10 Best Dog-Friendly Christmas Markets in the U.S. (2025)
Let’s be honest: leaving your dog at home during the holidays feels about as wrong as putting pineapple on pizza. (Okay, maybe not that controversial, but you get the point.) Good news—you don’t have to! We’ve sniffed out the 10 best dog-friendly Christmas markets across the U.S. where your furry friend is not just tolerated, but actually welcomed with open paws.
🐾 Quick Guide
All markets listed below are open-air, leash-friendly, and perfect for creating holiday memories with your pup. We’ve included dates, policies, and insider tips to make your visit stress-free.
1. Christkindlmarket Chicago – Chicago, IL
📅 When to Visit
November 21 – December 24, 2025
Sun–Thu: 11 AM – 8 PM | Fri–Sat: 11 AM – 9 PM
🐕 Dog Policy
Leashed dogs welcome in all outdoor areas
❌ No pups in enclosed tents/warming areas
Why Your Dog Will Love It
This is the German Christmas market in America—think authentic nutcrackers, glühwein in cute mugs, and more pretzels than you can shake a stick at. Your dog will basically become a celebrity here because Chicagoans are friendly like that. Just be warned: over a million people visit annually, so maybe skip the weekend rush unless your pup enjoys being the center of attention.
Pro tip: Water bowls are scattered around vendor stalls, and the staff reportedly treats well-behaved dogs like royalty. Also, check out the sister markets in Aurora and Wrigleyville if you want the same vibe with fewer crowds.
2. Christmas Village in Philadelphia – Philadelphia, PA
📅 When to Visit
November 22 – December 24, 2025
Daily: 12 PM – 8 PM | Fri–Sat: 12 PM – 9 PM
🐕 Dog Policy
Dogs on leashes welcome throughout outdoor areas
❌ Except small Käthe Wohlfahrt indoor tent
Why Your Dog Will Love It
Philadelphia doesn’t just tolerate dogs—they adore them. With 110+ vendors in cute wooden huts, your pup can shop for gourmet dog biscuits and holiday pet accessories. Yes, you read that right: vendors specifically selling stuff for your dog. And if that’s not enough, some years they even host a “Pet Night” where dogs can take photos with Santa. (Check 2025 schedule because this is obviously not optional.)
Bonus: There’s a double-decker carousel and a Ferris wheel. Your dog probably can’t ride them, but the photo ops are chef’s kiss.
Free admission, plus you’re right next to the iconic LOVE Park sculpture. If your Instagram isn’t flooded with pics of your dog and the LOVE sign, did you even go?
3. Christmas Village in Baltimore – Baltimore, MD
📅 When to Visit
November 22 – December 24, 2025
Sun–Thu: 12 PM – 8 PM | Fri–Sat: 12 PM – 9 PM
Closed Mon/Tue
🐕 Dog Policy
Four-legged shoppers officially welcomed!
✅ Dogs allowed in MOST of the heated tent too
Why Your Dog Will Love It
Baltimore really rolled out the red carpet for dogs here. Not only can your pup stroll the outdoor areas, but they’re also allowed in most of the heated festival tent (except the ornament section—because apparently glass and wagging tails don’t mix).
Must-do: Get your dog’s photo with Santa “Kris Kringle” or the wandering Gingy the Gingerbread Man mascot. This is peak holiday content, people.
The market sits on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor waterfront and features a massive 650+ light Glühwein Pyramid that looks straight out of a fairytale. There’s also a vintage carousel and Ferris wheel. Your dog can’t ride them (obviously), but you’ll get your steps in walking around.
Entry: Free on weekdays and in outdoor areas. Only $5 for a season pass if you want tent access on peak weekends.
4. Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park – New York, NY
📅 When to Visit
October 24, 2025 – January 5, 2026
Typically 11 AM – 8 PM daily (longer on weekends)
🐕 Dog Policy
Leashed dogs allowed throughout outdoor market
❌ No enclosed restaurant areas or ice rink
Why Your Dog Will Love It
It’s New York City during Christmas. Your dog will probably feel like they’re in a Hallmark movie, except with way more tourists and better hot chocolate. Bryant Park’s Winter Village has over 170 boutique vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to dog-themed ornaments (yes, really).
Reality check: This place gets PACKED, especially near the ice skating rink. If your dog isn’t a fan of crowds, aim for weekday mornings or stick to the outer pathways. There’s a dog relief area near the 6th Ave/40th St entrance—bookmark it.
Free admission to the market and ice rink (you just pay for skate rental). The 55-foot Christmas tree lighting in early December is spectacular, and there’s live music throughout the season. Your dog might not appreciate German street food as much as you do, but they’ll definitely appreciate all the attention from New Yorkers who miss their own pets.
5. Denver Christkindlmarket – Denver, CO
📅 When to Visit
November 21 – December 23, 2025
Mon–Thu: 1 PM – 9 PM | Fri–Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM
Dec 15–23: Daily 11 AM – 9 PM
🐕 Dog Policy
Dogs are “more than welcome” (their words!)
