Best Christmas market destinations in North America

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One Canadian city's French colonial heritage has produced one of North America's most genuinely European-feeling Christmas markets, set within its walled old town. A themed town further south, built around alpine architecture, offers a more deliberately constructed version of the same tradition.

The destinations on this list range from historic old-town markets rooted in genuine colonial-era architecture to purpose-built themed towns that have adopted the format more recently and considerably more deliberately. Both draw heavily on the same European source tradition.

Booking accommodation early in the most historic old towns specifically matters, since limited capacity sells out well before the market's busiest weekends. Local tourism offices typically publish detailed guides each year. Dressing warmly also matters considerably given how cold evenings can get in the old town.