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10 Most Affordable US Cities with the Best Christmas Markets
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10 Most Affordable US Cities with the Best Christmas Markets

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Sleigh rides, ice skating, Christmas lights as far as the eye can see: there are many things travelers can love about this region. holiday seasonand Christmas markets are the one-stop-shop for all winter wonders.

Christmas markets are much-loved winter traditions across Europe – primarily Germany – dating back to the 15th century. Located in city centers, they served as bazaars where people could purchase food and crafts in time for religious festivals.

Over time, Christmas markets evolved into the romanticized Christmas custom we think of today. Think Christmas carols, festive foods like mulled wine and gingerbread, gifts and much more. These markets are not only found in European destinations like Austria, France and the Czech Republic, but also in Asia, Latin America and the United States.

Travelers who don’t want to go abroad to partake in the Christmas market tradition have Christmas options closer to home to choose from. Vacation rental platform HomeToGo looked at median nightly accommodation prices to compile a list of most economical Christmas markets in the United States

“Having grown up and residing in Germany, the birthplace of Christkindlesmarkt, I have seen first-hand how these enchanting events captivate the hearts of locals and visitors 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. “During the holidays, there is an undeniable desire among travelers to also create incredible Christmas memories while exploring new cities – and this year in particular, vacationers are eager to find ways to do so while making a extra effort with their budget.”

For those who want to frolic in a winter wonderland a little closer to home, here are the top 10 most affordable U.S. cities for Christmas festivities.

10. New York, New York

New York City can seem like a magical place at Christmas, just like in the movies. From department stores like Macy’s putting up their famous Christmas displays to the skating rink at Bryant Park Winter Village and the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, travelers have a myriad of festivities to choose from. HomeToGo found that the median cost for a night in New York was $312.

9. Boston, Massachusetts

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 a festive atmosphere. Accommodation will cost travelers $307 per night.

8. Baltimore, Maryland

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

7. Denver, Colorado

When Denver’s famous mountain ranges are covered in snow, it’s hard not to feel like you’re in a winter wonderland. Travelers can stop at the Denver Zoo Lights, the European-style Christkindlmarket located 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 cost travelers $282.

6. Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati’s biggest sights take on a Christmassy twist during the holidays, with the iconic Cincinnati Zoo putting on an impressive light show and the Cincinnati Music Hall hosting the “Nutcracker” ballet. There is also a large Christmas market based on traditional German markets with vendors from all over the tri-state area coming to sell food and gifts. A night in Cincinnati costs $273, according to HomeToGo.

5. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia’s historic streets offer plenty of holiday festivities for travelers to take part in, from light displays at the Philadelphia Zoo to a large, German-inspired Christmas village at LOVE Park selling Belgian fries, German beer and more. Travelers can expect accommodation to cost $269 per night.

4. Frankenmuth, Michigan

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

3. Seattle, Washington

Seattle’s most iconic destinations get a Christmas makeover during the winter, with lodging going for around $229 per night. Travelers can enjoy the annual magic of Pike Place Market, a day full of festivities and shopping, to the Christmas Ship Festival, where boats adorned with Christmas lights sail the Puget Sound with choirs on board .

2. St. Paul, Minnesota

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

1. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

The charming town of Bethlehem deserves the nickname Christmas Town USA in 1937, and it’s also the cheapest city to visit on the list, with nightly accommodation costing $175. Founded in 1741 by Moravian missionaries, the town is named for the birthplace of Jesus Christ and also claims to have erected the first documented Christmas tree in the country in 1747. During the Christmas season, travelers can explore a variety of Christmas markets, take horse-drawn carriage rides past newly decorated historic homes, and enjoy the city’s unique traditions, such as a Christmas calendar. Advent live.