One Of The East Coast's Best Christmas Markets Is A German-Inspired Celebration With Shopping And Wine

Germany is known for having some of Europe's most enchanting Christmas markets every holiday season, especially across major cities like . However, traveling from the United States to Europe is no easy feat for budget-conscious travelers. But what if there was a way to experience the magic of a German Christmas market on the East Coast? , the Christmas Village in Baltimore, Maryland, is a holiday escape that will make you feel like you just teleported across the pond to Germany (with a slight Baltimore twist).

Named as one of the best Christmas markets in the U.S. by Time Out, Baltimore's Christmas Village is brimming with German charm. The market is complete with artisanal stalls from over 60 vendors selling unique, . Instead of junky, plastic doodads, Baltimore Christmas Village hosts authentic vendors dedicated to their craft. Visitors can purchase truly one-of-a-kind items, including . 

Follow your nose to the traditional charcoal grill for with , or warm yourself with a toasty . The star of the show is the festively lit Glühwein Pyramid, a 30-foot-tall re-creation of a German Christmas tower with a mulled wine stand nestled underneath. These . Baltimore's rendition sells various flavors of .

The Christmas Village is open , leaving visitors plenty of time to soak up the holiday festivities. Nestled in , the village features wintery water views as well as tons of holiday events to raise your spirits. , holiday flower workshops, and even speed dating are some of the many events held at the Christmas Village during the season. Meeting your soulmate at a holiday village would be a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie, and who doesn't want that?

Stop in to the Festival of Trees, a showcase of spectacularly decorated holiday trees hosted by the . The , which is a great way to send out some holiday goodwill. Be sure to bring the family along, as the are perfect rides for both adults and children. If you are visiting on a Saturday or Sunday, keep your eyes peeled for , the friendly — and photogenic — village mascot. 

Whether you're searching for holiday gifts for the family, craving a cup of traditional warm mulled wine, or simply wanting to see what the hype of a spectacular German Christmas market is all about, Baltimore's Christmas Village delivers on its promises without the transatlantic flight. If you are located on the West Coast and can't make it across the country, check out the California Christmas market known as one of the best in the U.S.