Holiday shopping is one of the highlights of any trip to New York City, and there are plenty incredible holiday markets in NYC at which to shop.
I live in New York and I go to them every year to soak in the atmosphere, buy some gifts, and have a hot cocoa!
Most of them are outside, so bundle up and join me as we discover all the best New York City Christmas markets!
💥💥💥 A fun option it to take a 4-hour tour of four holiday markets and some holiday windows. Book the holiday markets tour here. 💥💥💥
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1. Union Square Holiday Market
The Union Square Holiday Market is the largest and best of the holiday markets in NYC. And my personal favorite.
It’s open mid-November (November 14, 2024) to December 24 every day except Thanksgiving. There are well over 100 stalls selling a range of crafts, Christmas ornaments, jewelry and more.
There are plenty of handmade goods that make great souvenirs of your trip to New York, as well as great gifts. Allow at least a couple of hours to wander slowly through all of the stalls. It gets crowded.
Hours:
⌚ Monday – Friday 11:00am-8:00pm
⌚ Saturday – Sunday 10:00am-8:00pm
⌚ Closed Thanksgiving (and closes at 4:00pm Christmas Eve)
Location: South end of Union Square
2. Bryant Park Holiday Shops
You can spend hours at Bryant Park, admiring the tree, having a drink, ice skating and shopping. The Bryant Park holiday shops (Bank of America Winter Village) are usually open late October to early January (they are open October 25, 2024 until January 5, 2025).
There are almost 200 stalls selling artisanal foods, Brooklyn crafts, handmade clothing and jewelry and more.
This is outside but you can warm up with a drink at the outdoor café/ bar area, at the cozy popup bar near the ice-skating rink, or in the igloo cafes.
➡️ See my Christmas Walking Tour for the lowdown on everything else at the Bryant Park Winter Village.
Hours:
⌚ Monday – Friday: 11:00am – 8:00pm
⌚ Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Location: 6th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets
3. Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair
Grand Central Terminal is always worth a visit – it’s one of the most beautiful buildings in New York City.
For the holidays, a Grand Central Holiday Fair is set up in Vanderbilt Hall in the terminal from November 11 to December 24, 2024.
There are about 40 stalls selling crafts, toys, clothing and other gifts. The other half of the hall is usually set up with food stalls, so you can take a break from your shopping.
One of the things I love most about it is that it’s inside!
Hours:
⌚ Monday through Saturday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
⌚ Sunday: 11:00am – 6:00pm
⌚ December 24: 10:00am to 6:00pm
⌚ Closed Thanksgiving Day
Location: 42nd Street between Lexington Ave and Vanderbilt Ave.
4. Herald Holiday Market
The Herald Holiday Market is open November 1, 2024 to January, 2025. They have the usual stalls selling crafts, toys, etc.
** There was a fire in mid-December 2024 that destroyed half the market, but the other is still open.
Hours:
⌚ Monday-Thursday: 10:00am to 9:00pm
⌚ Friday-Saturday: 0:00am to 10:00pm
⌚ Sundays: 10:00am – 9:00pm
⌚ Closed: Christmas Day and New Years Day
Location: Herald Square (in front of Macys)
5. Columbus Circle Holiday Market
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is open December 3 to December 31, 2024. You can buy toys, crafts, jewelry, accessories, food and drink here.
Hours:
⌚ Monday-Saturday: 11:00am to 8:00pm
⌚ Sundays: 11:00am – 7:00pm
⌚ Christmas Eve: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Location: Columbus Circle (near the southwest corner of Central Park)
If you liked this guide to Christmas markets in NYC, Pin It to your Holiday Board or New York City Board!
More Planning Resources for Christmas in New York
📃 Ultimate Guide to Christmas in NYC
🎄 New York City Christmas Tree Guide
🚶♂️ Ultimate New York Christmas Walking Tour
🏮 New York City Christmas Lights: Where to Find them
⛸️ Ice Skating in New York Guide
🎅 The 10 Best Things to Do in New York City at Christmas
🎆 10 Events Not to Miss in New York City During the Holidays
🏨 Best Hotels In New York City At Christmas
🎫 The Best NYC Christmas Tours
‼️ Tips for Visiting New York City at Christmas Time
🎁 Gift Guide of great New York City experiences
About the author
James Ian has traveled to 83 countries and all 7 continents. He is passionate about experiential travel, i.e. meaningful travel that actively engages with the environment and culture. He helps people have similar experiences that involve active participation in activities and festivals; engaging with the local food and handicrafts through lessons and food tours; and interacting positively with environment by hiking, riding, rowing, diving and low/no impact animal encounters.
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