belleville market claims to reflect the Nuremberg, Germany tradition dating back to the 16th century. Market dates: Weekends only from 24 Nov. until 23 Dec. 2023. See the website for more details, events, and times.
WEB: Belleville Christkindlmarkt

Chicago – Christkindlmarket | This Nuremberg-style Christmas market has three locations in the Chicago area: Aurora, Chicago, and Wrigleyville. After its modest beginnings on Pioneer Court in 1996, the market moved to Daley Plaza the following year, where it has been located ever since. Its increasing popularity led to expansion over the years, with three sites for 2022. In 2021, the Christkindlmarket was nominated as one of the Top 10 Holiday Markets by USA Today (10Best Readers’ Choice). Due to the pandemic, the 2020 market went virtual, but it returned as a live event in 2021. The market claims to be “the most authentic holiday market outside Europe!” In 2023, the Chicago location runs from 17 November to 23 December. See the website (below) for more details, including opening dates and times.
WEB: Christkindlmarket

Millstadt – Weihnachtsfest | 2023 marks the date of Millstadt’s 29th Annual Weihnachtsfest. The only problem being (for a city with such a German name!) that it’s a one-day event on Sunday, December 3! The event also honors Millstadt’s sister city of Groß Bieberau, Germany. Note: Several other Illinois communities also have German-style Christmas markets, but they are in November or early December in 2023: Christkindlmarket (La Salle, early December); Kristkindlmarkt at the Lindenhof (Peoria, mid-November); Kris Kringle Market (Palo Heights, early December).
WEB: Millstadt – Weihnachtsfest

Urbana – Riggs German Christmas Market | Sponsored by the local Riggs Beer Company, this German-style outdoor market features craft vendors, live music, plus food and beverages offered from the traditional huts found at German Christmas markets. The culinary line-up includes “sweet and savory crepes” along with bratwurst, candied roasted nuts, hot spiced wine (Glühwein), hot chocolate, and more. The market takes place on four weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas. For 2023 it opens on November 24 for four weekends ending on December 17. See the website for more.
WEB: Riggs Christmas Market

MARYLAND

Baltimore – Christkindlmarkt (Zion) | Baltimore’s Zion Lutheran Church co-sponsors a weekend Christmas market with the Baltimore Kickers. Zion’s Christkindlmarkt is reminiscent of Christmas markets prevalent in Germany during the Advent season. The market features a German Christmas store selling imported Lebkuchen, Stollen, marzipan and other German holiday delicacies. Patrons can enjoy a festive start to the holiday season with traditional German food and Glühwein (hot mulled wine). Other attractions include vendors selling gift items, a train garden, holiday music and tours of the historic church building. The Christkindlmarkt is held on the Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving. For 2023 that’s on 25 and 26 November. Location: Zion Lutheran Church, near City Hall.
WEB: Christkindlmarkt (Zion)

Baltimore – Christmas Village | Baltimore (and Maryland) has more German connections than most people realize. That’s one reason the city has an authentic German Christmas market, a combination of an outdoor and indoor holiday market at West Shore Park at the Inner Harbor. From the website: “The event is modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany, like the famous Christkindl Market in Nuremberg.” The 2023 Baltimore market, held at West Shore Park/Inner Harbor, runs from November 18 through Christmas Eve. See the website for more.
WEB: Christmas Village in Baltimore

MICHIGAN

Frankenmuth | Michigan’s “Little Bavaria” in Saginaw County is likes to celebrate Christmas. Established in 1945, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland bills itself as “the World’s Largest Christmas Store.” It is located in Frankenmuth, surrounded by 27 acres of landscaped grounds, where you’ll find the Silent Night Memorial Chapel, a replica of the original chapel in Oberndorf/Salzburg, Austria, which marks the site where “Silent Night” was first sung on Christmas Eve in 1818. The city’s German name means “courage of the Franconians.” The city has two nicknames: “Little Bavaria” and “Muth.” The area was settled in 1845 and named by conservative Lutheran immigrants from the Rosstal area of Franconia, near Nuremberg in Germany, led by the Rev. August Craemer. The nearby villages of Frankenlust, Frankentrost, and Frankenhilf (now known as Richville) further indicate that the area remained a magnet for other Germans emigrating from the same region. Germans continued arriving until the start of the Second World War. The 2023 market runs on weekends only from November 24 until December 10.
WEB: Frankenmuth Christkindlmarkt
WEB: Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland

