16 MAGICAL Christmas Markets in NYC to Check Out! (New York Holiday Market Guide)
Look you don’t have to cross the Atlantic to find a good holiday market. There are some wonderful Christmas markets in NYC to check out during the holiday season, some of which are only around during the holidays and a few markets that happen regularly that do something special for the holidays!
Let’s face the facts – it is easier to do your holiday shopping online. Step one, you are bombarded with ads and emails selected for you by the ever-present Algorithm™ (featuring limited-time offers!).
Step two, you succumb to said ads and/or email coupons and visit the site.
Step three, you order your items.
Step four, your items are delivered and you move on with your life.
But, hear me out. There’s something a little bit…soulless about it all. And don’t get me wrong, I love the ability to order paper towels or shampoo at midnight as much as the next person, but – try as it might, the Algorithm™ only thinks it knows you.
And yes, while I sometimes receive terrifyingly accurate ads directed at a 30-something who loves matcha and delicate jewelry, I often wonder what I haven’t discovered due to my constantly filtered and narrowly directed online experience.
And when it comes to holiday shopping for my family and friends, there’s something to be said for discovering the perfect gift in a completely unexpected place, like one of the many Christmas markets in NYC.
Somewhere out there, there is a unique, thoughtful gift for my hardest-to-please relative – it’s on a shelf in a small independent store or holiday market, just waiting to be discovered. (PS we love local independent stores, check out the best boutiques in Brooklyn for holiday shopping too!)
So, while I’m not advocating for ditching online shopping entirely, I do recommend checking out the many holiday markets in NYC.
And what’s more, not only do New York Christmas markets offer a fantastic, one-stop shop for all of your varied gifting needs, but also a cheery, seasonal ambiance that turns shopping from an errand into an adventure.
Many markets serve up festive food and drink and some are even located next to the city’s most popular seasonal activities. We’ve gathered a list of the city’s best holiday markets in all five boroughs – from the small pop-ups with exclusive indie finds to annual large-scale markets that are an event in their own right. We even have indoor markets for shopping during the occasional December snowstorm!
So let’s put our computers down (for a bit!), throw on our comfiest holiday sweaters, grab a hot mulled cider or two, and jaunt around the best Christmas markets during New York City in December. It’s a guaranteed way to get into the holiday spirit and maybe pick up a gift for yourself, too!
Holiday Markets in NYC
Bryant Park Winter Village
Manhattan
If you find yourself in New York during Christmas, you’ll want to wander to Midtown East, home to many of the city’s most revered holiday landmarks. Just a stone’s throw from Rockefeller Center and its Christmas tree, the holiday window displays along 5th Ave., and Radio City Music Hall is the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park (42nd Street and 6th Ave), a whimsical jewel box of a market in Bryant Park and the New York Public Library.
Surrounding a 17,000 square-foot ice rink with free skating, the winter village features dozens of artisan kiosks offering distinctive gifts ranging from jewelry to children’s toys to holiday candies.
Past vendors have included local favorites like Wafels and Dinges, Saratoga Olive Oil, Max Brenner Chocolate, and Hell’s Kitchen Hot Sauce. If you’re getting hungry reading these, don’t despair – there are lots of options for on-site food and drink, including the Amazon Prime Lounge (spiked hot chocolate!) and the Rinkside Bar.
Skate a little, drink a little (if you want to skate, I’d stick to that order!), and shop a lot for the finest small business and local-brand finds at one of the best Christmas markets in New York City, not to mention there are plenty of great Christmas photo spots here!
Better yet, you’re also ticking of one of the most cherished things to do in NYC at Christmas while you’re hanging out here too!
Also, Bryant Park Winter Village is open on Christmas Day in NYC too!
Grand Central Holiday Fair
Manhattan
A few blocks south of the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is another one of the best New York Christmas markets at the Grand Central Holiday Fair located in, you guessed it, the train station itself.
Now before you say “I’d really rather not battle commuters on my way to find the holiday spirit” – Grand Central is by far the most beautiful train station in the city (and possibly America? Don’t @ me, I haven’t been everywhere).
The terminal itself is recognized as a landmark in the National Register of Historic Places and is known for its sweeping archways and windowed halls (frequently featured in film and TV!). The holiday fair is held in Vanderbilt Hall, known historically as the main waiting area for trains and for its magnificent, four-tier, 132-bulb chandeliers that light its walls.
The Grand Central Holiday Fair is one of the best Christmas markets in NYC due to its wide variety of vendors, beautiful ambiance, and convenience to transportation!
