Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and pumpkin pie — it’s also the start of the holiday season. Across the United States, towns and cities host craft fairs and holiday markets where you can shop handmade gifts, taste seasonal treats, and soak in cozy fall vibes.
If you’re planning to travel or just want a festive outing, here’s your 2025 guide to the best Thanksgiving craft fairs and holiday markets in the US.
Top Thanksgiving Craft Fairs & Holiday Markets in the US (2025)
1. Christkindlmarket Chicago (Illinois)
One of the most famous holiday markets in the US, inspired by German traditions. Expect handmade ornaments, wooden toys, and warm mulled wine.
📅 Opens: November 21, 2025 – December 24, 2025
Why Visit: Chicago’s Christkindlmarket is one of the largest and most famous German-inspired holiday markets in the US.
- Crafts & Specialties: Hand-blown glass ornaments, wooden nutcrackers, German cuckoo clocks, and handmade winter accessories.
- Food: Authentic German bratwurst, pretzels, roasted nuts, potato pancakes, and warm Glühwein (mulled wine served in collectible mugs).
- Transportation: Located in Daley Plaza, easily accessible via Chicago’s CTA “L” trains and buses. From O’Hare Airport, about 40 minutes by train.
- Weather: Late November in Chicago averages 35–45°F — dress warmly, as the market is outdoors.
- Traveler Essentials: Warm layered clothing, gloves, a scarf, comfortable walking shoes, portable hand warmers, and a backpack for shopping.
- Accessibility: Well connected by flights from across the Midwest and East Coast, making it easy for travelers from New York, Minneapolis, or Detroit.
2. Union Square Holiday Market (New York City, NY)
Right after Thanksgiving, this iconic outdoor market fills Union Square with local artists, craft makers, and gourmet treats.
📅 Opens: November 20, 2025 – December 24, 2025
Why Visit: Right in Manhattan, this market is perfect for combining holiday shopping with a Thanksgiving trip to NYC.
- Crafts & Specialties: Local NYC artists selling handmade jewelry, eco-friendly crafts, home décor, and art prints.
- Food: Hot chocolate, apple cider, gourmet cheeses, and artisanal baked goods (perfect for snacking as you shop).
- Transportation: Located at Union Square, directly on the subway lines (4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W). From JFK or LaGuardia Airport, 45–60 minutes by car or train.
- Weather: Chilly late-November weather (40–50°F) — pack a scarf and gloves.
- Traveler Essentials: Layered outfits, a warm coat, gloves, a water bottle, a foldable tote for shopping, and a MetroCard for easy subway travel.
- Accessibility: Travelers can easily reach NYC from the entire East Coast by Amtrak, Greyhound, or short flights.
3. Philadelphia Christmas Village (Pennsylvania)
Though it runs into December, the market kicks off on Thanksgiving weekend with vendors selling crafts, jewelry, and international foods.
📅 Opens: November 22, 2025 – December 24, 2025
Why Visit: Set in LOVE Park, this open-air market transforms Philadelphia into a mini-European Christmas town.
- Crafts & Specialties: Handmade glassware, German wooden crafts, knitwear, and holiday decorations.
- Food: Pretzels, raclette cheese, bratwursts, Belgian waffles, and mulled wine.
- Transportation: Accessible via SEPTA regional rail and subway. From Philadelphia International Airport, about 20 minutes by train.
- Weather: Around 40–48°F — layering is essential.
- Traveler Essentials: Comfortable waterproof shoes, scarf, sweater layers, portable charger, and a small backpack for purchases.
- Accessibility: Just 2 hours from NYC and 3 hours from Washington, DC by Amtrak — perfect for Thanksgiving weekend travelers.
4. The Big Thanksgiving Craft Fair (Plymouth, Massachusetts)
Located near America’s “first Thanksgiving” site, this fair is full of handmade pottery, textiles, and New England crafts.
📅 Thanksgiving Weekend 2025 (Exact dates TBA)
Why Visit: Located near the site of the “First Thanksgiving,” Plymouth’s fair feels deeply tied to American tradition.
- Crafts & Specialties: New England pottery, handmade quilts, coastal-inspired artwork, and Thanksgiving décor.
- Food: Pumpkin bread, cranberry treats, clam chowder, and fresh cider donuts.
- Transportation: Plymouth is about an hour’s drive from Boston Logan Airport. Regional buses also connect Boston to Plymouth.
- Weather: Late November temperatures average 35–45°F with a chance of cold rain.
- Traveler Essentials: Waterproof jacket, warm layers, gloves, a thermos with a hot beverage, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Accessibility: Best for New England travelers — easy weekend trip from Boston, Providence, or Hartford.
5. Holidazzle Market (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
A blend of holiday shopping and entertainment — fireworks, food trucks, and local handmade goods.
📅 November 28 – December 21, 2025
Why Visit: This festive market mixes holiday shopping with entertainment like ice skating, fireworks, and live music.
- Crafts & Specialties: Locally made candles, wool scarves, wooden toys, and artisan skincare products.
- Food: Hot cider, cheese curds, wild rice soup, s’mores at outdoor fire pits.
- Transportation: Downtown Minneapolis is reachable by light rail from MSP Airport (about 20 minutes).
- Weather: Very cold — expect 25–35°F with snow possible. Dress in layers and winter boots.
- Traveler Essentials: Winter coat, hat, gloves, insulated boots, scarf, lip balm, and hand warmers for outdoor browsing.
- Accessibility: Easily reached by flight from Chicago, Denver, or Dallas; popular with Midwest travelers.
6. Denver Christkindlmarket (Colorado)
For mountain travelers, Denver’s market is a must. Browse handmade crafts while enjoying German-style sausages and cider.
📅 November 21 – December 23, 2025
Why Visit: A Rocky Mountain twist on a German holiday market, combining alpine charm with festive shopping.
- Crafts & Specialties: German ornaments, wooden nativity sets, leather goods, and hand-knit sweaters.
- Food: Bavarian pretzels, schnitzels, roasted nuts, and hot spiced cider.
- Transportation: Located downtown in Civic Center Park, accessible by Denver’s RTD light rail. Denver International Airport is 40 minutes by train.
- Weather: Expect chilly, crisp air (35–45°F); evenings can drop below freezing.
- Traveler Essentials: Layered clothing, warm jacket, hat, gloves, water bottle, and comfortable shoes for walking.
- Accessibility: Easy flights from the West Coast and Midwest; road trip option via I-70 for nearby states.
7. Local Small-Town Craft Fairs (Hidden Gems!)
Don’t overlook community centers, schools, and churches — many small towns host one-day craft fairs on Thanksgiving weekend. These are great spots to find affordable handmade gifts and connect with local artisans.
Why Visit: Smaller fairs, often held in schools or community centers, are hidden gems where you can find affordable, authentic crafts.
- Crafts & Specialties: Handmade soaps, candles, knitted hats, holiday wreaths, and homemade jams.
- Food: Bake sales with pies, cookies, and local specialties.
- Transportation: Usually car-dependent; check local town websites or Facebook events for details.
- Weather: Varies by region — Northeast may see snow, while Southern states may be mild (50–60°F).
- Traveler Essentials: Layered clothing suitable for outdoors, a thermos for hot drinks, comfortable shoes, a reusable tote for crafts, and a GPS/phone for navigation.
- Accessibility: Great for road-trippers and families — perfect if you’re staying local during Thanksgiving weekend.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time to explore craft fairs and holiday markets. Whether you’re in a big city like Chicago or NYC, or a small town with a cozy community fair, these events are a great way to kick off the holiday season.