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Is this East Coast town the most festive? 10 affordable US cities for Christmas markets

November 25th, 2024 |

Kathleen Wong

USA TODAY

Sleigh rides, ice skating, Christmas lights as far as the eye can see – there’s a lot for travelers to love about the holiday season, and Christmas markets are the one-stop shop for all the winter wonders.

Christmas markets are cherished winter traditions across Europe – predominantly in Germany – dating back to the 15th century. Set in town centers, they acted as bazaars for people to buy food and crafts in time for the religious feasts.

Over time, Christmas markets evolved into the romanticized Christmas custom we think of today. Think caroling, festive foods like mulled wine and gingerbread, gifts and more. Not only can these markets be found in European destinations like Austria, France and the Czech Republic, but also across Asia, Latin America and the U.S.

Travelers who don’t want to go all the way overseas to partake in the Christmas market tradition have their choice of yuletide options closer to home. Vacation rental platform HomeToGo looked at median accommodation prices per night to come up with a list of the most budget-friendly Christmas markets in the U.S.

“Growing up and residing in Germany, the birthplace of the Christkindlesmarkt, I’ve seen firsthand how these enchanting events capture the hearts of locals and visitors alike every winter,” said Jonas Upmann, Travel Expert at HomeToGo.

“With destinations around the world hosting celebrations inspired by the traditional Christmas market, this charming custom has become increasingly accessible,” Upmann added. “Around the holidays, there is an undoubtable eagerness among travelers to also create incredible Christmas memories while exploring new cities – and this year, in particular, vacationers are keen to find ways of doing so while making their budget go the extra mile.”

For those who want to frolic in a winter wonderland that’s a bit closer to home, here are the top 10 more affordable U.S. cities for Christmas festivities:

10. New York City

Holiday shoppers pack the seasonal Bryant Park Winter Village beneath a large Christmas tree in midtown Manhattan, in New York City, U.S., December 15, 2023.
Holiday shoppers pack the seasonal Bryant Park Winter Village beneath a large Christmas tree in midtown Manhattan, in New York City, U.S., December 15, 2023. MIKE SEGAR, REUTERS

New York City can feel like a magical place at Christmas, just like in the movies. From department stores like Macy’s putting up their infamous holiday window displays to the ice skating rink at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park and the Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center, travelers have a myriad festivities to choose from. HomeToGo found the median cost for one night in New York to be $312.

9. Boston

Historic Faneuil Hall is awash in Christmas lights November 29, 2000 in Boston MA.
Historic Faneuil Hall is awash in Christmas lights November 29, 2000 in Boston, MA. Darren McCollester, Getty Images

Boston’s historic cobblestone streets and colonial architecture become even more charming during the holiday season. Throughout the city, lighting ceremonies and local markets selling treats and gifts fill the city with festive cheer. Accommodations will run travelers $307 per night.

8. Baltimore

People enjoy the Christmas lights on the 700 block of 34th Street in the Hampden community of Baltimore, Maryland on December 12, 2014. The display called "Miracle on 34th Street" dates back to 1947 and attracts thousands of tourists each year. AFP PHOTO/MLADEN ANTONOV (Photo by MLADEN ANTONOV / AFP) (Photo by MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP via Getty Images)
People enjoy the Christmas lights on the 700 block of 34th Street in the Hampden community of Baltimore, Maryland on December 12, 2014. The display called “Miracle on 34th Street” dates back to 1947 and attracts thousands of tourists each year. AFP PHOTO/MLADEN ANTONOV (Photo by MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP) (Photo by MLADEN ANTONOV/APF via Getty Images)

Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood has become iconic for its “Miracle on 34th Street” lights, a tradition from nearly 70 years ago. At Inner Harbor is a big German Christmas market where travelers can purchase handmade ornaments, German pretzels and mulled wine as local choirs and bands perform. Travelers can expect to pay $293 per night.

