The 10 Best Midwest Christmas Markets to Visit in 2024

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I love a great Christmas market. We went to dozens of them all over Europe. I was thrilled to discover theThe Midwest transforms into a festive winter wonderland each holiday season, offering a variety of Christmas markets that capture the spirit of the season. From traditional German-inspired stalls to local artisan vendors, these markets provide unique festive experiences, yummy food, and holiday cheer and Midwest flannels. Here are 10 of the best Christmas markets on both sides of the Mississippi River.

Table of Contents

• Christkindlmarket – Chicago, Illinois
• Old World Christmas Market – Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
• Christkindlmarkt – Frankenmuth, Michigan
• European Christmas Market – St. Paul, Minnesota
• Circle of Lights Holiday Market – Indianapolis, Indiana
• Union Station Holiday Market – St. Louis, Missouri
• Cincinnati Holiday Market – Cincinnati, Ohio
• Columbus Circle Christmas Market – Columbus, Ohio
• Holidazzle – Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Christmas in the Village – Amana Colonies, Iowa

Christkindlmarket – Chicago, Illinois

I am the most excited to attend Chicago’s Christkindlmarket, one of the best Christmas markets in Illinois. It just happens to be one of the largest and most authentic German-inspired Christmas markets in the United States too. It is located in Daley Plaza and offers handmade ornaments, nutcrackers, and German treats like bratwurst and glühwein (mulled wine). The festive atmosphere and twinkling lights make it a must-see holiday destination, as well as one of the best Christmas Markets in the Midwest.

• Dates: November 22 – December 24, 2024
• Address: Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
• Hours: Sunday through Thursday: 11 am – 8 pm; Friday and Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm
• Special Opening Hours: Thanksgiving (November 28): 11 am – 4 pm; Christmas Eve (December 24): 11 am – 4 pm
• Driving Time from Rock Island Arsenal: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes

Old World Christmas Market – Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

One of the best Christmas markets in Wisconsin is in Elkhart Lake. The Old World Christmas Market is held at The Osthoff Resort. Elkhart Lake’s Christmas Market channels the charm of European Christmas Markets here in the midwest. You can shop for handmade gifts, enjoy schnitzel and potato pancakes, and warm up with mulled wine. This market’s quaint stalls and Bavarian-inspired decor create a cozy holiday ambiance.

• Dates: December 6 – 15, 2024
• Address: The Osthoff Resort, 101 Osthoff Ave, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020
• Driving Time from Rock Island Arsenal: Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes

Christkindlmarkt – Frankenmuth, Michigan

Frankenmuth, Michigan’s “Little Bavaria,” hosts a Christkindlmarkt rich in German holiday traditions. The outdoor holiday market offers handmade crafts, ornaments, and traditional German foods. You should dress warm so you can enjoy the Bavarian architecture of this Michigan Christmas market. Don’t miss lights, action, and the chance to ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Frankenmuth’s holiday scene is picture-perfect for the season.

• Dates: November 29 – December 1, December 5 – 8, December 12 – 15, December 19 – 23, 2024
• Address: Frankenmuth Farmers Market, 534 N Main St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
• Driving Time from Rock Island Arsenal: Approximately 6 hours

European Christmas Market – St. Paul, Minnesota

Like the markets above, St. Paul’s European Christmas Market at Union Depot brings the charm of European holiday traditions to the Midwest. This well-known Minnesotan Christmas market features handcrafted gifts, mulled wine, and delicious Nordic treats. This market is known for its cozy fire pits, festive lights, and live music. It’s the perfect spot to experience a Scandinavian-inspired holiday.

• Dates: November 29 – December 22, 2024 (Weekends)
• Address: Union Depot, 240 E Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55101
• Driving Time from Rock Island Arsenal: Approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes

Circle of Lights Holiday Market – Indianapolis, Indiana

I know you didn’t think Indiana would miss out on the Christmas market fun. Indianapolis lights up for the holidays with the Circle of Lights Holiday Market at Monument Circle. Drone photographers will love the towering soldiers and Sailors Monument which transform into a “tree of lights.” This market is surrounded by vendor booths offering unique gifts, seasonal treats, and local crafts. Live performances and a magical light display make this a popular event for families.

