Written by Madison Zepp
The upcoming Christmas season offers so many events to enjoy! From colorful lights and festive décor to the wonderful celebration of Jesus’ birth, it is a truly captivating time of year. As the air becomes brisk and the streets glitter with snowflakes, you may find yourself looking for a way to celebrate the Christmas season, especially with your family. A Christmas market is the perfect place to do just that. All ages can find something that interests them at a Christmas market, such as specialty artisan goods, new foods to try, hot drinks, and seasonal children’s activities. This list includes our top five best Christmas Markets in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Feel free to immerse yourself in one or even all of these unique events to celebrate the holiday season with your family.
Christkindlmarkt – Bethlehem (Weekends from November 15th-December 22nd)
Bethlehem annually hosts one of the most infamous Christmas Markets in the United States. Christkindlmarkt is an authentically German-inspired Christmas market. Inside the market, they showcase specialty handcrafted goods from across the United States, as well as authentic handcrafted ornaments, nutcrackers, and collectibles from Germany, crafted by Käthe Wohlfahrt. In addition, there will be live music performances from local schools and carolers, visits with St. Nick, and festive drinks and food.
Christmas Village – Philadelphia (November 23rd-December 24th)
The Christmas Village in Philadelphia is an authentic open-air German Christmas Market. Throughout various weekends in November, they host previews, but only officially open with their opening ceremony on December 1. During December, they have a packed schedule of events, such as Tuesday Storytimes, Meet Santa during the weekends, German American Weekend, Family Weekend, and many others. In addition to these events, they also host a special Festival of Trees. From December 5–24, guests can make donations to vote on their favorite tree. These donations benefit the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The Christmas Village also hosts a wide array of vendors, including authentic German food and drinks. For children, they also have fun activities, specifically the Christmas Village Carousel, the Ferris Wheel, and the Kids Train.
Pennsylvania Christmas + Gift Show – Harrisburg (December 4th-8th)
Located inside the PA Farm Show Complex, the Pennsylvania Christmas + Gift Show is an elaborate indoor event. Showcasing over 600 specialty shops, the show offers a wide variety of items for anyone. For the first time ever, this year they will host a special Maker’s Market to showcase local artisan goods. In addition to the shopping, they will also host a wide array of holiday events, including live music and performances, photo opportunities with Santa and the Grinch, the Christmas Lego Village, a Model Train Showcase, décor competition, Deck the Paws Fashion Show, and a special meet and greet with Karolyn Grimes from “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Garden Spot Village Christmas Market – New Holland (December 7th)
Garden Spot Village will once again host their annual Christmas Makers Market. The event has activities for all ages, although the main feature is the Makers Market. Local artisans and crafters will showcase and sell handcrafted goods of many varieties. If you’re still looking to shop, Garden Spot Village will also keep its regular stores open, such as Linden, The Artisans Corner and Share & Care Thrift Store. Other highlights of the event include the Train Room Open House, Kids Cookie Decorating, hourly readings of A Charlie Brown Christmas, the Gift Basket Silent Auction, and a bake sale. During the Christmas Makers Market, the restaurants will also remain open. Guests can try the Signature Snoopy Sandwich or stop at Refresh to get a hot coffee.
Christkindlmarkt – Dillsburg (December 13th-14th)
For two days, guests can experience the historic grounds of Dill’s Tavern converted into a German Christmas Market. Over 90 vendors will be set up, selling everything from pottery and wood work to quilts and candles. The event will also host a variety of food vendors. In addition to shopping, there will be kids’ activities, music, and other festive activities taking place at the property.