New York Christmas Market: The Complete Guide
Do you love New York City? Christmas in New York is a delightful experience as its famous attractions and busy streets transform into vibrant winter extravaganzas. The twinkling lights, window displays, live music, gorgeous Christmas ornaments, and family-friendly shows will quickly get you in the holiday spirit.
Don’t miss out on a chance to visit the traditional Christmas markets in New York to make the most of the yuletide season. You can take a walking tour with friends and browse the many shopping stalls together or stroll around the holiday markets in NYC at your own pace. No matter your choice, it’s best to store your bags in a luggage locker in New York to explore the Christmas markets without burden. They will be out of sight but still accessible when needed.
Union Square Holiday Market
Get ready for a holiday feast at Union Square Holiday Market from November 17th until Christmas Eve. Visitors will be treated to a wealth of Christmas goodies and treats at 14th Street in the historic Unique Square neighborhood, right in the heart of Manhattan. There will be more than 160 vendors selling everything from unique gifts and home décor to one-of-a-kind accessories, clothing, and Christmas ornaments created by local artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs.
There’s always something for everyone at Union Square Christmas Market in New York City. Sample local and international delicacies or try warm drinks like coffee and hot chocolate. You might also witness the carolers, so even if you don’t plan to shop, the atmosphere is excellent! The market is open daily except on Thanksgiving. You can visit between 11 AM to 8 PM from Monday to Saturday and 11 AM to 7 PM on Sundays.
What to do near Union Square Holiday Market
A short walk from this New York Christmas market are must-visit places like the National Arts Club and Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site at 28 E 20th Street. These are famous attractions among art and history buffs.
Bryant Park Winter Village
Do you enjoy meandering through holiday shops and sampling festive food? One of the most beautiful and centrally located holiday markets you don’t want to miss this festive season is the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. The Winter Village will open at noon Friday, October 28th, 2022, and remain open until early 2023. It will feature an ice skating rink, numerous holiday shopping opportunities, and delightful food and drinks.
Bryant Park’s Winter wonderland offers the only free admission ice skating rink in NYC. It’s available daily from 8 AM to 10 PM and from 8 AM to midnight on selected weekends and holidays. For shoppers, take advantage of the European-inspired holiday market, featuring artisans and crafters from New York and worldwide. There are also multiple delicious food options like at the European Christmas markets and festive bars to satisfy your cravings too.
What to do near Bryant Park Winter Village
Endless possibilities await you at one of the best Christmas markets in NYC. But if you want to do something else during your visit, check out Wonderland Dreams. It’s a modern art museum that will allow you to travel through space and time.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Central Park is one of the world’s most famous parks, but it has become even more magical during the holiday season. Nestled at Central Park’s southwest corner, the iconic Columbus Circle Holiday Market opens its doors to eventgoers and visitors around the world from November 28th to December 24th, 2022.
Columbus Circle Christmas market is undoubtedly a beautiful and elegant place for Christmas shopping in New York City. It features over a hundred vendors offering home goods, art, jewelry, handmade gifts, and tasty treats from local designers and artisans. It’s also an ideal destination to stop by after enjoying an ice skating session at Wollman Rink in Central Park. It will soon be one of your favorite Christmas markets.
What to do near Columbus Circle Holiday Market
You can easily spend hours at this Christmas market, but there are numerous spectacular sights and attractions in and around the park you shouldn’t miss. It includes the Museum of Arts and Design, Skyscape, Carnegie Hall, Bethesda Terrace, and many more.
The Grand Central Holiday Fair
One of the four major holiday markets in NYC is the Christmas Market at Grand Central Terminal. It will return to Vanderbilt Hall from November 14th to December 24th, 2022, welcoming dozens of local merchants who offer a variety of products and goods for nearly six weeks. Visitors can shop for lovely gifts, clothing, handbags, toys, Christmas decorations, and care products at highly affordable prices.
Since this indoor market will take place in a magnificent 6,000-foot-square elegant venue, visitors can stay warm while shopping for Christmas items. It is also spacious enough to accommodate large crowds, delivering a comfortable shopping experience.
What to do near The Grand Central Holiday Fair
While in the area, take your time to explore the Grand Central Terminal, an architectural landmark in the city. Immediately north of the terminal is the iconic MetLife Building, a well-known skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan.
Fort Hamilton Holiday Market
Everyone is invited to a free event on December 9th from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Fort Hamilton military base for some holiday cheer at the Fort Hamilton Christmas market. Local artisans and artists can show off their creative works, which make incredible handmade gifts for loved ones.
It will involve a tree lighting ceremony, music, and carousel rides, making it a fantastic event to take your kids to. It’s a family-friendly holiday celebration where you can buy different items, and children can have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with Santa.
What to do near Fort Hamilton Holiday Market
Before your evening start at the Christmas market, take the chance to see the majestic Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Harbor Defense Museum, or the Dover Patrol Monument near Fort Hamilton.
Spend a Magical Time in New York
There’s no end to your festive adventures if you adore NYC Christmas markets and choose to immerse yourself in the bustling New York holiday markets. In addition to open-air markets, the city boasts plenty of holiday offerings from downtown to uptown, including light festivals, live shows, kid-friendly rides, and winter light exhibitions that will get you into the festive mood.
Other holiday markets we did not include but that are equally fun are the Chelsea Market, Astoria Market and the Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar. Sweet and savory treats showcasing local foods, hot apple cider, hot mulled wine, handmade crafts and limited edition gifts await!
Now you are ready to enjoy the Christmas Markets in New York. For more things to do in New York, check out these other guides:
Wine Tasting in New York: 13 Places You Have to Try