7. Denver

DENVER - OCTOBER 26: The Denver skyline emerges behind a snow blanketed Denver City Park after an early season snowstorm October 26, 2006 in Denver, Colorado. The autumn snowstorm dumped up to 18 inches on parts of Colorado overnight. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER – OCTOBER 26: The Denver skyline emerges behind a snow blanketed Denver City Park after an early season snowstorm October 26, 2006 in Denver, Colorado. The autumn snowstorm dumped up to 18 inches on parts of Colorado overnight. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images).

When Denver’s famous mountain ranges get blanketed in snow, it’s hard not to feel like you’re in a winter wonderland. Travelers can stop by the Denver Zoo Lights, the European-style Christkindlmarket in Civic Center Park and City Hall, which has been lit up for Christmas since the 1920s. The median price for a night in Denver will run travelers $282.

6. Cincinnati

Fountain Square’s live Christmas tree is a yearly tradition, sitting front and center and welcoming visitors to the ice rink on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, in Downtown Cincinnati.
Fountain Square’s live Christmas tree is a yearly tradition, sitting front and center and welcoming visitors to the ice rink on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, in Downtown Cincinnati. Carter Skaggs/The Enquire

Cincinnati’s biggest sites get a yuletide spin during the holidays, from the iconic Cincinnati Zoo putting on an impressive light show and the Cincinnati Music Hall hosting “The Nutcracker” ballet. There’s also a big Christmas market based on the traditional ones in Germany with vendors from all over the tri-state coming to sell food and gifts. A night in Cincinnati costs $273, according to HomeToGo.

5. Philadelphia

Philly's full of history, and during the holidays, also festive cheer.
Philly’s full of history, and during the holidays, also festive cheer. Courtesy of HomeToGo

The historic streets of Philly offer a slew of holiday festivities for travelers to partake in, from light displays at the Philadelphia Zoo to a big German-inspired Christmas Village at LOVE Park selling Belgian fries, German beer and more. Travelers can anticipate accommodations to cost $269 per night.

4. Frankenmuth, Michigan

Frankenmuth is also known as Michigan's Little Bavaria.
Frankenmuth is also known as Michigan’s Little Bavaria. Courtesy of HomeToGo

Located just north of Detroit, Michigan’s Little Bavaria becomes the perfect place to celebrate Christmas. Travelers can check out the streets decked out with 23,000 synchronized lights, a Christmas market, horse-drawn carriages and more. HomeToGo found accommodations in Frankenmuth for one night to go for $268.

3. Seattle

Seattle gets a Christmas makeover during the holidays.
Seattle gets a Christmas makeover during the holidays. Courtesy of HomeToGo

Seattle’s most iconic destinations get a Christmas makeover during the winter, with accommodations going for around $229 per night. Travelers can enjoy the Pike Place Market’s Annual Magic at the Market, a day full of festivities and shopping, to the Christmas Ship Festival, where boats adorned with holiday lights sail across the Puget Sound with onboard choirs.

2. Saint Paul, Minnesota

Saint Paul hosts a massive Christmas market inspired by those in Europe.
Saint Paul hosts a massive Christmas market inspired by those in Europe. Courtesy of HomeToGo

For four weekends, Saint Paul hosts a sprawling European Christmas market at Union Depot – a transportation hub and event venue – with a carousel, holiday train with vintage rail cars and vendors selling bratwurst, roasted nuts and desserts. Close by, Rice Park also transforms with a Christmas light show. Travelers to Saint Paul can budget $214 per night for accommodations.

1. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Bethlehem is also known as Christmas City USA.
Bethlehem is also known as Christmas City USA. Courtesy of HomeToGo

The charming town of Bethlehem earned the nickname of Christmas City USA in 1937, and it’s also the cheapest town to visit on the list, with accommodations per night costing $175. Founded in 1741 by Moravian missionaries, the town was named after the birthplace of Jesus Christ and also claims to have put up the first documented Christmas tree in the country in 1747. During Christmastime, travelers can explore a variety of Christmas markets, take carriage rides past historic homes decorated to the nines and enjoy unique town traditions, such as a live advent calendar.

Read the article on USA Today here.

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