Best NYC Holiday Markets for 2025
Updated: July 27, 2026
New York City Christmas markets have vastly increased in number and quality in recent years; they are a must-visit during the holiday season.
They range from large markets with ice skating from November to early January to smaller weekend-only markets. Below are details on the best holiday markets in NYC, updated for the 2025 holiday season.
| Market | Entry | Setting | Nearest Subway | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryant Park Winter Village | FREE | Outdoor | 42 St–Bryant Park | Ice skating, gift shopping, food |
| Grand Central Holiday Fair | FREE | Indoor | Grand Central–42 St | Cold days, artisan gifts |
| Union Square Holiday Market | FREE | Outdoor | 14 St–Union Sq | Biggest vendor selection |
| Columbus Circle Market | FREE | Outdoor | 59 St–Columbus Circle | Central Park, German treats |
| Grand Holiday Bazaar | FREE | Indoor & outdoor | 81 St or 79 St | Sundays, handmade & vintage |
| Macy's Herald Holiday Square | FREE | Outdoor | 34 St–Herald Sq | Store windows, cider at the bar |
| Williamsburg Winter Village | ~$11.50 | Outdoor | Nassau Av (G) or Bedford Av (L) | Weekends, Brooklyn makers, families |
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Kiosks and Christmas tree at Bryant Park
The Bryant Park Christmas market is our favorite in New York. It’s centrally located on 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, directly behind the huge main public library building.
The small shops are housed in unique, "jewel box" kiosks.
We enjoy the unique items for sale, most are nice enough to purchase as a holiday gift but not too expensive that they are unaffordable. If you have someone on your holiday shopping list who is difficult to buy for then a stroll through Bryant Park might turn up the perfect gift.
Taking up more real estate than the holiday shopping market in Bryant Park is the 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink.
The skating is free but for between $18 and $60 (depending on peak hours) you can rent skates and reserve a skating slot. You can make a reservation on the Bryant Park website.
Food and drinks available at The Lodge and ice skating.
After exploring the shopping or returning your skates there are numerous spots to grab a hot chocolate or something stronger. Many food options are available in Bryant Park too.
If you are looking for something unique to do that’s only a block away check out our post about Visiting The Summit at One Vanderbilt observation deck
Dates: Friday, October 24, 2025 through January, 2026 (the rest of the Winter Village, except for the holiday shopping, is open until March 1, 2026)
Hours: Monday - Friday 11 am to 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 8 pm
Location: Bryant Park, 40th to 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenue
Grand Central Holiday Fair
The holiday Fair inside Grand Central Terminal is just a short walk across 42nd Street from Bryant Park. While not as big as the Bryant Park Market the Grand Central Holiday Fair is inside so it’s perfect for a cold day.
36 vendors set up inside the iconic Vanderbilt Hall, selling artwork, knitwear, jewelry, and all sorts of gifts.
Vendors include Loella Medina Jewelry, a Latina-owned NYC brand inspired by the designer’s Dominican roots, NYCitySlab, specializing home goods made from rescued fallen trees and reclaimed lumber from across New York City, and Ekologic, upcycled fashions handmade in New York.
Dates: Monday, November 10, 2025 – Tuesday, December 24, 2025. Closed Thanksgiving
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 am to 7 pm, Sundays 11 am to 6 pm. It’s open until 6 pm on Christmas Eve for any last-minute gifts.
Location: Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Union Square Holiday Market
During the summer Union Square Park is one of New York’s most vibrant parks, the holiday market keeps that vibrancy throughout the winter.
The Union Square Holiday Market hosts over 150 vendors for the Union Square Holiday Market. With so many vendors there is something for everyone. New for 2025, the market is getting a major glow-up with new decor, murals, and a new Christmas tree to get everyone into the holiday spirit.
Like Bryant Park and Grand Central the Union Square Holiday sits atop a major transit hub so it’s very convenient to get to.
Overall view of the Union Square Holiday Market.
Dates: November 15 to December 24. Closed Thanksgiving November 27.
Hours: Weekdays 11 am to 8 pm, Saturdays 10 am - 8 pm, Sundays 11 am to 7 pm. On Christmas Eve, December 24, the market closes at 4 pm.
Location: Union Square at 14th Street
Christmas Market at Columbus Circle
Shoppers at the Columbus Circle Market. In the background is the upscale “Shops at Columbus Circle” .
Located at the southwest entrance to Central Park, the Columbus Circle Christmas Market is truly New York. To put you in the holiday spirit, it’s just a short walk from the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the holiday windows on Fifth Avenue.
