New York already starts gearing up for the holiday season in the fall. Christmas markets return to the city as early as October, setting the mood for the most magical time of the year. Here’s where to find the best Christmas markets in NYC.
Is there a better way to get into the holiday spirit than grabbing a hot cup of cocoa and strolling through some of the best Christmas markets in New York? Booths with local crafts, savory treats, and hot specialty drinks are the most authentic environment to have a merry time and wrap up your gift shopping.
Whether outdoor or indoor, New York is home to four major holiday markets and a good number of smaller winter bazaars.
My tip: I just discovered a fun Christmas market walking tour that will take you to all four major holiday markets in New York! Read more about it here.
Kicking off at the end of October, Bryant Park’s Winter Village opens the holiday market season in New York. Besides being the first to open, it’s also the longest-running, inviting visitors to explore their impressive array of booths all the way through New Year’s Day.
Debuting in 2002, Winter Village in Bryant Park is one of the most festive Christmas markets in NYC. The center of the city is a truly inspiring place to drink in the splendor of winter as you and your loved ones stroll down aisle after aisle of specialty vendors and themed attractions.
Winter Village has lots to offer: an ice skating rink with free admission, holiday stands to offer seasonal bites, beverages to refuel, local crafts, jewelry, clothes, and many more cute baubles.
Union Square is proud to host over 25 years of holiday markets and this year will be no exception. The market’s layout was initially modeled after European Christmas markets and despite some changes since its original inception, the Union Square Holiday Market still mirrors its cousins across the Atlantic pretty closely.
It is one of the largest Christmas markets in New York and a holiday tradition for any visitor. At Union Square, you can browse through winding rows of stalls with live music playing in the background. A total of 100 red-and-wite-striped booths display their unique wares and artisanal foods at this Christmas market in NYC.
The Union Square Market boats more than 150 registered vendors, both local and international, that are carefully selected. Union Square Holiday Market has grown significantly over the years and now also features a kid’s art studio and a warming station for the frostbitten among you.
Located at Central Park’s southwest corner, in close proximity to the iconic Wollmann ice skating rink, you will find Columbus Circle Holiday Market. What better way to end a perfect wintery stroll through Central Park than with one of the best holiday markets in NYC? This outdoor Christmas market will transport you to a quaint German village enthralled in the holiday spirit.
With about 100 booths, the European-style Columbus Circle Holiday Market belongs not only to the best but also to the largest holiday markets in NYC. What can you find at the famed circle during the holiday season? Hot mulled wine, handmade crafts, and one-of-a-kind ornaments make it the quintessential NYC shopping experience. Merry shopping!
Stop by on a Monday!
If you find yourself in the area on a Monday, be sure to take advantage of free Broadway performances in the Shops at Columbus Circle thanks to Broadway Under The Stars!
During the holiday season, Grand Bazaar hosts a seasonal version of its iconic flea market. The curated market takes place on Sundays on Manhattan’s Upper West Side yearlong but pulls out all the stops during the holiday season. Anyone interested in furniture, vintage clothing, jewelry, and crafts will feel like they are in a Yuletide paradise here.
Each week, the bazaar features a variety of merchants on rotation, offering tchotchkes, antiques, and delicious local cuisine. Be sure to come hungry!
When? usually November – December
A brand-new holiday market experience is coming to the legendary Macy’s Herald Square! This season, Urbanspace is bringing the magic of 34th Street to life right in the heart of Manhattan. The market will be open seven days a week from early December until the beginning of March!
When temperatures plunge, those of you who are sensitive to the cold may consider spending their time at one of the indoor Christmas markets in NYC. Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central boasts a large month-long indoor holiday market in New York that’s perfect for those who prefer to stay snuggled in warmth regardless of outdoor conditions.
At the Holiday Fair, vendors are carefully selected to guarantee only the best experience for their visitors. If you’re looking for gifts, you’ll find a wide selection of one-of-a-kind items. More than 1 million shoppers pass through the holiday fair each day. The iconic transport hub is a convenient location for a jolly extravaganza!
Inside the Oculus, you can find a whimsical pop-up holiday market called “The Market at Westfield World Trade Center” that will make your commute even more magical. A path leads you through a little winter village featuring over 20 specialty shops limited edition gifts, snacks and souvenirs.
As if the Oculus wasn’t already one of the most beautiful photo ops in the city, a few more props were added to help you get the perfect Christmas card photo this year. The festive decorations include a clocktower, a chrome snowman, and a lush winter landscape.
Experience the magical Christmas spirit at the Christmas Grand Market! This event upholds a beloved Jamaican tradition, bringing communities together in a vibrant celebration. In December 2023, Braata Productions proudly revives this family Christmas tradition, honoring Jamaican roots while embracing customs from other Caribbean regions.
As you stroll through the Grand Market, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. Vendors showcase a wide array of gift items waiting to be discovered. From traditional snacks like peanut drops and grater cake to savory delights like sorrel and roast yam, the air is filled with the enticing scents of Christmas flavors.
When?
I love Chelsea Market – it’s a food market and shopping paradise in one. It’s beautifully decorated for Christmas and if you’re looking for something really special, you have to go to the Artists & Fleas Market. Here you can buy unique Christmas items from New York artists.
The Queens Craft Brigade is located in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens and is the stylish version of Astoria Market. Here you can see, taste, and buy art, food, and fashion from Queens designers.
During the Christmas season, there is a Holiday market that takes place at these times:
At the subway station “Astoria Boulevard” you will find the Astoria Market. In the main hall of the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden you can stroll over a worthwhile flea market where you can buy products from local designers and artists. Astoria Market is to Queens what Chelsea Market is to Manhattan. At holiday time, there is a small Christmas market where you can mingle with the locals.
For holiday enthusiasts, holiday markets alone may not be enough. If you’re looking for an even more magical experience to pair your visit to New York’ Christmas markets with, why not take a holiday lights tour?
Der Beitrag The Best Holiday And Christmas Markets in NYC 2025 erschien zuerst auf Loving New York.