String lights twinkling over cobblestone streets, finely festooned trees, wooden huts filled with handcrafted gifts, carolers lifting their voices in song, the scent of spiced treats and mugs of warm drinks wafting in the brisk, winter air—it’s hard to beat the storybook charm of a European Christmas market.
If an Atlantic crossing is not on your holiday bingo card, you can still score a bit of Old-World Christmas flavor right here in South Carolina.
You’ll be wishing everyone a "Frohe Weihnachten" when you visit one of these European-style markets.
Christkindlmarkt Charleston
Park at 4461 N. U.S. 17, Awendaw
Need to know: This market is a ticketed event that operates on specific days and times throughout December. Park and ride only. No pets. Kids welcome by day but adults only by night. Please visit the website for specifics and related scheduled events.
The setting: Family-operated market on the grounds of beautiful RiverOaks event venue. Festively appointed, vendor chalets, outdoor firepit, biergarten
The markt: European holiday decor, authentic German crafts, gifts made by local artisans
Guten appetit: German beer (made in accordance with Bavarian Purity Laws), bratwurst and other European-style treats. You can purchase a commemorative ceramic wine cup filled with Glühwein—Germany’s lauded hot mulled wine—just right for sipping fireside.
Greenville Christmas Market
Grand Bohemian Lodge
44 E Camperdown Way, Greenville
Need to know: Free admission. Market operates on specified days from late November through the end of December. Please check website calendar for details.
The setting: Indoor-outdoor event with seasonal decor, live music, children’s events, pics with St. Nick, vendor chalets and thrilling bursts of “snow,” all against the woodland backdrop of Falls Park
The markt: Locally crafted wares, works of fine art and a wide variety of unique gifts available from vendors on the front green
Guten appetit: Food and beverages available; Warm up with special holiday drinks at Grand Bohemian’s Spirit & Bower fireside lounge or dine in cozy elegance at their restaurant, Between the Trees. Reservations suggested.
Weihnachtsmarkt at Bierkeller
600 Canalside, Columbia
Need to know: Free admission. Market operates on Saturdays and Sundays from late November through the weekend before Christmas. Visit calendar of events online for hours and other details.
The setting: Biergarten dressed for a German Christmas with festive lights, vendors, specialty foods, holiday music, free pics with “Sankt Nikolaus”
The markt: Handmade candles, holiday decorations, tree ornaments, sweet treats and candied nut gifts, locally made arts and crafts
Guten appetit: Traditional German eats and drinks like bratwurst, pretzels, potato pancakes, hot mulled Glühwein, hot chocolate, German beer
ChristkindlMarkt of Pendleton
Village Green, 105 Exchange St., Pendleton
Need to know: Free admission. This market runs on Friday and Saturday evenings for three weeks beginning late November. Please see website for specific times and dates.
The setting: Vendor chalets, festive holiday lighting, giant Christmas tree, Santa Claus, live music
The markt: A wide array of handcrafted gifts, local artisan goods, unique finds, novelty items with new vendors each weekend
Guten appetit: Bratwurst, currywurst, hot dogs, sandwiches, soups, cookies, cake, warm teas, apple cider, beer, mulled wine and other beverages
