Now that we have dodged ghosts at Halloween and gobbled turkey at the Thanksgiving feast, it’s time to get into the Christmas spirit. If your idea of the perfect holiday involves cozy scarves, candy canes, and endless carols, consider visiting one of the top wheelchair-accessible Christmas markets across America.
At these markets, you’ll find yummy gingerbread houses, hot cocoa that warms your soul (and melts your marshmallows), and vendors selling everything from handmade ornaments to quirky festive socks. Sounds interesting, right? Come along as we share everything about accessible holiday markets.
Featured Wheelchair-accessible Christmas Markets
Below are some of the most wheelchair-friendly holiday markets for disabled individuals:
Merry Market (Orlando, FL)
Located on the east side of Lake Eola Park, Merry Market offers a jolly good time. This festive event features twinkling lights, tasty snacks, and gifts galore, such as soap, candles, jewelry, and more. You can take pictures with whimsical ornaments and oversized holiday decor, catch the holiday drone show, or meet Santa without waiting in long lines. There are also plenty of cozy nooks to sit and enjoy the seasonal spectacle.
Union Square Holiday Market (New York, NY)
During the holiday season, Union Square Holiday Market welcomes 185 vendors to make your Christmas wish list a reality. You can shop for that last-minute gift for that uncle who has “everything” or buy yet another candle that smells so good you could almost eat it.
While you’re playing Santa’s assistant, you can munch on snacks that’ll make you forget about your New Year’s diet and watch street performers jingle all the way home! The Union Square Holiday Market is mostly flat and spacious so that you can wheel around with ease.
Christkindlmarket (Chicago, IL)
If you can handle the Windy City, you’ll love the Chicago Christkindlmarket. Celebrating its 28th anniversary in 2024, this German-inspired holiday bonanza is open daily from November 22 through Christmas Eve at Daley Plaza. This market has exclusive vendors selling Christmas ornaments, stocking stuffers, and treats such as pretzels, Glühwein, strudel, and roasted nuts.
The market hosts a rotating lineup of choirs, theater performances, dance troupes, comedians, and magicians. Because who doesn’t love a good card trick in the middle of their Christmas shopping spree? The Christkindlmarket is fully wheelchair accessible with restrooms, plenty of space to navigate, and even special parking arrangements.
Denver Christkindl Market (Denver, CO)
Denver Christkindl Market is happening between November 22 and December 23. This traditional Christmas market features craft vendors from Germany and different parts of Europe, offering yummy sweet and savory delicacies, including rostbratwuerste, roasted chestnuts, baked apples, Bavarian-style biers, and marzipan bread. And who knows, you might run into St. Nikolaus, Krampus and the Christkind herself while munching on these festive delights!
When the sun goes down, special festivities begin at the Greek Amphitheater. The best part? The stage is front and center with plenty of accessible viewing spots, so you can roll up and enjoy the sounds without craning your neck.
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Great Dickens Christmas Fair (San Francisco, CA)
Ever wondered what it would be like to wander through the saucy world of Victorian London? Well, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair is your chance to experience the festive chaos and then some. This year, they are celebrating 40 seasons of Dickensian Delights at the Cow Palace from November 23 to December 22.
Here, you will meet beloved Dickens characters like Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, and Father Christmas himself. Stroll through quaint but fully accessible shops, catch a performance at one of the many theatres, grab a pint and practice your British accent among the locals, or simply sit back and sample festive food like Christmas pudding, cinnamon crunch almonds, and meat pies.
If you have a red or blue disabled parking placard, you just have to pay a $15 parking fee to enter through the main gate and drop off in front of the fair entrance. They also offer wheelchair rental on a first-come, first-served basis at $15 per half day (4 hours) or $30 for a full day.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA)
Each holiday season, Christmas Village takes over Love Park to spread a little merry magic. In this expansive open-air market, you’ll find over 120 international and local vendors selling handmade gifts, ornaments, and more festive goodies than your shopping bag can handle!
There are rides like the ferris wheel and carousel to keep the little ones happy. While the kids are busy spinning and laughing, adults can head over to Thirsty Thursdays Spirits Tastings to sip on some festive cocktails — the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening. If you adore beautifully decorated trees, the Festival of Trees is a must-visit event. While this tree festival is accessible via an outside ramp, the entire Christmas Village is fully wheelchair-friendly.
Georgetown Christmas Market (Georgetown, CO)
Georgetown Christmas Market takes place during the first two weekends of December in snowy Colorado. Visitors can buy unique gifts like handcrafted ornaments, jewelry, apparel, and artisanal goodies, ride horse-drawn carriages, or devour hot bratwurst while belting out their favorite carols.
There’s a children’s nook where little ones can pen their wish lists to Santa – and rumor has it, he reads every single one. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss out on the museum tours. You’ll also meet St. Nicholas and Santa Lucia, who will make you believe in the magic of Christmas all over again.
Tips to Plan Your Visit for Holiday Events
Here are some tips to plan your visit to these festive holiday events:
- Check the market’s website or contact organizers directly for accessibility information—like parking, ramps, wheelchair access points, and bathroom facilities—to avoid any surprises.
- Find out if there are designated seating areas for wheelchair users for parades or performances.
- Some market stalls might have small steps, so bring a portable ramp for easy access.
- Santa may have a billion kids to visit, but you don’t have to face a billion people. Plan your visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and crabby vendors. Plus, you get first dibs on the good stuff.
- If the market requires tickets, buy them online to skip long lines.
- Layer up! Wear warm, comfortable clothing. Don’t forget gloves, a scarf, and a beanie with a pom pom.
- Pack a small kit with essentials like meds, band-aids, and anything you might need in a pinch.
- Set a spending limit. It’s easy to get carried away with the twinkly lights—and even easier with the handmade ornaments.
- Always check the weather forecast. Snow can add charm to the Christmas vibe, but it can also turn paths into slippery slopes. Knowing the forecast helps you prepare better and stay safe.
- Solo trips are great, but holiday markets are 10 times more fun with a friend. Plus, they can help you navigate busy areas, carry your cocoa, and take cute photos.
Plan Christmas Adventures with Wheelchair Getaways
While some cities offer accessible public transit programs, it can get pretty chaotic during the holiday season. This means more delays, crowded buses and trains, and limited seating. Instead of cramming yourself and your mobility device on public transport, why not book a rental with Wheelchair Getaways instead?
Our wheelchair-accessible vans come equipped with convenient ramps, ample space for all your Christmas goodies, and all the modern features to make your trip a breeze. With our flexible rental periods, you’ll never feel rushed. Call (866) 224-1750 or visit our website to book a rental and check out our latest rental deals!