MINNESOTA

Excelsior Christkindlmarkt | This three-day Christmas market takes place on the weekend of 24-26 November 2023, starting on Friday with the Grand Parade at 10:00 am. Celebrating its 20th edition, this interesting mix of German and Scandinavian Christmas elements in the Minnetonka area features a bit of everything, from live reindeer (from Alaska), a Christkind angel figure, a St. Martin Lantern Parade for the kids, to stage shows and music. See the website for more.
WEB: Excelsior Christkindlmarkt

Saint Paul – European Christmas Market | The 2023 European Christmas Market at Union Depot celebrates its 10th anniversary! It runs on four weekends starting after Thanksgiving, from November 24 to December 17, 2023. From the website: “The European Christmas Market in St. Paul is the most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind in Minnesota, offering a unique shopping experience, family-friendly entertainment and intercultural activities.” See the website for details.
WEB: European Christmas Market – St. Paul

NEW YORK

New York City – Holiday Markets | For such a large city, New York does not seem to have a lot of authentic German-style Christmas markets. For 2023 we refer our readers to the website below, which lists 10 markets.
WEB: Best Christmas markets in NYC

NORTH CAROLINA

Charlotte Christmas Market at OMB | This festive Weihnachtsmarkt features over 140 vendors, warm fire pits, mesmerizing lights, festive music, and traditional huts. Try a variety of food and holiday drinks like hot cocoa, Glühwein, Christmas cocktails, and our Yule Bock holiday beer. Held on four weekends in 2023: Nov. 24-26, Dec. 1-3, Dec. 8-10, and Dec. 15-17. Location: The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (OMB), 4150 Yancey Road, Charlotte, NC 28217.
WEB: Christmas Market at OMB

Charlotte Christmas Village | Postponed until 2024. The Queen City featured a traditional Christmas Market in an open-air baseball stadium in 2022. It offered specialty foods and souvenir mugs made for sipping Glühwein while browsing the offerings from area artisans. The 2022 Christmas Village ran through December 23, and was located inside the Light the Knights Festival at Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights (324 South Mint Street, Charlotte, NC 28202). Check the website for updates.
WEB: Charlotte Christmas Village

OHIO

Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt | This Ohio city has a strong German heritage, so it should come as little surprise that it features a German Christmas market. The 2023 Christkindlmarkt takes place Wednesdays through Saturdays from November 22 to December 31 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm (noon to 9:00 pm on Saturdays). Admission is free, but you may have to pay for parking. Location: Adjacent to the Moerlein Lager House on the Schmidlapp Event Lawn and Stage in Smale Riverfront Park. Address: 124 E Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202. The market features food, beverages, merchandise, holiday lights, choral and musical entertainment, with a “European, yet Cincinnati holiday theme.” See the website for more.
WEB: Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt

Hudson Christkindlmarkt | Hudson (pop. 23,110) is a city in Summit County, Ohio. Hudson is a suburban community in the Akron metro area. Since 1984, Hudson and the Bavarian city of Landsberg am Lech have been sister cities. Hudson’s three-day 2023 Christmas market takes place on December 8, 9, 10. The market features an Old World ambiance. In addition to craft vendors, food, and drink, St. Nicholas and Krampus pay a visit! See the website for more.
WEB: Hudson Christkindlmarkt

OREGON

Silverton Christmas Market | Silverton is a city (pop. 10,484) in Marion County, Oregon, about 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Salem. Named for Silver Creek, which flows through the town, Silverton is situated on the eastern edge of the scenic Willamette Valley. Silverton is the gateway to Silver Falls State Park, Oregon’s largest state park. This Christmas market is similar to the Cambria, California market described above, in that it is also based around a resort hotel setting (the Oregon Garden Resort), and requires tickets for entry. It is a German-style market with a large light display as well. 2023 dates: 17 Nov – 31 Dec. See the website for details.
WEB: Silverton Christmas Market

PENNSYLVANIA

Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt | Of course a city named Bethlehem is ideal for a Christmas market! The Christkindlmarkt is a one-of-a-kind family event that celebrates the spirit of the season. Twice recognized as one of the best holiday markets in the US by Travel+Leisure, this special holiday event features handcrafted works by some of the nation’s finest artisans, and a Käthe Wohlfahrt store offering handmade ornaments, nutcrackers and collectibles from Germany. The 2023 event runs on weekends only (Thu-Sun) from November 17 through December 17. Tickets required! Online prices range from $10 to $12 per adult, depending on the date. See the website for more.
WEB: Christkindlmarkt

Mifflinburg Christkindl Market | This three-day market claims to be the oldest outdoor Christmas market in the United States. The Mifflinburg Christkindl Market has kept the tradition of the German Christmas market alive in Pennsylvania for over 30 years. The 34th annual Mifflinburg Christkindl Market takes place on December 14, 15, and 16 in 2023. Free admission.
WEB: Mifflinburg Christkindl Market