✅ Entire open-air market is pup-friendly
Why Your Dog Will Love It
Denver knows what’s up. This market literally advertises itself as dog-friendly, and they’ve even hosted special “Canine Christmas” meetups and “Santa Paws” nights in past years. (You’ll want to check if they’re doing this in 2025 because… duh.)
Dog perks: Water bowls at the info kiosk, vendors who give treats to pups, and spacious aisles so your dog won’t get trampled. The only restriction? Dogs can’t hang in the warming tent/beer hall after 9 PM. But honestly, by 9 PM you’ll both be exhausted anyway.
The market itself is gorgeous—40+ vendors selling everything from wooden nutcrackers to alpaca woolwear, set against Denver’s skyline and mountains. There’s live German Schuhplattler dancing (Google it, it’s wild), a Bavarian Biergarten, and enough schnitzel and pretzels to feed an army.
Pro move: Pair this with a downtown Denver holiday lights stroll afterward. Your dog’s Instagram will never be the same.
6. Silverton Christmas Market – Silverton, OR
📅 When to Visit
November 21 – December 31, 2025
Most evenings 5 PM – 9 PM
⚠️ Ticketed entry (check calendar)
🐕 Dog Policy
Pet-friendly! Leashed dogs welcome on outdoor pathways
❌ No indoor dining or shuttle buses
Why Your Dog Will Love It
This isn’t just a Christmas market—it’s a full-blown light festival with 1.5 MILLION twinkling lights. Your dog will either be amazed or mildly concerned, but either way, the photos will be incredible. Think light tunnels, giant snowman statues, and enough Instagram-worthy backdrops to fill your entire 2026 content calendar.
Dog highlights: Santa photo ops for pets (yes!), pet waste stations with free bags, and if you’re staying overnight, the on-site Oregon Garden Resort offers pet-friendly rooms. Book ahead because these fill up faster than you can say “who’s a good boy?”
There’s a German-inspired vendor market, a snowless tubing hill (for humans), live carolers, open fire pits for s’mores, and a Biergarten. Food ranges from traditional German strudel and bratwurst to local Oregon specialties.
Important: Park on-site if you’re bringing your dog. The free shuttle buses don’t allow pets.
7. Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Weihnachtsmarkt – Charlotte, NC
📅 When to Visit
Weekends: Nov 28–30, Dec 5–7, 12–14, 19–21
Friday–Sunday, roughly 12 PM – 8/9 PM
🐕 Dog Policy
Dogs welcome in outdoor Biergarten
Year-round dog-friendly brewery
Why Your Dog Will Love It
A German Christmas market at a dog-friendly craft brewery? This is basically heaven for both you and your pup. OMB’s Biergarten is spacious, has fire pits, and water bowls set out by staff. On Saturdays from 2–5 PM, Santa is available for photos—and yes, dogs are absolutely encouraged to join.
What to expect: 50+ local vendors (including some selling homemade dog treats!), German-style beers like OMB’s seasonal Yule Bock, hot Glühwein, and traditional German street foods. Live holiday music, oak trees lit up beautifully at night, and a super relaxed, community vibe. Don’t be surprised if you see dogs in ugly Christmas sweaters—it’s that kind of place.
The market runs on weekends only, so plan accordingly. Free admission, and the brewery’s beer garden stays open later for drinks after the vendor hours end.
8. Texas Christkindl Market – Arlington (Dallas–Fort Worth), TX
📅 When to Visit
Nov 21–23 (Preview), Nov 29 – Dec 23 (Daily)
Daily 11 AM – 8 PM
🐕 Dog Policy
”It’s pet friendly!” is literally their #1 fact
✅ Leashed dogs welcome throughout
Why Your Dog Will Love It
When a Christmas market lists “pet-friendly” as their #1 selling point, you know they mean business. This is one of the largest open-air holiday markets in the South, held at Globe Life Field’s North Plaza, so there’s TONS of space for your pup to explore.
Dog bonuses: Past years have featured “Paws & Claus” photo ops (check 2025 schedule), and there’s a vendor called Pets Co. selling natural dog treats on-site. Because of the stadium setting, there are plenty of open areas for pet breaks. Some veteran attendees even suggest bringing a stroller for small dogs if it gets crowded. (No judgment here.)
Over 50 vendors offer a fun mix of traditional German items (authentic Käthe Wohlfahrt ornaments) and Texas flair (cowboy-boot stockings, anyone?). There’s live entertainment, a Children’s Lantern Parade every Wednesday, and military family ceremonies on Mondays. Food is a highlight: schnitzel, German pastries, strudel, plus Texas favorites. Yes, ballpark nachos have been spotted.
Best part: Free admission AND free parking. Texas does it big.
