A Berliner Grades America's Christmas Markets on Black Friday

Seattle Center runs the closest thing to a Bavarian square, with about 80 artisan stalls, a carousel and a daily snow shower over the crowd. The market is closed on Thanksgiving, then opens Black Friday at half past 11 in the morning and runs until 9 PM. Late November tickets start near 7 dollars, children 6 and under enter free, and refunds are not offered. My grade is an A minus, docked for the uneven ground underfoot.

Union Depot's East Plaza hosts Minnesota's largest traditional outdoor holiday market, and admission is free on every market day. Black Friday brings special hours from 1 PM to 9 PM, two hours ahead of the usual Friday start. Three heated tents take the edge off a Minnesota evening, with live entertainment and a kid zone in the mix. Grade A, the most German of the three, and the only one that costs nothing to enter.

The Swiss Winter Village makes its debut on the Santa Monica Pier Event Deck with more than 60 artisan chalets and raclette on the menu. The draw no European square can copy is an ice rink with ocean views. Adult entry is 12.90 dollars, children 4 to 12 pay 8.90, under 3s enter free, and payment is cashless. Grade B plus, a Swiss idea translated well to a beach town.