Philadelphia Christmas Village | This authentic German Christmas Market takes place at Love Park and City Hall in the “City of Brotherly Love” from November 18 through Christmas Eve in 2023. Hours: noon – 8:00 pm daily. See the website for more.
WEB: Christmas Village in Philadelphia

Philadelphia – Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market | This winter tradition at Dilworth Park is made to complement the Christmas Village in Philadelphia by creating a winter wonderland for local artisans, crafters, designers, and confectioners, who offer their wares in festive white tents topped with original Herrnhut stars. 2023 dates: November 10 – January 1, 2024. Closed on Dec. 25. See the website for details.
WEB: Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market

Pittsburg – Peoples Gas Holiday Market | Stroll through an illuminated Market Square at the eleventh annual Peoples Gas Holiday Market™, weaving through wooden chalets brimming with high-quality gifts and holiday experiences uniquely filled with international flair and local charm. Vendors include Helmut’s Strudel, Käthe Wohlfahrt, and Old German Christmas (candle arches, glass ornaments and nutcrackers). 2023 dates: November 17 – December 21. See the website for more.
WEB: Peoples Gas Holiday Market

TEXAS

Arlington – Texas Christkindl Market | From the market’s website: “The almost 70-year relationship between Arlington and its sister city, Bad Königshofen [Bavaria], inspired the Texas Christkindl Market to commemorate its first magical season in 2011. …the Texas Christkindl Market also works with its partner Christmas city, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, to bring the same wonderful magic and feeling to Texas. Visitors will discover handcrafted gifts and collectibles, including exclusive Käthe Wohlfahrt merchandise and designs from the iconic Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village.” In 2023 the Texas Christkindl Market runs from Nov. 24 through Dec. 23, daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. Location: North Plaza at Globe Life Field.
WEB: Texas Christkindl Market

Fredericksburg | A city (pop. 11,496) in the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is located 70 miles north of San Antonio and 78 miles west of Austin. Founded in 1846, the town was named for Prince Frederick of Prussia (and originally named “Friedrichsburg”). Fredericksburg is notable as the home of Texas German, a dialect spoken by the first generations of German settlers who initially refused to learn English. Fredericksburg (“Fritztown”) shares many cultural characteristics with New Braunfels (below). Fredericksburg is the birthplace of Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz. It is the sister city of Montabaur, Germany. In 1970 the Fredericksburg Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places. During Weihnachtszeit or the Christmas season, Fredericksburg has often been compared to a holiday Hallmark movie. From the website: “Whether it’s ice skating and marveling at the town’s 30-foot Christmas tree and authentic German Christmas pyramid, shopping along a Main Street decked out in its holiday finest, enjoying a festive wine event and local cuisine, or experiencing one of the many special events, Fredericksburg is the perfect holiday getaway.” In 2023, Fredericksburg will feature Fredericksburg’s Christmas Nights of Lights, each evening at the Marktplatz at 6:00 pm, starting on Nov. 21 and running through Jan. 7, 2024.
WEB: Fredericksburg at Christmas – visitfredericksburgtx.com

Muenster | 1,645 (2019) – A primarily German-Texan and Catholic city in western Cooke County, along US Route 82, about 78 highway miles north of Ft. Worth, Texas. The town of Muenster was founded in 1889 by German Catholic settlers Carl and Emil Flusche, who invited other German Catholics to join them. The town was originally to be called “Westphalia”, but since there was already a Texas town named Westphalia, Muenster was selected instead in honor of Münster, the capital of Westphalia. Many residents still spoke German in day-to-day life up until the First World War. With more than 90% of the population German and Catholic, the city has preserved many German customs. Germanfest takes place every April. A Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market) is held each year on Thanksgiving weekend.

New Braunfels | A city (pop. 90,209) in Comal and Guadalupe counties, just north of San Antonio, Texas. New Braunfels (local pronunciation: BRAWN-fels) was established in 1845 by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, and named for the founder’s German home town. Today the city is part of the Greater San Antonio metropolitan area. New Braunfels was the third-fastest-growing city in the United States from 2010-2020. The city had a newspaper that was published in German until 1967. The Herald Zeitung was then two newspapers: The Herald (published in English) and The Zeitung, which means “newspaper.” During the Christmas season, you can visit the Weihnachtsmarkt, the German-themed holiday market (held in mid-November!), where you can indulge in all types of winter special delicacies and shop for handmade gifts, unique souvenirs and artisan produce. Continue your holiday adventure at the Gruene Christmas Market Days. (Gruene is a former town, now a historic district of New Braunfels.) When you’ve had your fill, head to the Hometown Holiday Christmas Parade.
WEB: Weihnachtsmarkt in New Braunfels (November 17-19, 2023)
WEB: Winter Holiday Events in New Braunfels – December 2023
WEB: Old Gruene Market Days – December 2023 (Calendar)

