German Christmas markets are a time-honored cultural tradition that allow people to celebrate the holiday season with great food, music, festive decorations, and shopping. Over time, the annual celebrations have caught on around the world. Luckily, you don’t have to catch an international flight to take part in the tradition — there are several opportunities to experience this festive custom in NoVA or within easy driving distance.
German Armed Forces Command Christmasmarket
December 5, 4–9 p.m.
Hosted by the German military and benefiting the Friends of Reston, this outdoor Christmas market features delicious traditional German food and drinks including Bratwurst, mulled wine (or Glühwein), beer, and more. The enchanting atmosphere of twinkling lights and holiday decorations are bound to put you in the spirit of Christmas. Browse the handcrafted gifts and souvenirs and even get photos with Santa Claus. The market is cash only. 11150 Sunrise Valley Dr., Reston, $10 for adults, $5 for kids
Heurich House Museum
December 6–13, times vary
For the first time since its inception, the 12th annual Heurich House Museum Christmas Markt will be open for an entire week. Grab a mulled wine and check out the museum’s “Castle Garden,” as well as over 60 small-scale artisan vendors from the DC area. Additional activities include craft events, live music on Friday, December 6, and carolers on Saturday, December 7. Tickets are available online and at the door for adults and children. Tickets for the holiday house tour will be available at the door only for $5. 1307 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC, $8–$18 for adults, $2 for kids, additional $5 for house tour
Greenhill Winery
December 7, 12–6 p.m.
What better way to do some Christmas shopping than with a deliciously warm mulled wine in a Greenhill Winery mug? Located just outside the tasting room, you can browse a variety of vendors such as Jimmy’s Hatch Pepper Salsa, Loudoun Wicks candles, Luxury Sparks Jewelry, and more at the third annual Christkindlmarkt. There is something for everyone on your list. While no ticket is necessary for the market, keep in mind that Greenhill Winery is an adults-only property. 23595 Winery Ln., Middleburg, free
Bluemont Vineyard
December 7, 14, 21, times vary
Experience a German Christmas market on the mountain at Bluemont Vineyard this December. Hunt for the perfect holiday gifts from local artisan vendors while sipping your Bluemont wine of choice. Food will also be available for purchase. 18755 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont, free
Herndon WinterMarkt
December 14, 12–7 p.m.
Located right in the heart of historic Herndon, the Herndon WinterMarkt brings the magical feel of Christmas in Europe to Northern Virginia. Free and open to the public, this family-focused Christmas market will feature tasty holiday food and drinks, decorations, musical entertainment, and over 60 vendors to shop. Corner of Lynn and Station streets, Herndon, free
Christmas Village in Baltimore
November 28–December 24, times vary
Inspired by Nuremberg’s historic 16th century Christkindlesmarkt, the Christmas Village in West Shore Park in the Inner Harbor has become a beloved holiday tradition in Baltimore over the years. Just over a one-hour drive from NoVA, Christmas Village features both indoor and outdoor markets with over 60 vendors located in charming wooden booths. An assortment of German food will be available such as schnitzel, bratwursts, and Belgian fries. Be sure to grab one of the featured mulled wines from “The Pyramid,” Christmas Village’s stunning 30-foot-tall lighted tower from Germany, which was first introduced in 2019. The market is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, except December 23 and 24. 501 Light St., Baltimore
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
November 28–December 24, times vary
This annual holiday market in Center City Philadelphia, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from NoVA, is modeled after the traditional open-air German holiday markets. Indulge in European meals and snacks, including raclette, strudel, Belgian fries, and bratwurst. There are more than 80 vendors to explore, selling everything from handcrafted ornaments to cozy scarves to jewelry. 1500 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia
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Feature image of Baltimore Christmas Village by Christina Kalff
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