9. Snowport Holiday Market – Boston, MA
📅 When to Visit
November 7 – December 28, 2025
Generally 11 AM – 8 PM (verify schedule)
🐕 Dog Policy
Leashed pets welcome outdoors
❌ Not in enclosed warming tent
Why Your Dog Will Love It
Boston’s Seaport district transforms into a winter wonderland, and your dog is invited to the party. This is a newer market but it’s quickly become a local favorite. The entire market is open-air with wide walkways and turf areas—plenty of room for dogs to explore without getting overwhelmed.
Fun quirk: Betty the Yeti (the market’s mascot) wanders around, and many dogs are hilariously curious about this big fluffy character. Water bowls are available at the info kiosk or vendor booths—just ask. The Seaport neighborhood is super dog-friendly, so consider pairing your visit with a walk along the Harborwalk afterward.
Over 120+ local vendors sell unique gifts, art, and gourmet foods. There’s an iceless Curling Lane where you can try curling for free (so Boston), a Christmas Tree Market with bike delivery options (also very Boston), and an après-ski-themed dining area with fire pits and Adirondack chairs.
Special events include the Seaport tree lighting (Dec 5) and public Menorah lighting (Dec 21). Local pet groups sometimes organize informal “Santa PAWS” dog costume parades—keep an eye out on social media.
10. Georgetown Christmas Market – Georgetown, CO
📅 When to Visit
December 6–7 and 13–14, 2025
Saturdays & Sundays, 10 AM – 5 PM
🐕 Dog Policy
Dog-friendly! Leashes required
Victorian-era town = narrow boardwalks
Why Your Dog Will Love It
This is the 65th annual Victorian Christmas Market in a historic mountain town—basically a time machine to the 1800s, except with better snacks and dogs wearing bandanas. Georgetown’s main streets close down for this festival, so your pup can roam freely (on leash) through the Victorian-era setting. Locals call it “the paw-fect place to take a stroll,” and they’re not wrong.
Magic moments: Victorian-dressed carolers often stop to serenade the dogs (yes, really). Vendors offer occasional dog treats. Horse-drawn wagon rides allow dogs to ride along if other passengers are cool with it. There might even be snow underfoot, which adds to the whole magical vibe. Plus, St. Nicholas himself appears in traditional robes—great photo op with your pup!
Shop at an outdoor European marketplace of local artisans, enjoy roasted chestnuts and hot cocoa, and witness the Santa Lucia Children’s Procession at noon (a Scandinavian tradition). Carolers in Victorian dress perform throughout the day. New for 2025: fireworks on the evening of December 13th!
The town is small and easy to navigate. If your pup needs a break, it’s simple to find a quiet spot. Free admission to all activities, and the snowy mountain backdrop makes this unlike any other market on this list.
Quick Comparison Table
| Market | Location | Best Dog Feature | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christkindlmarket Chicago | Chicago, IL | Water bowls, very welcoming | Free |
| Christmas Village Philly | Philadelphia, PA | Dog treat vendors! | Free |
| Christmas Village Baltimore | Baltimore, MD | Santa photos + Gingy mascot | Free (tent $5) |
| Bryant Park Winter Village | New York, NY | Iconic NYC setting | Free |
| Denver Christkindlmarket | Denver, CO | ”Canine Christmas” events | Free |
| Silverton Christmas Market | Silverton, OR | 1.5M lights + Santa photos | Ticketed |
| OMB Weihnachtsmarkt | Charlotte, NC | Santa photos every Sat | Free |
| Texas Christkindl Market | Arlington, TX | #1 selling point: pet-friendly! | Free |
| Snowport Boston | Boston, MA | Betty the Yeti + Harborwalk | Free |
| Georgetown Christmas | Georgetown, CO | Victorian town + horse wagons | Free |
Pro Tips for Visiting with Your Dog
✅ DO
- •Visit during off-peak hours (weekday mornings are golden)
- •Bring water and a collapsible bowl
- •Pack waste bags (even if they provide them)
- •Keep your dog on a short leash in crowded areas
- •Check if there are Santa photo opportunities
❌ DON’T
- •Let your dog try human holiday foods (especially chocolate!)
- •Force a shy dog into overwhelming crowds
- •Assume everyone wants to pet your dog (ask first)
- •Forget that cold weather affects paws—booties help!
- •Skip checking the weather forecast (trust us)
Final Thoughts
Look, we could all pretend that leaving our dogs at home during the holidays is fine. But why would we do that when these 10 incredible markets have rolled out the welcome mat (literally, in some cases) for our four-legged family members?
Whether you’re in it for the German pretzels, the million twinkling lights, or just to see your dog’s reaction to a giant inflatable snowman, these markets deliver. Plus, the photo opportunities alone are worth the trip. Your 2025 holiday card practically writes itself.
So grab that leash, pack some treats (for both of you), and go make some memories. Your dog doesn’t care about the authenticity of the Glühwein recipe—they just want to be with you. And honestly? That’s the whole point of the holidays anyway.
🐾 Happy Holidays from DogCityGuide! 🐾
All information current as of December 2025. Always check official websites for the latest updates before visiting.
