Best NYC Holiday Markets
New York City Christmas markets have vastly increased the 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.
Kiosks and Christmas tree at Bryant Park
Bank of America Winter Village 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 $55 (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: October 27, 2023 - January 2, 2024
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 Even Keel handcrafted Apothecary and Soap house based in Brooklyn, NY. Kubiya Games, specializing in handmade wooden mechanical puzzles, and Margo Petitti, men’s fashions
Dates: Monday, November 13, 2023 – Sunday, December 24, 2023. 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.
Like Bryant Park and Grand Central the Union Square Holiday sits atop a major transit hub so it’s very convenient to get to.
Dates: November 16 to December 24. Closed Thanksgiving November 23.
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
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: November 28th to December 31st, 2023 (closed Christmas Day)
Hours: 11 am to 8 pm
Location: West 59th Street and Broadway
Shoppers at the Oculus Holiday Market .
Holiday Market at the Oculus at the World Trade Center
This holiday market is located far downtown at the Oculus transportation center at the World Trade Center.
No matter how cold it is outside it’s nice and warm inside the striking Oculus. Plus since so many subway lines converge there it’s easy to get to.
While the number of vendors at the Oculus is smaller than other holiday fairs there are many other great attractions nearby. You can read about them in our post: Visiting the attractions near the World Trade Center Memorial
There is also ice skating at the nearby Brookfield Place. Skating sessions are under $20 and skate rentals are available.
You can book your skating session here.
Dates: November 25th to January 2nd
Hours: 10 am to 8 pm Mon-Sat and 11 am to 7 pm on Sundays
Location: 185 Greenwich Street at the Oculus at Westfield World Trade Center
This post was researched and written by John of the Empty Nest Explorers. You can learn more about the Empty Nest Explorers here.
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