2 local holiday markets named among best in the country: USA Today
DENVER (KDVR) — Coloradans shopping for the holiday season are lucky to live in the Centennial State because it is home to two of the top 10 best holiday markets across the nation in 2025, according to a new list.
USA Today gathered votes from readers to determine the best holiday attractions across the nation, like zoo lights, festive amusement parks, botanic gardens and more. Several local light displays were nominated, but didn’t make the lists this year.
However, Denver and Georgetown have markets that made the list of the 10 best holiday markets across the U.S., as both have done in years past.
No. 10: Georgetown Christmas Market
The Georgetown Christmas Market was named the No. 10 best holiday market in the nation. USA Today described it as an “exciting holiday scene.”
USA Today recognized some things that make this market stand out from the rest, including the outdoor European marketplace, roasted chestnuts, horse-drawn wagon rides and visits from Santa.
Historic buildings line the streets with local shops that are decorated for the holiday season for an old-fashioned holiday shopping experience. According to the event website, the market also offers free holiday entertainment, free parking shuttles, an Alpine Biergarten, face painting, cookie decorating, museum tours and fireworks on Saturday, Dec. 13.
(KDVR)
A lone pedestrian moves along the main street as a storm packing high winds and snow sweeps through the intermountain West, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, in Georgetown, Colo. Forecasters predict that the storm will continue through Wednesday before moving out on to the plains. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The market takes over the streets of Georgetown for the first two weekends of December.
No. 9: Denver Christkindlmarket
The Denver Christkindlmarket, designed by the German American Chamber of Commerce – Colorado Chapter, was named the No. 9 best holiday market in the U.S. This market has also won many awards in past years and has become a tradition for many Coloradans.
The market typically transforms Denver’s Civic Center Park into a European village square with dozens of local and European craft and food vendors, along with live music, a carousel, dancing and other entertainment. This year, the market was moved to the Auraria Campus due to construction.
USA Today describes it as the “perfect place to pick up unique holiday gifts and enjoy a festive scene.” It will be open through Dec. 23.
The Denver Christkilndlmrkt at Civic Center Park in 2023. (KDVR)
The Denver Christkindlmrkt at Civic Center Park in 2023. (KDVR)
The Denver Christkindlmarket at Civic Center Park in 2023. (KDVR)
While these two won awards, there are also lots of areas around Colorado where the public can stroll through festive, lit-up streets lined with local shops and eateries. See FOX31’s list here.
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