Not to mention, it’s indoors and heated! It’s the perfect place to snag a gift on your way in or out of town, or do a little shopping for yourself before heading to visit relatives!
In addition to the many treats offered at the holiday fair, you’ll find even more delights at the venerable Grand Central Oyster Bar, open since 1913. Glamorously refuel yourself with a martini and shrimp cocktail after shopping at one of the best Christmas markets in NYC!
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Manhattan
After you’ve conquered the New York Christmas markets of Midtown, keep working your way up to Central Park and 8th Avenue, where you’ll find the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. This yearly pop-up is one of the best Christmas markets in NYC, and is well-known for its gift stalls featuring artisan foods, jewelry, home goods, and clothing that would make perfect gifts for everyone on your list.
Past vendors include Dough Doughnuts (creators of some of the most mouth-watering, sumptuous donuts that put Dunkin’ to shame), Brooklyn pizza icon Roberta’s, the Fairy Lights Factory (jaunty twinkling lights and home decor galore!), and Pook Canada (cozy knit clothes from the Great North).
Check out this holiday market in NYC before heading to nearby Lincoln Center for a performance of The Nutcracker, to Wollman Rink in Central Park for some of the best wintertime ice skating in NYC, or to direct neighbor The Shops at Columbus Circle for even more shopping options and best holiday window displays in NYC.
The Turnstyle Underground Market
Manhattan
Maybe you’ve braved a long subway ride to a friend’s holiday party and you don’t have time to pop up above ground for a gift. Good news! The Columbus Circle 1/A/B/C/D train station has an extensive, delightful holiday market in NYC for you that is entirely underground and within the station.
The Turnstyle Underground Market is a fantastic choice year-round for last minute gifts (a special shoutout to Kit’s Underground Wine + Spirits for providing me with many a host gift!), and they feature specific seasonal offerings throughout November and December.
A particularly great feature is the frequent pop-up kiosks featuring wreaths, holly, and poinsettias perfect for bringing home some cheer or to your next holiday party. There are a wide variety of donuts and baked goods available in transport-friendly gift wrap packaging (hello, Salted Baked Goods Brooklyn!) as well as holiday gift-friendly stores like LUSH, known for their seasonal bath bombs and gift sets.
So stay underground, stay warm, and snag any last-minute needs at Turnstyle before you catch a transfer!
Upper West Side Grand Bazaar
Manhattan
After you’ve visited Turnstyle, take the (1 or B/C train) uptown to the Upper West Side Grand Bazaar (100 West 77th Street), a longtime neighborhood favorite of New York Christmas markets.
The Grand Bazaar was founded in 1982 as a school fundraiser and has maintained its mission nearly forty years later, donating 100% of its profits to public schools to fund classroom essentials and arts programs.
The Grand Bazaar is set up over 43,000 square feet on 77th Street, with both indoor and outdoor booths. The holiday market runs on Sundays during the holiday season (be sure to check their social media for exact times and weather updates) and is the perfect place to pick up gifts from small, independent vendors while supporting NYC schools.
Past vendors include The Lobster Studio (crustacean-themed greeting cards, stationery, and gifts), Daivia (hand-crafted slippers), and Sweets by Ang (delectable cupcakes).
When you’ve had your shopping fill, check out the nearby American Museum of Natural History (200 Central Park West), home to a yearly non-denominational seasonal origami tree (and also featured in our guide to winter holidays in NYC!).
Union Square Holiday Market
Manhattan
Hands down, one of the best Christmas markets in New York City – the iconic Union Square Holiday Market (Union Square Park West).
The market at Union Square was named one of the best holiday markets in the country by Time Out and boasts over 160 vendors in categories ranging from artisan bacon to fine jewelry.
While you’re in Union Square, be sure to visit nearby Lillie’s Victorian Establishment (13 East 17th Street) for a completely decked-out, cheer-filled holiday brunch and one of the best Christmas themed restaurants in NYC.
Out of all the Christmas markets in NYC, this one feels the most like a European market in my opinion!
Holiday Market at the Oculus
Manhattan
Down in the Financial District, the Holiday Market at the Oculus (Church Street and the World Trade Center) is one of the best Christmas markets in New York City.
The Oculus is a year-round shopping center and train station (in addition to several subway lines the New Jersey PATH train also stops here!) featuring several high-end national brands as well as more local vendors, all housed in a striking oval gallery.
