A popular holiday tradition that many military families enjoy is holiday markets!
Originally a European tradition, cities all over the world now host their own versions of holiday markets, which typically start in late November or early December. You'll find arts and crafts, artisan gifts, Christmas decorations, culinary treats, and a taste of local flair in a very festive atmosphere.
Here are some of the best holiday markets near major U.S. military communities around the world. For the hard-core market-goer, we’ve also mentioned a few that are farther afield.
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Nuremberg, Germany: Nov. 28–Dec. 24, 2025
Among the most famous Christmas markets in the world, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt dates back to the 16th Century and is one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets. You can find all of your favorite traditional products and crafts, unique gifts, and of course, local treats such as bratwurst, mulled wine (Glühwein), and gingerbread.
Other Christmas Markets in Germany
Cities all over Germany host Christkindlesmarkts, but another particularly famous one is the Reiterlesmarkt in the medieval walled city of Rothenburg (November 21 to December 23).
Seville, Spain: Mid-Nov. 2025–Early Jan. 2026
The Mercado Navideño de Artesanía, located in Seville’s Plaza Nueva, specializes in Andalusian-style handcrafted items, such as jewelry, wooden toys, and nativity scenes. There are also treats and entertainment for all ages, plus swings and camel rides. Part of the fun of this market is seeing the beautiful city of Seville dressed up in holiday lights.
Madrid Christmas Market
December is one of the busiest times of year in Madrid as visitors flock to the famous Plaza Mayor Christmas Market (November to December). Visit more than 100 stalls and enjoy Madrid’s festive holiday light displays throughout the city.
Yokohama, Japan: Nov. 21–Dec. 25, 2025
The Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market offers a taste of Germany in Japan. The theme of this year’s market is “time,” which celebrates Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse’s 110-year history of bringing everyone together. Visit at night to see the full display of lights!
Tokyo Christmas Market
The Tokyo Christmas Market in Hibiya Park runs from November 21 to December 25 and is the biggest Christmas market in Tokyo. See the giant Christmas tree and experience how this park in Tokyo transforms into a holiday-themed German village with the help of German Tourism and the German Embassy.
If you’re stationed in the Pacific, look into military travel deals like Space-A flights to experience a holiday market in Tokyo!
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Washington, DC: Nov. 14–Dec. 23, 2025
The Downtown Holiday Market will take place at 11 Dupont Circle on New Hampshire Ave Street, NW, a new location from previous years. It features more than 35 exhibitors, offering a wide range of handcrafted items, gifts, and festive decor from around the world.
Travel to the NYC Christmas Markets
If you make the trip to New York City, you can shop ‘til you drop at markets throughout Manhattan and the other boroughs. Some of the most famous markets are the Union Square Holiday Market and the Columbus Circle Holiday Market.
Some Washington, DC, Area Bases:
- Fort Belvoir
- Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
- Marine Barracks Washington
- Washington Navy Yard
- Fort McNair
Stationed in the DC area? Check out these holiday events in Alexandria, Virginia!
Raleigh/Durham, NC: Various Dates Starting Late November
The Triangle area hosts numerous smaller holiday markets in various locations. The Christmas Carousel Holiday Gift Market, held at the NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, is Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 28-30) and features more than 250 exhibitors plus Santa!
The Night Market Company hosts a handful of holiday markets, including the Holiday Block Party and Holiday “Quarter” Market (select weekend nights in November and December—see site for details).
More NC Christmas Markets
The city of Charlotte hosts its own Christkindlmarkt at the Charlotte Christmas Village, which has transitioned into the finest holiday pop-up in Charlotte. You can find these at various holiday events this year, including the Light of Knights Festival, with ice skating, snow tubing, a light show, and vendors.
Enjoy the full menu of traditional German holiday food and beverages, holiday shopping, crafts, and live music, plus Hans & Heidi's Holiday Haus. It’s a perfect outing for your military family.
Military Bases Near Raleigh/Durham:
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Denver, CO: Nov. 21–Dec. 23
Denver Christkindlmarket recreates a traditional German holiday market right in the heart of Colorado. Complete with wooden huts, traditional German gifts, food, and beer (plus the all-important Glühwein), it’s the next best thing to traveling to Germany!
Christmas Market Near Denver
About an hour west of Denver is historic Georgetown, which also hosts a popular Christmas market during the first two weekends in December. It includes a European-style outdoor market along with some American Christmas traditions, such as roasted chestnuts, horse-drawn wagon rides, and Christmas carolers.
Military Bases Near Denver:
San Diego, CA: Dec. 5–23, excluding Dec. 8–9
The Holiday Market at Petco Park includes a mix of European and American traditions. It features European artisan shops along with other crafts and gifts, plus seasonal food, themed lighting displays, and Santa. Tickets with designated entry times are required for this event.
Solvang Julefest
The unique historic town of Solvang, a year-round “miniature Denmark,” hosts its annual Julefest from November 28 to January 4. While not exactly a holiday market, Julefest offers plenty of holiday festivities for the whole family, including a Santa’s Village and guided candlelight tours of the town.
Some San Diego Area Bases:
That’s just a sampling of the many holiday markets throughout the U.S. and around the world! Many cities have smaller versions or 1-2 day markets, so check your local tourism or visitors bureau website to see what’s coming up.
If you want to fully indulge in beer and Glühwein, inquire at your local military base Tickets & Travel or Outdoor Recreation office for military travel deals and discounts, because some offer group tours to local holiday markets, and they will do the driving for you. Either way, make sure you don’t miss these fun events!
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