Tomball | This Houston suburb celebrates its German heritage at Christmas with it famous German Fest Christmas. For Christmas 2023 the Tomball German Fest Christmas Market takes place on December 8, 9, 10. An estimated 150+ street vendors will line Market and S. Walnut Streets, selling German Heritage items, arts and crafts, and much more.
WEB: Tomball German Fest – Christmas

WASHINGTON

Leavenworth | A city in Chelan County, Washington, located on the southeast side of the North Cascades on US Highway 2, about 120 miles (190 km) east of Seattle, a 2.5-hour drive. The town center is modeled on a Bavarian village as part of a civic initiative that began in the 1960s. At an elevation of 1,171 ft (357 m), the community has offered winter ski facilities since 1929. Leavenworth began in 1892 as a townsite on the Great Northern Railway. The railroad ran through Tumwater Canyon and opened up the area to settlement. In 1903, Lafayette Lamb arrived from Clinton, Iowa, and constructed the second largest sawmill in Washington. Leavenworth was officially incorporated in 1906. But following the railroad’s relocation to Wenatchee in 1925, the logging town struggled to survive. In the early 1960s, two Seattle businessmen came up with the idea of turning Leavenworth into a theme town, based on the “Danish” town of Solvang, California, but with an Alpine Bavarian theme, reflecting Leavenworth’s mountainous setting. Over time the sleepy timber town was transformed into a replica of a Bavarian Alpine town, complete with restaurants, wine tasting, and two museums. The Bavarian Lodge hotel opened in 2005 and was expanded and remodeled in 2014/2015. The area features year-round outdoor recreation. Community leaders also created a series of festivals to attract tourists. These now include the Autumn Leaf Festival, Maifest, Oktoberfest, and the popular Christmas Lighting Festival. The 2023 Christmastown (“Village of Lights”) runs from 24 November to 24 December. See the website for events and details. Also check out the Nutcracker Museum in Leavenworth (link below).
WEB: Christmastown
WEB: Nutcracker Museum
WEB: Bavarian Lodge – 810 US Hwy 2, Leavenworth, WA

WISCONSIN

Elkhardt Lake – Old World Christmas Market | This holiday market features a decorated and heated tent filled with the sights and smells of a German-style Christmas at the Osthoff Resort. Admission $7.00 per adult. From the website: “For ten consecutive days, guests stroll the aisles of a grand heated tent bedecked with fragrant boughs of fresh evergreens and the tantalizing scents of roasted almonds.” 2023 dates: December 1-10.
WEB: Old World Christmas Market

Milwaukee – Christkindlmarket | This German-themed holiday market normally runs from mid-November through Christmas Eve in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, but it was canceled in 2022 and appears to be dead.

Sparta – Kriskindlmarkt | This small-town traditional European-style Christmas market is open on Fridays and Saturdays for four weeks starting on the last Friday in November. It features German foods and spirits along with lots of other food offerings for “those who don’t love bratwurst.” You’ll also find craft vendors and other boutique gift offerings, plus fun activities. The 9th annual event starts on Nov. 24, 2023 over four weekends. See the website for more.
WEB: Sparta Kriskindlmarkt

---

Do you know of a market or state we missed? Please let us know! Note: We do NOT list markets that only last one day or take place only for a few days in November and/or early December.

Copyright © 2022-2023 Hyde Flippo/The German Way

More | A German Christmas from A to Z

Related Pages
AT THE GEMAN WAY

• A German Christmas from A to Z – German Christmas traditions and terms
• Christmas Markets in Germany and Europe – An overview of the top Weihnachtsmärkte in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
• Advent Calendar – An online calendar with daily Christmas facts starting on December 1
• German Christmas Carols – Popular carols with lyrics in German and English
• Advent and Christmas – The “arrival”
• Barbarazweig – The legend and the Christmas custom
• Epiphany and the Sternsinger – About January 6 in the Germanic Christmas tradition
• St. Nicholas – The many German St. Nicks
• Glass Christmas Ornaments – a history of German glass ornaments
• Silent Night (Stille Nacht) – Our “Silent Night” page has the true story and related links.
• Holidays and Celebrations in Austria, Germany and Switzerland

Legal Notice: We are not responsible for the content of external links.