During the holidays, the Oculus is beautifully lit and festively decorated and the main thoroughfare is filled with kiosks that serve seasonal goodies. It’s a very picturesque spot to sip hot chocolate and browse! This is another solid option for when the weather outside is frightful.
Oh, and if you’re into checking out some of the best Christmas lights in New York City, pop over to Brookfield Place after to check out their etheral holiday luminaries light show!
3rd and B’zaar
Manhattan
Are you hoping to impress your Gen-Z cousin at the yearly gift swap? Have a friend or family member who is always ahead of the trend curve? 3rd and B’zaar (191 East 3rd Street and Ave. B) should be your new go-to New York Christmas market!
This eclectic, artistic holiday pop-up shop features over 30 local independent vendors and is known for everything from up-cycled jewelry and clothing, to one-of-a-kind paintings, hand-painted leather jackets, and specialty soy candles.
Pick up distinctive gifts before heading to nearby favorites Clinton Street Baking Company (4 Clinton Street) for truly phenomenal pancakes or Root and Bone (200 East 3rd Street) for Southern comfort food at its best.
Chelsea Flea
Manhattan
Is there someone in your life who loves hard-to-find, unique items? Thrifting? Estate sales? Further downtown, there is a New York holiday market that fits the bill – check out the Chelsea Flea (29 West 25th Street), a year-round market focused on high-quality vintage and antique goods, architectural salvage, and collectibles.
Held on Saturdays and Sundays, the Chelsea Flea is particularly popular around the holidays. Rifle through bins upon bins of fantastic costume jewelry for your stylish cousin, or pick up the perfect holiday wrap for your chic grandma.
While you’re there, browse vintage furniture (attention Elder Millennials, there are a lot of great mid-century modern finds!) for your own place or donate goods of your own to give back over the holiday season.
When you’re shopped out, head over to French bakery Maman (conveniently located across the street!) for a seasonal gingerbread latte or hot chocolate!
Brooklyn Flea
Brooklyn
In DUMBO (short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) the year-round Brooklyn Flea (80 Pearl Street, Brooklyn) decks the bridge with boughs of holly for several weekends of holiday fun.
In addition to hosting a yearly tree and menorah lighting (be sure to check their social media for exact times), the Brooklyn Flea offers artisan and vintage goods for all of your shopping needs.
After checking out the Brooklyn Flea, grab a pizza at nearby pizza joint Juliana’s (19 Old Fulton Street), featured in our best pizza in Dumbo guide!
The Makers Show at City Point
Brooklyn
Honestly, I would tell you to go to City Point (445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn) for its secret-gem Trader Joe’s location alone. But, in addition to the usual treasures of the TJ’s holiday frozen-food aisle, City Point boasts a wonderful holiday market in NYC – The Makers Show is a market committed to promoting businesses owned by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, women, and other underrepresented individuals that sets up shop for the holiday season at City Point.
Grab sweets or a meal in the food hall in the basement, shoot your own holiday music video, and check out rotating independent vendors selling everything from woven home goods to small-batch skincare while you support local economies and diverse business owners!
After your immersive shopping experience, head over to one of our other City Point favorites – the Alamo Drafthouse movie theater for a bite or drink and a show, one of our favorite movie theaters in Brooklyn.
Make Manifest BK Winter Artisan Market
Brooklyn
Another one of the best artisan holiday markets in New York can be found in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn along Tompkins Avenue!
Make Manifest BK hosts a festive holiday market that amplifies Black-owned brands affectionately known as Black Girl Magic Street! Their winter artisan market has a curated line-up of Black-owned brands along with live music and festive activities to bring the holiday spirit to Bed-Stuy!
Starting the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, visitors can enjoy this community-centered shopping experience and holiday market in New York City on the weekends!
Bronx Night Market Holiday Pop-Up at NYBG
The Bronx
The New York Botanical Garden (2900 Southern Boulevard) is a fantastic, all-season attraction for New Yorkers and tourists alike. The sprawling, 250-acre garden established in 1891 is a national historic landmark and home to over one million plants, all housed in a variety of specialty gardens and horticultural exhibits.
During the holidays the NYBG goes all out, hosting their annual holiday train show and NYBG Glow, where the gardens and conservatories are festively lit up as a glittering winter wonderland.
In addition to these two banner events, the NYBG hosts the Bronx Night Market Holiday Pop-Up, showcasing some of the city’s tastiest vendors.
Past participants have included Tacos El Guero, Harlem Seafood Soul, The BX Burger Co., and Tris Pies. Try one of the tastiest Christmas markets in NYC in one of New York’s most well-curated green spaces!
