Looking for the best Christmas Markets in NYC? Don’t miss these!
I honed in on the familiar smell, and like a bloodhound I weaved through the maze of stalls. Then it came into focus. A warm, cozy stall with a sign for Glühwein. I knew once I took a sip of the warm mulled wine, I’d be transported back to my time living in Germany.
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Last Updated: October 30, 2023
Christmas Markets in NYC to Visit this Winter
Christmas is one of the most magical times to visit NYC. There are only a few things that can get me out of the apartment during the winter, and one of which are the Christmas Markets that pop up throughout the city. Despite the cold and the crowds, I love visiting them to get in the holiday spirit. There are four major holiday markets in the city, and many smaller ones that open for an even more limited time. Be sure to stop by one of these markets while they are around.
1. Bryant Park’s Winter Village
40th to 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenue, map
Dates: Rink Opens October 27, 2023 (Skate Rink Open until March 3, 2024)
Hours: Daily: 8 AM – 10 PM / Select Weekend and Holiday Hours: 8 AM – Midnight
This is one of the most centrally located holiday markets and our favorite one to hangout if we had to pick one of the markets. There are over 100 stalls selling clothes, hats, mittens, jewelry, local foods, and more. It has the best ambiance, and people watching. While you’re there, you can also watch ice-skaters or get on the ice yourself.
Local Tip: The ice skating rink is free if you have your own skates.
See More: How to Survive Winter in New York
Pin2. Union Square Holiday Market
201 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10003, map
Dates: November 16 to December 24, 2023 (closed Thanksgiving Day)
Hours: 11 AM – 8 PM Weekdays, 10 AM – 8 PM Saturdays, 11 AM – 7 PM Sundays
This is our favorite market to shop at. It’s set up in a large semi-circle and there are over 100 vendors with gifts, jewelry, crafts, and sweet and savory treats.
Local Tip: This is the market where we found our Glühwein last year.
See More: 11 Magical Ways to Spend Christmas in NYC
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Pin3. Grand Central Holiday Fair
89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, map
Dates: November 13 to December 24, 2023
Hours: 10 AM – 7 PM Monday to Saturday, 11 AM – 6 PM Sudnays, 10 AM – 6 PM Christmas Eve
If you’re looking for a holiday market and want to avoid the cold, head to Grand Central. It’s small, but indoor is hard to beat. This indoor market has over 70 stalls selling art, clothes, bags, toys, and more. While you’re there, you can also stop by the food court and try some of the most popular food in the city.
Local Tip: Do yourself a favor and try the Coconut Creme at Doughnut Plant. It’s our favorite!
See More: 27+ Most Instagrammable Places in NYC
Pin4. Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Columbus Circle, 59th Street and Central Park West, map
Dates: November 28 to December 31, 2023
Hours: 11 AM – 8 PM Monday to Saturday, 11 AM – 7 PM Sundays, Closes at 4 PM on Christmas Eve and Closed on Christmas Day
This is the smallest market out of the main ones, with over 60 vendors, but it’s a great location if you plan on spending time in Central Park. Shop the goods, pick up a warm drink, then head over for some ice skating at Wollman Rink.
See More: Best Things to do in Central Park
More Holiday Markets to Check Out
5. Astoria Market
Dates: December 10 – 17, 2023
Address: 29-19 24th Ave, Astoria, NY 11102, map
If the holidays are more about food to you, then stop by the Astoria Market. You’ll still find some shopping opportunities, but you might get too distracted by all the delicious-smelling goodies.
6. Bust Magazine Craftacular and Food Fair Holiday
Dates: TBA
Address: Industry City, Factory Floor, 242 37th Street, Brooklyn
Stop by this two-day holiday event in Greenpoint to check out over 200 vendors specializing in handmade, vintage, and craft items. There are also plenty of sweet and savory options to keep your belly full.
7. Crafts at St. John’s the Divine Cathedral
Dates: December 1, 2023 (11 PM – 8 PM)
Address: 1047 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, map
We missed this three-day arts and crafts fair last year and hope to stop by this year. It’s held inside one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country.
8. Grand Holiday Bazaar
Dates: Every Sunday from Nov 24 to Dec 22, 2022
Address: 100 W 77th St, New York, NY 10024, map
The Grand Bazaar is the largest weekly market in NYC, and 100% of its profits go towards four public schools in the neighborhood. The vendors are all local and handpicked by the bazaar and sell food, vintage items, custom jewelry, antiques, and so much more. Although the bazaar is around all year, for one month, it transforms into one of the many New York City Christmas markets. Vendors sell everything from apple cider, donuts, ornaments, and unique gifts.
Pin9. Holiday Handmade Cavalcade
Dates: TBA
Address: 75 9th Ave New York, NY 10011, map & Brooklyn Historical Society: 128 Pierrepont St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, map
NY Handmade Collective showcases local makers at local pop-up markets. They will be at various locals that you can check out here.
10. St. Luke’s CHristmas Fair
Dates: TBA
Address: 487 Hudson Street New York, NY 10014, map
Every year they run a fair to support the school’s scholarship fund.
11. Renegade Craft Fair
Dates: November 11-12, 2023 (11 AM – 5 PM)
Address: 125 W. 18th St. New York, NY 10011, map
This is the world’s largest exhibition of independent crafts. There are over 150 vendors and they visit different cities throughout the year.
12. Artists and Fleas at Chelsea Market
Dates: Year-Round
Hours: Thursday to Monday 11 am – 7 pm
Address: 88 10th Ave (at 15th St)
Best Places to Stay
Planning Checklist
- Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
- Download these helpful language apps.
- Find a great deal on NYC hotels.
- Arrange a rental car for your trip.
- Book a tour for your visit.
- Get airport lounge access.
- Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
- Get a new backpack for your trip.
- Buy a New York travel guide.
- Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
- Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
- Save money on attractions with City Pass.
Have you been to any New York Holiday Markets? If so, where?
SEE More About NYC
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
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