Traveling to the Midwest for the holidays? In search of that unique and special gift? Perhaps you simply enjoy Christmas and love perusing booths filled with handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items. You’ll find it all at one of the Midwest’s Christmas markets. Here are three of my favorites.
What is it?
Christmas markets are unique. A Christmas market is traditionally an outdoor market that pops up during the Advent season—the weeks before Christmas. Charming open-air stalls are stocked to the brim with seasonal goodies, tasty treats, and warm drinks. Everything is surrounded by sparkling decorations and the hum of holiday cheer.
I’ve often discovered uniquely wonderful handmade items for Christmas gift-giving at these markets. They will definitely put the holiday spirit into your heart.
Here are a few favorite Midwest Christmas markets for you to consider. (Hint: They are much more entertaining and joyous than your local shopping mall or big box megastore.)
Kerstmarkt in Holland, Michigan
The 2024 Kerstmarkt in Holland, Michigan, will bring a festive, European-style Christmas market experience to the heart of downtown Holland. This year’s market runs from November 23 to December 21.
Hosted at the 8th Street Marketplace in front of the Holland Civic Center, the Kerstmarkt has been a cherished holiday tradition since 1997.
This year marks its 27th season, with more than 25 booths featuring handcrafted items, artisan crafts, and traditional Dutch treats like stroopwafels and speculoos cookies. Hot beverages, including glühwein (mulled wine), are also available, adding warmth to the outdoor shopping atmosphere. Yum!
Kerstmarkt has grown to a widely recognized event, attracting visitors nationwide. The Kerstmarkt not only celebrates Dutch holiday traditions but also serves as a platform for local artisans and small businesses. The Kerstmarkt is free to attend, with plenty of onsite parking, making it an accessible and festive destination for holiday shoppers. Visit the website here to plan your visit.
Old World Christmas Market in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Inspired by Germany’s famous Christkindlesmarkt in Nüremberg, you’ll find the Old World Christmas Market in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, to be a wonderful experience. This beloved annual event brings a touch of European holiday tradition to the Midwest.
Visitors can revel in the festive atmosphere, complete with artisan treasures, holiday foods, and family-friendly activities.
Stroll through the vendor stalls and you’ll discover a stunning array of handcrafted goods. Special treasures, from delicate stained-glass art and intricately designed woodwork to elegant amber and silver jewelry, all are beautifully crafted. There’s also a delightful selection of fine clothing, gourmet chocolates, and other one-of-a-kind items perfect for gift-giving.
This year’s Old World Christmas Market takes place from December 6-15 and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children 14 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Adult tickets are $7 per person.
Reservations for some special experiences at the Old World Christmas Market are highly recommended and can be made online.
The European Christmas Market in St. Paul, Minnesota
The European Christmas Market in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a festive celebration inspired by traditional holiday markets in Europe. Held at the Union Depot, the market is celebrating its 11th year and promises to bring the charm and warmth of the holidays to life over four weekends. Plan to join in the celebration on November 29–December 1, December 6–8, December 13–15, and December 20–22, 2024. Hours are Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Visitors can enjoy an array of more than 70 vendors offering unique handcrafted gifts, from Scandinavian-inspired crafts to Polish glass ornaments and beeswax candles.
There’s also plenty of mouthwatering European food, including German potato pancakes and Polish poppy seed rolls, ensuring there’s something to delight everyone’s taste buds.
The market’s twinkling lights, festive music, and bustling atmosphere make it a magical destination for holiday shopping and creating memories with family and friends. To make your trip even easier, Metro Transit is providing free rides to Union Depot during the event weekends.
For more details, visit the official European Christmas Market website or the Union Depot page.
Your turn
These are just three of many, many Christmas Markets in the Midwest.
Do you have a favorite Christmas Market anywhere in the U.S. to recommend? Please do so in the comments.
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Chicago and Carmel, IN also have Christmas markets that are worth visiting.
Thank you, Gail! Happy new year and safe travels!