# 10 US Christmas Markets: Cheapest to Most Taxed Wine

> US Christmas markets ranked by wine tax rates from $0.20 to $1.70 per gallon.
- Title: 10 US Christmas Markets: Cheapest to Most Taxed Wine
- Summary: US Christmas markets ranked by wine tax rates from $0.20 to $1.70 per gallon. US Christmas markets ranked by state wine excise tax rates, with Cambria…
- Keywords: christmas markets, wine tax, state excise tax, alcohol control state, christkindlmarkt, pennsylvania, alabama, illinois, washington, oregon, maine, Kiplinger
- Source: Kiplinger — https://kiplinger.com/taxes/10-us-christmas-markets-cheapest-to-most-taxed-wine
- Published: 2026-11-07T14:07:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: christmas markets, wine tax, state excise tax, alcohol control state, christkindlmarkt, pennsylvania, alabama, illinois, washington, oregon, maine
## Why wine taxes vary
State excise taxes on imported wine differ across US Christmas markets, affecting holiday spending.
## Top 10 markets ranked
Kiplinger ranked ten US Christmas markets by state wine excise tax rates using Tax Foundation data for imported 11% ABV wine.
## Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has an alcohol control state monopoly with 30% wholesale markup and 18% state liquor tax, making it the most expensive market.
## Cullman, Alabama
Alabama's state wine excise tax is $1.70 per gallon, ranking as the highest rate among the ten markets.
## Chicago, Illinois
Illinois levies a wine excise tax of $1.39 per gallon, with three market locations including Daley Plaza and Wrigley Field.
## Leavenworth, Washington
Washington's wine excise tax is $0.87 per gallon, with free admission and over half a million twinkling holiday bulbs.
## Silverton, Oregon
Oregon's wine excise tax is $0.67 per gallon, with ticket prices ranging from $15 to $25 for adults.
## Kennebunkport, Maine
Maine's wine excise tax is $0.60 per gallon, with free admission and coastal holiday traditions.
## Carmel, Indiana
Indiana's wine excise tax is $0.47 per gallon, with free admission and a 10-ton Glühwein pyramid.
## New York City, New York
New York's wine excise tax is $0.30 per gallon, with free admission and multiple market locations.
## Rochester, New York
Rochester's wine excise tax matches New York City's at $0.30 per gallon but has lower local sales taxes.
## Cambria, California
Cambria's wine excise tax is $0.20 per gallon, the lowest rate in the US, with ticket prices from $25 to $45.
## Tax impact on holiday spending
State excise taxes are built into wholesale prices, influencing festival costs and holiday budgets.
## Market features
Markets offer German crafts, food, ice skating, and holiday lights with varying activities and pricing.
## Why tax rates matter
Lower state wine excise taxes reduce holiday costs while maintaining authentic German market experiences.
## Best markets for budget travelers
Cambria, California offers the lowest tax rate at $0.20 per gallon with scenic coastal views and affordable activities.
## Key takeaway

US Christmas markets ranked by state wine excise tax rates, with Cambria, California at $0.20 per gallon and Cullman, Alabama at $1.70 per gallon.