This holiday season, we embarked on a mission: to visit as many Christmas markets as possible and immerse ourselves in the festive holiday spirit. From bustling New York City to the quaint charm of Quebec City, we explored five different markets across three destinations. Each offered something unique, from the ambience to the offerings, and taught us a bit more about what makes Christmas markets so special—or not so special. Here’s a recap of our festive journey.

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Bryant Park Winter Village – New York City

According to TimeOut.com, the Winter Village at Bryant Park is one of the best Christmas markets in the world, even ranking among markets in Europe. For us, its proximity made it a no-brainer to visit early in the season. The Winter Village is a key holiday attraction in New York City, and while it boasts a festive atmosphere, I’d argue it set the bar a bit low for the rest of our Christmas market experiences.

The market is filled with vendors, but many appear to be resellers of products that can be purchased online—often at better prices. While there were food vendors offering holiday-themed treats like fancy hot chocolate, churros, and crepes, the costs were prohibitively expensive for what you were getting. $7 for a hot chocolate and $15 for a 6 churros with a dipping sauce sound like highway robbery to me.

The festive ambience of Bryant Park cannot be denied—it’s quintessential New York City during the holidays. Walking around the market to soak in the ambiance and holiday spirit while browsing the offerings can be fun. But for someone looking for unique, locally made crafts or gifts, this market fell short. It was a nice starting point for our Christmas market season, but it also reinforced my skepticism about what Christmas markets often represent: a premium on goods you could find elsewhere.

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Christkindlmarkt – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Next, we visited the Christkindlmarkt at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. TimeOut.com ranked this market #2 in the US! Unlike most markets, this one required a $15 entry fee per person, as it’s hosted by a nonprofit organization that supports education in the arts and culture. Despite the cost, it was a worthwhile experience that felt more curated and festive than Bryant Park.

The market featured four large tents spanning over 10 acres, filled with a mix of local crafts, artisanal foods, holiday items and photo opportunities given the festive decorations with the backdrop of the former Bethlehem Steel plant. Highlights included:

• Glassblowing Experience: This required a reservation, but it’s a memorable activity that’s also available outside the holiday season.
• German Imports: One tent showcased goods imported from Germany, offering an authentic taste of European Christmas markets.

We spent about 3-4 hours here, enjoying the ambience and the unique offerings including lunch at a food truck, The Flying V, which offered poutine, a good preview of our next stops in Canada! While the entry fee made it pricier than expected, the experience felt more authentic and family-friendly.

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Montreal Christmas Markets – Atwater Market & Le Grand Marché de Noël

As Christmas market skeptics, we’ve heard that European-style markets prioritize local crafts and unique offerings, creating a more authentic and festive experience. While a trip to Europe was out of the question for our family of five, we found that Montreal’s Christmas markets provided the next best thing.

We visited two markets in Montreal: Atwater Market and Le Grand Marché de Noël. Both were free to enter and smaller in size compared to the Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, PA, but their charm lay in their authenticity and local focus.

Some standout vendors included:

• Unique Chocolates & Maple Syrup Treats: Perfect for holiday gifting.
• Small Batch Wines & Local Cheeses: These were distinctly Canadian and delicious.
• Hot Chocolate & Holiday Sweets: Warm and festive, perfect for a chilly December day.

Though these markets were smaller and less expansive than some, they felt more personal and offered a taste of Montreal’s holiday spirit.

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Quebec City Christmas Markets – A European-Style Experience

Our Christmas market journey culminated in Quebec City, which felt like the closest thing to Europe without crossing the Atlantic, and also one of CNN Travel’s top 15 Christmas destinations. Spanning five locations, the markets offered not only unique vendors but also the opportunity to explore Quebec City’s historic streets and architecture, when traveling from one location to another.

Over two days, we visited four of the five market locations. Highlights included:

• Maple Candy Made on Snow: A quintessentially Canadian treat that our kids loved.
• Ice Wines & Cured Meats: Perfect for savoring the region’s culinary specialties.
• Handmade Crafts: Mittens, scarves, and other goods showcased the craftsmanship of local artisans.
• Spiked Cider & Festive Drinks: A delightful way to stay warm while soaking in the holiday cheer.

The historic setting of Quebec City added an unparalleled level of charm to the markets. Walking through the cobblestone streets and taking in the old-world architecture made the experience feel like a holiday fairytale. For our family, it was the perfect blend of festive spirit, unique offerings, and cultural immersion.

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Final Thoughts

Each Christmas market we visited offered something different, from the urban vibrancy of Bryant Park to the curated charm of Bethlehem and the European-style authenticity of Quebec City. While I entered the season as skeptics, we left with a newfound appreciation for the holiday tradition of Christmas markets.

For families considering a similar journey, our advice is simple: prioritize markets that highlight local craftsmanship and festive experiences over resellers and high prices. Whether you’re staying close to home or venturing north to Canada, the magic of a Christmas market lies in its ability to create memories and holiday cheer for the whole family.