Third Avenue Holiday Market
The Bronx
The Third Avenue Holiday Market (2817 3rd Ave., Bronx) is another excellent choice among Crhistmas markets in NYC. This 10,000 square-foot space promotes local artists, businesses, farmers, and food and beverage purveyors in a festive market setting perfect for strolling and taking in the joy of the season.
Pick up goods from the South Bronx Farmers Market, some merch from local urban farmers Bronx Chicks, hot sauce from The Bronx Hot Sauce Company, or a bow tie from Twist by Vee.
While you’re in the area, be sure to visit the nearby Universal Hip Hop Museum (610 Exterior Street, Bronx) an equally educational and stylish museum celebrating the history, cultural reach, and future of hip hop as a global musical movement.
Queens Craft Brigade
Queens
Year-round organization Queens Craft Brigade (check their Instagram for rotating addresses) holds themed, seasonal markets dedicated to showcasing artists exclusively from the borough – and it’s definitely worth a visit to their winter seasonal offering.
One of the best Christmas markets in NYC, Queens Craft Brigade hosts local vendors like Bench Flour Bakers (incredible pastries!), Camille at the Wheel (stunning pottery), Paige’s Candle Co. (handmade vegan soy wax candles), Golden Lab Bookshop, and and Rymoji (hand-illustrated jaunty, pop-culture themed stickers!).
QCB has also hosted on-site crafting events with artisans who make custom designs – the perfect way to create a completely one-of-a-kind gift for your loved one!
The Empire Outlets
Staten Island
Right off of the Staten Island Ferry is one of the most festive New York holiday markets around – the holiday pop-up market at The Empire Outlets (55 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island)! This festive hub hosts a Christmas tree lighting, visits with Santa, a Christmas tree market, and even a winter lantern festival!
The outlets are decked out with 70,000 glittering lights and over a thousand feet of garland to get you into the spirit of the season as you shop the biggest name designers at a discount – as a long time outlet shopper I recommend visiting as a way to get the best bang for your holiday buck!
Yes, New York City hosts various Christmas markets offering festive shopping experiences. Locations like Bryant Park’s Winter Village, Union Square Holiday Market, and Columbus Circle Holiday Market are popular for unique gifts and seasonal treats.
The Bryant Park Winter Village is one of the best holiday markets in NYC, featuring an array of vendors, and ice skating rink or the Union Square Holiday Market features a variety of vendors too during the holidays.
Some Christmas markets in New York typically start in late October to early November, with the markets gaining momentum closer to Thanksgiving and continuing until the end of December, offering a festive shopping experience.
The Union Square Holiday Market is one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in NYC, offering an extensive array of vendors selling unique gifts, food, and festive wares during the holiday season.
The Bryant Park Winter Village, including the Christmas market, usually opens in late October and runs until early January, providing a festive shopping experience and seasonal activities throughout the holiday season.
Christmas markets in NYC typically begin in late October to early November, with the holiday shopping season picking up closer to Thanksgiving and continuing through December, offering a festive shopping experience.
The Union Square Holiday Market in NYC generally operates from late November to Christmas Eve, offering a variety of vendors selling unique gifts, crafts, and food items.
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market in NYC usually operates from early December to Christmas Eve, providing an array of vendors offering gifts, food, and crafts, adding to the festive spirit in the vicinity of Central Park.
Best New York Christmas Markets (Post Summary):
- Bryant Park Winter Village
- Grand Central Holiday Fair
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market
- Turnstyle Underground Market
- Upper West Side Grand Bazaar
- Union Square Holiday Market
- Holiday Market at the Oculus
- 3rd and B’zaar
- Chelsea Flea
- Brooklyn Flea
- The Makers Show at CityPoint
- Make Manifest BK Winter Artisan Market
- Bronx Night Market Holiday Pop-Up at NYBG
- Third Avenue Holiday Market
- Queens Craft Brigade
- The Empire Outlets
So shop ‘til you drop, and let us know your favorite New York holiday markets or Christmas markets in NYC in the comments!
About our Guest Author
Sarah Beling is a playwright, New Yorker, and passionate food enthusiast who is always looking for her next meal. You can find her in an NYC park, enjoying a chopped cheese sandwich and reading about NYC’s best new places to eat.
There’s a Winter Wonderland Pop Up Shop event that’s going to be in the heart of DUMBO on Dec. 18th – 19 from 12 PM – 6 PM at 52 Bridge St. Stop by and support small business and local artist, makers, creators and bakers!