12 Secret Christmas Markets in the US That Are Magical and Under the Radar

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The United States is full of world-famous Christmas markets. However, if you love shopping for the holidays without the crowds, check out one of the hidden gem Christmas markets in the US.

Most cities come alive during the holidays. In some cities, you’ll find some of the largest Christmas markets in the world, with huge crowds and plenty of attention.

As fun as they are, these famous markets aren’t for everyone. Fortunately, there are plenty of small and equally festive markets to check out in the US. Below are the 12 best-hidden gem Christmas markets in the US.

Swipe and Vote: Choose Your Favorite

Which hidden gem Christmas market should be your next festive escape? Vote for your fave (and avoid the crowds)!

This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.

12 Best Hidden Gem Christmas Markets in the US

Craft Guild, AR 1/5

Kennebunkport, ME 2/5

12 Best Christmas Markets in the US Solvang Julefest Solvang, California

Julefest, Solvang, CA 3/5

Anchorage Market, AK 4/5

Snowport, Boston, MA 5/5

Results

Craft Guild, AR

10 20

Kennebunkport, ME

17 13

Julefest, Solvang, CA

28 2

Anchorage Market, AK

19 11

Snowport, Boston, MA

27 3

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Christmas Prelude, Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport is a historic coastal town that’s full of exciting traditions. One of them is the Christmas Prelude, a two-week festival that lasts from December 5 to 15.

During the festival, you can experience one of the best small-town Christmas markets in the country. You’ll get to visit dozens of vendors selling everything from homemade lobster cakes to Christmas-inspired New England crafts.

Throughout the market, you can enjoy bright decorations, live music, and special events. As the sun goes down, head downtown to watch the annual fireworks show.

Downtown Anchorage Holiday Market, Anchorage, Alaska

Don’t let the subzero temperatures fool you. Anchorage’s downtown holiday market is definitely worth checking out. From festive decorations to live entertainment, you’ll be transported to a holiday paradise without the overwhelming crowds.

You’ll be right downtown, with views of the nearby mountains and cityscape. Vendors come to sell their homemade crafts and food while you shop till you drop at this mostly indoor venue.

On top of all the Christmassy goodies, you’ll find gifts and crafts that are quintessentially Alaskan. From stuffed moose toys to Alaskan Santa decorations, there’s no limit to the fun.

Julefest, Solvang, California

Although most tourists come to Santa Barbara County for the summer vibes and vineyards, Solvang’s Julefest festival is well worth a visit in December. The town was famously settled by Danish immigrants in the early 20th century and today features Danish architecture, restaurants, and even a historically accurate windmill.

During the Julefest celebrations, you’ll have endless Danish pastries and art to shop for. The quaint downtown is covered in colorful lights and decorations. There are even traditional Danish elves located throughout the town.

For many visitors, the highlight of Solvang’s Julefest is the Scandinavian Christmas village night market. You’ll get to walk through the festive decorations by candlelight and take in the small-town vibes and Danish charm of this unique Californian town.

Snowport at the Seaport, Boston, Massachusetts

In Boston’s lively harbor, you’ll find one of the country’s best-hidden gem Christmas markets. Snowport at the Seaport is where the region’s top holiday artisans come to celebrate and show off their best work.

Parade down the harbor boardwalk and check out Boston-themed Christmas goodies. From hot cocoa and cider to — of course, this is Boston — beer.

The festival runs for seven days at the end of December. After shopping and dining, you can head downtown to enjoy the city’s many holiday-themed events and dining options.

Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase, Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock turns into a Christmas miracle during the holidays. The underrated Craft Guild Christmas Showcase is full of charming boutique crafts, decorations, and delicious food.

The market runs for three days at the beginning of December and features crafts, including stained glass, handmade jewelry, pottery, and more.

If you love artisanal holiday crafts, there is no better place to come before Christmas. On top of the goodies, you’ll experience live music, costumes, and a bar to peruse with a drink in hand.

Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace, Honolulu, Hawaii

Hawaii’s capital turns into a festival of lights and palm trees during the Christmas season. Downtown’s Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace becomes ground zero for the festivities.

Amongst the festive decorations and lights, you’ll find local vendors. From Christmassy Hawaiian wood carvings to homemade snacks, each vendor sells something special.

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In addition to the gifts and decorations, you’ll get to enjoy live music, including Christmas favorites played Hawaiian style. After dancing, head to the food and drink stations to sample traditional Hawaiian food and beverages before hitting the market for round two of shopping.

Duluth Winter Village, Duluth, Minnesota

Minnesota’s lakefront city has some of the coldest temperatures in the US. It also has one of its most lively yet underrated Christmas markets.

The Duluth Winter Village lasts for one weekend in December. You’ll find all kinds of exciting holiday events, vendors, and fun seasonal decorations. There will also be plenty of homemade treats, craft beer, and holiday-themed cocktails made from locally made spirits.

After shopping, you can cozy up to a bonfire and hang out with other attendees. There will be live music, caroling, and, of course, lots and lots of snow. Bundle up!

Lewes Historical Society Holiday Village, Lewes, Delaware

Lewes, Delaware, is a tranquil all-American destination with one of the best small-town Christmas markets in the country. The local historical society puts on the market.

You’ll experience amazing decorations, vendors, and plenty of events, all within one of the oldest towns in the US. You’ll also see historically accurate buildings with festive lights and Christmas decorations.

Stick around for live music, family-friendly events, and hot chocolate made from an 18th-century town recipe. There is even a parade to cap things off. The event lasts for two days at the beginning of December.

Christmastime in Hermann, Hermann, Missouri

From November 29 to December 31, Hermann, Missouri, puts on a one-of-a-kind Christmas market. If you love country-themed knick-knacks, holiday-inspired crafts, and plenty of fun events, then this market celebration is a must-see.

The town is famous for being one of the first wine-making regions in the country. It’s also famous for its German heritage. This means you’ll have plenty of mulled wine, schnitzel, and polka to enjoy as you shop.

Outside of the market, you can participate in the annual tree-lighting ceremony. There are also holiday house tours and a family-friendly Children’s Lantern Parade.

Winter Solstice Market, Winterset, Iowa

Around mid-December, you can enjoy one of the Midwest’s most underrated Christmas markets. Winterset’s Winter Solstice Market captures all the town’s small-town vibes and creative spirit and puts it into one event.

You’ll get to take horse-drawn carriage rides through town and sample homemade goodies. There are dozens of stalls that sell homemade crafts, art, and delicious food.

The town of Winterset was the filming location for the film The Bridges of Madison County. After the market, you can head downtown to enjoy the town’s restaurants, bars, and breweries.

Scandinavian Christmas Fair, Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh, North Carolina, throws one of the best-hidden gem Christmas markets in the country. The event takes place at the beginning of December.

You’ll experience a smorgasbord of Scandinavian Christmas traditions packed into one Swedish meatball-sized event. There will be traditional crafts, Scandinavian cuisine, and, of course, mulled wine.

Don’t miss the traditional Nordic folk dancing and live folk music. This market is a must if you’re looking to experience authentic European Christmas traditions in the USA.

Michler’s Christmas Market, Lexington, Kentucky

Michler’s is a Lexington institution dedicated to horticulture and selling plants. It hosts annual holiday celebrations, including its super-popular Christmas Market.

You’ll step inside a holiday-themed green space and be surrounded by local artisans selling homemade gifts, art, and food. You’ll enjoy live music, beers on tap, and homemade mulled wine. You can also rest by the bonfire and enjoy cookies, pastries, or hot chocolate.

The market lasts for two days in early December. You’ll find die-hard Christmas fans who drive for hours to enjoy Michler’s unique market and celebration.