Among the varied vendors, the German Delights Company brings a little of the famous German Christmas Market taste to Columbus Circle. The stand features Gingerbread cookies, Pfeffernusse, Stollen cakes and Bratwurst.
If you are up for a holiday visit to Central Park here’s a link to our post How to visit Central Park for the first time.
Dates: December 2nd to December 31st, 2025 (closed Christmas Day)
Hours:11 am to 8 pm (Monday thru Friday); closes at 7pm on Sundays, and 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
Location: West 59th Street and Broadway
Grand Holiday Bazaar NYC
Located on the Upper West Side, Grand Bazaar NYC bills itself as “the oldest, largest and most diverse curated weekly shopping market” in New York City. It goes on every Sunday all year round, but in December it really kicks up its game as Grand Holiday Bazaar NYC.
What makes this market unique is that it is both an indoor and outdoor market, and that it supports over 350+ hand-picked independent local artisans and dealers. Many items for sale here are handmade and one-of-a-kind, including jewelry, skincare products, fashion, furniture, holiday decorations and collectibles. There are many unique gifts to be found, as well as vintage items, rare antiques, and artisan chocolates and foods.
Best of all, 100% of Grand Bazaar profits are donated to four local public schools, benefiting over 2000 students. You can read more about their mission on the Grand Bazaar NYC website.
Dates: November 30 (opening day) and December 4, 14, and 21, 2025 (December 28 will be End of Year Sales Bazaar)
Hours: 10 am to 5:00 pm
Location:100 W. 77th Street at Columbus Ave.
Macy’s Herald Holiday Square
Macy’s Herald Square store decorated for Christmas.
Billed as “the modern-day Miracle on 34th St.” this holiday market takes over iconic Herald Square, where Macy’s flagship store is located and the neighboring Greeley Square.
It will feature some of the city’s best artisans, chefs, and creators.
New for 2025 is the addition of the Herald Haus & Bar, “a warm and inviting new lodge, and other surprises.” We highly recommend the warm caramel apple cider.
Dates: November 8th - December 30th, 2025
Hours: Mon - Sat: 11:00 - 8:00 pm; Sunday: 11:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: Herald Square, at the intersection of Broadway, Sixth Avenue, and 34th-35th Streets
While in Herald Square, check out the Herald Square owls!
Williamsburg Winter Village
Every weekend in December, Bk Backyard in Williamsburg is transforming into a festive holiday pop-up market packed with great food vendors, one-of-a-kind shopping from local makers and brands, and interactive seasonal activities for the whole family.
General Admission: $11.50 per person (This event is all ages. Children aged 3 and above require a ticket.)
Dates: December 5 thru December 28, 2025, (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays)
Hours: Fridays, 1:30pm - 4:30pm; Saturdays & Sundays, 10am - 1pm
Location:Bk Backyard Bar, 151 Banker St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Holiday Markets
Are NYC holiday markets free to visit?
Most are. Bryant Park, Grand Central, Union Square, Columbus Circle, Macy's Herald Square, and the Grand Bazaar are all free to walk through. You only pay for what you buy. The Williamsburg Winter Village in Brooklyn is the one exception, with a small admission fee.
When do the NYC holiday markets open?
Most open in early to mid November and run through Christmas Eve. A few, like Bryant Park, stay open into early January. Dates shift a little each year, so check each market's official page before you head out.
Which NYC holiday market is the best?
Bryant Park is our favorite. It has the ice rink, the jewel-box kiosks, and a great central location. Every market has its own feel, though. If you only have time for one, start there.
What is the biggest holiday market in NYC?
Union Square is the largest by vendor count, with over 150 stalls. Bryant Park feels the biggest overall once you add in the ice rink and all the food. Both take a couple of hours to enjoy.
Are any of the holiday markets indoors?
Yes. The Grand Central Holiday Fair sits inside Vanderbilt Hall, so it's perfect for a cold day. The Grand Bazaar on the Upper West Side has both indoor and outdoor sections. The rest are outdoors, so dress warm.
Do you need tickets for the NYC holiday markets?
For most, no. You walk right in. The Williamsburg Winter Village needs a ticket. At Bryant Park, the market itself is free, but you need a reservation to rent skates and use the rink.
About the Authors
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John and Debbie O'Boyle are the team behind The Empty Nest Explorers. John is a professional photographer whose work has been published by The New York Times, NBC News, and Getty Images. He is a member of the American Society of Media Photographers, has been part of a Pulitzer Prize-winning team, and has received two New York Emmy nominations. Debbie is a writer and photographer with 30+ years of experience, formerly with The Star-Ledger and NJ.com. Together, they create in-depth travel guides for couples and empty-nest travelers who want to make the most of every destination. |
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