Get ready for mulled wine and twinkling lights One of the best parts about living in a city during the holidays is the festive nature of it all: The lights, the decorations, and the hustle and bustle of locals rushing to holiday parties wearing ugly sweaters and weighed down by presents. But another tradition?the outdoor holiday market?has emerged as a key event in cities across America.
Borrowed from the European tradition, the outdoor holiday market is modeled after long-standing events like Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremburg, Germany. Arguably the most famous Christmas market in Europe, Christkindlesmarkt offers more than 180 wooden stands full of handcrafted ornaments, games, and treats and runs from late November to December 24.
The American version looks a bit more contrived and more corporate, sometimes featuring big time sponsors like banks. But the main elements of the European holiday market are there?think twinkling lights, wooden stalls, steaming cups of Gluehwein (mulled hot wine) and most importantly, an outdoor location. It doesn?t matter if it?s cold, and in fact, sometimes that?s the point. If a trip to Europe isn?t in the cards this holiday season?and let?s be frank, for most of us that?s unlikely?don?t fret. We?ve rounded up the 9 best holiday markets around the country, so you too can experience the joy of sipping hot wine on a cold winter night in a city you love. Bonus: Many of the markets are free and all of them are family friendly.
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