• Dates: November 29 – December 24, 2024
• Address: Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46204
• Driving Time from Rock Island Arsenal: Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes

Union Station Holiday Market – St. Louis, Missouri

It started to snow as we parked for our first Christmas market in 2024. Located in the iconic Union Station, St. Louis’s Christkindl Market offers seasonal shopping with a nostalgic touch. Local artisans and vendors sell unique holiday gifts in a beautiful historic setting. Union Station’s holiday market is a much appreciated and charming indoor escape from the winter chill with a massive Christmas tree, holiday performances, and festive decor.

• Dates: November 15th- December 30th
• Address: St. Louis Union Station, 1820 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63103
• Driving Time from Rock Island Arsenal: Approximately 4 hours

Cincinnati Holiday Market – Cincinnati, Ohio

The Cincinnati Holiday Market at Duke Energy Convention Center offers an indoor shopping experience with hundreds of booths featuring local artisans, gourmet foods, and holiday decor. Don’t miss the wine and chocolate area, which is perfect for indulging in seasonal treats. This market is one of the best holiday extravaganzas in Ohio, offering something for everyone.

• Dates: November 22 – 24, 2024
• Address: Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Driving Time from Rock Island Arsenal: Approximately 6 hours

Columbus Circle Christmas Market – Columbus, Ohio

Columbus said move over Cincinnati, we have a great Christmas market too. The Columbus market is located downtown, and is known for its friendly, festive vibe and artisan vendors selling handmade crafts, holiday decorations, and delicious treats. Live music and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree add to the holiday spirit, making it a delightful destination for families and shoppers alike.

• Dates: December 5 – 8, 2024
• Address: Columbus Commons, 160 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
• Driving Time from Rock Island Arsenal: Approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes

Holidazzle – Minneapolis, Minnesota

I love Minneapolis’s vibe, so it shouldn’t surprise you that they put on one heck of a Christmas market. Holidazzle in Minneapolis offers a festive outdoor experience with local vendors, food trucks, and holiday-themed activities. Enjoy ice skating, fireworks, and visits with Santa Claus in Loring Park. This event combines holiday shopping with winter activities, making it an ideal family destination.

• Dates: November 29 – December 22, 2024 (Weekends)
• Address: Loring Park, 1382 Willow St, Minneapolis, MN 55403
• Driving Time from Rock Island Arsenal: Approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes

Christmas in the Village – Amana Colonies, Iowa

The Amana Colonies’ Christmas in the Village celebration features the magical Tannenbaum Forest, where over 70 real Christmas trees are beautifully decorated. The Amana Colonies is about 90m minutes from our house, so its somewhat local. The forest also showcases a 17-foot traditional German Christmas pyramid. Visitors can enjoy warm treats at St. Nick’s Cafe, which is open every weekend. There is live music, opportunities to write letters to Santa, and various themed weekends throughout the season. Each weekend offers a unique experience, from Shop Small Weekend to Christmas Sweater Weekend.

• Themed Weekends:
  • Shop Small Weekend: November 29 – December 1
  • Amana Traditions Weekend: December 6 – 8
  • Children’s Weekend: December 13 – 15
  • Christmas Sweater Weekend: December 20 – 22
• Hours:
  • Fridays: 12 pm – 7 pm
  • Saturdays: 10 am – 7 pm
  • Sundays: 11 am – 4 pm
• Address: Amana Colonies, Amana, IA 52203
• Driving Time from Rock Island Arsenal: Approximately one hour and 30 minutes

These Midwest Christmas markets and many others bring authentic European charm, handmade crafts, and warm treats to winter’s cold days. Each market offers unique holiday traditions, delicious food, and one-of-a-kind gifts, perfect for getting into the season’s spirit. So bundle up, grab some mulled wine, and discover the festive magic of the Midwest’s best Christmas markets!

Make to share your favorite down in the comments. And if you know of one that should be added to the list, let me know that, too.

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