woman and girl in Christmas market

Photo Credit: Gorfer

Germany spent nearly six centuries perfecting the Christmas market, and more than 2,500 open there each winter. Kennebunkport, Maine, gave the tradition its own twist and used a lobster boat to do it.

Santa rides that boat into Dock Square each December, and his arrival says a lot about how Americans approach the tradition. Towns keep the glühwein and gingerbread, then build the rest around their own history. Several of the best-known U.S. markets also reach milestone anniversaries this season, making 2026 a good year to see the results.

Originally published on theroamreport.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

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