17 Best Christmas Markets in NYC for Holiday Cheer

Ahhh, Christmas in New York City. One of the most magical times to be a New Yorker. When the light spectacles, holiday performances, and Christmas markets streets are in full swing! While we’ve already covered the best things to do during Christmas in NYC, here are our top favorite NYC Christmas markets to visit!

Remember, these are not just mass-produced generic goods. You’ll be walking through hundreds of vendors’ artisan crafts. From gorgeously crafted jewelry to special paintings and home decor that you will cherish for decades! Treat yourself, or your loved one to these handmade treasures.

Often, NYC rent is too expensive for these small businesses to run their own storefront, so these markets are a great way for them to be visibilized and for us to support them! Most of them open early in the fall, making visiting them one of the best things to do in NYC in November.

And yes, many of these NYC holiday markets also serve warm drinks and delicious treats to keep you shopping all day!

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Best Christmas Markets in NYC

As a born-and-raised New Yorker, I can happily confirm that Christmas in New York City in MAGICAL. Every holiday season, our city glows with lights, decor, music, shows, and markets! So whether you’re a tourist or local, grab a hat and some gloves, and head out to some of the best Christmas markets in NYC. This is one of my favorite Christmas things to do in NYC to embrace (and spread) the holiday spirit.

1. Union Square Holiday Market ★

The Union Square Holiday Market is, without a doubt, the biggest and best Christmas market in NYC. It is such a huge market that you can stroll through for hours on end! The Union Square Holiday Market features 185+ artists selling unique items. This includes hand-blown glass decoration, craft jewelry, paintings, accessories made of recycled items, organic goods, and more). If you love art, you’ll probably enjoy this market as much as I do! It’s perfect either for treating yourself or if you’re on a mission to do some serious holiday shopping.

Moreover, you’ll also find an array of yummy food like crepes, waffles, and apple cider donuts, as well as hot drinks.

Get here early to avoid the massive crowds. And afterward, head to ABC Kitchen (just 3 blocks away) for some amazing organic food in a gorgeous ambiance.

2023 Union Square Holiday Market Details:

Dates: November 16 to December 24, 2023
Times: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm (Weekdays); 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (Saturdays); 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (Sundays); Closed on Thanksgiving Day; 11:00 am – 4:00 pm (Christmas Eve)
Borough: Manhattan

2. The Makers Show at City Point

Located right in Downtown Brooklyn, The Makers Show at City Point is a unique curated marketplace featuring a ton of local artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs. This show makes an effort to promote Black-owned and women-owned businesses, with popular vendors including Cali & Dana, Breezy Hill Orchard Farm, and Natchie Art. They also offer Makers’ Workshops, where people can join in and learn the crafts from participating makers and artists. Find a list of participating vendors on the website to find out which other amazing vendors will attend.

2023 The Makers Show at City Point Event Details:

Dates: November 24 to December 17, 2023
Times: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays)
Borough: Brooklyn

3. Bryant Park Winter Village

Bryant Park Winter Village is one of the most popular places to visit in NYC for the holidays! And it’s usually the first major Christmas market in NYC to open yearly. There are over 170 kiosks to peruse surrounding a gorgeous ice rink and skating pavilion. If you have ice skates, bring them with you and take a spin on the FREE ice rink! Or you can rent them. Visitors may also love stopping by the New York Public Library towards the east side of the market.

Be sure to stop by the Small Business Spotlight booth, which features fantastic minority-owned businesses worth exploring.

2023 Bryant Park Winter Village Event Details:

Dates: October 27, 2023 to January 2, 2024
Times: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm (Weekdays); 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (Weekends)
Borough: Manhattan

4. The Bushwick Market ★

Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Bushwick, the Bushwick Market offers unique Christmas decorations and other holiday goods at affordable prices. My roommate scored a beautiful wreath for only $15! The market is known for its vintage and flea market items, which are all significantly discounted compared to their retail value. In addition to shopping, Bushwick is renowned for its food, nightlife, and cultural attractions. From the market, you can easily walk to nearby theaters like Company XVI and House of Yes to catch their holiday shows. Don’t miss this local gem!”

5. Columbus Circle Holiday Market

If food is important to you while holiday shopping, Columbus Circle Holiday Market has more food choices than other NYC holiday markets. In fact, it’s the only Christmas market in the city with a stand that serves Gluhwein (hot mulled wine)!

Columbus Circle also has more of an elegant vibe, with its aisles surrounded by the tall buildings and landmarks of Columbus Circle. The vendors are similar to other markets in the area, but it’s an easy stop if you’re going to the Upper West Side or Central Park.

Bonus Tip: After you’re done exploring the Columbus Circle Christmas Market, the Wollman ice skating rink in Central Park is just a stone’s throw away, which makes for a perfect NYC wintery activity combo! Or, head to the MO Lounge for a drink with views.

2023 Columbus Circle Holiday Market Event Details:

Dates: November 28 to December 31, 2023
Times: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm (Monday to Saturday); 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (Sundays)
Borough: Manhattan

6. Grand Central Holiday Fair ★

Looking for an NYC Christmas market that’s indoors? The Grand Central Holiday Fair is located inside the Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal. One of New York City’s most iconic landmarks. This is the longest-running indoor holiday fair in New York City, with 36 local vendors that provide one-of-a-kind gifts. You can find the market in beaux-arts at Vanderbilt Hall.

If you’re short on time but still want to shop, download the vendor map to hit your favorite spots on your way to catch your train. Because Grand Central is so busy for commuters, expect crowds here if you come during rush hour.

2023 Grand Central Holiday Fair Event Details:

Dates: November 13 to December 24, 2023 (Closed on Thanksgiving)
Times: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm (Monday to Saturday); 11:00 am – 6:00 pm (Sunday); 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Christmas Eve)
Borough: Manhattan

7. Hudson Yards

Hudson Yards has quickly become the cultural center of Manhattan’s West Side, with many shops and restaurants to explore this holiday season. You’ll fall right into the holiday spirit, with more than two million twinkling lights and displays decorating the shop windows, plus a schedule of Holiday Happenings. Not sure what you’re looking for? Browse this Holiday Gift Guide to find the perfect items before your visit. Hudson Yards also offers concierge services and curbside pickup. Find specific holiday hours here.

2023 Hudson Yards Event Details:

Borough: Manhattan

8. Holiday Market at the Oculus

The Holiday Market at the Oculus is a perfect spot to shop for gifts if you plan to visit the World Trade Center this holiday. Hosted annually, this market is highly curated, with only 20 hand-picked specialty shops. It’s beautifully decorated and includes live performances from holiday carolers and photo opportunities next to the fantastic decorations. We recommend pairing this market with a visit to the top of the One World Observatory, where you can dine in a holiday-themed restaurant overlooking the city.

2023 Holiday Market at the Oculus Event Details:

Borough: Manhattan

9. Borough Hall Holiday Market

Another amazing holiday market to add to your Brooklyn list is nestled into Brooklyn Borough Hall. The Borough Hall Holiday Market is the newest Christmas market hosted through Urbanspace and has something for everyone; visitors and locals alike, Participating vendors include artisans, vintage and antique dealers, and food and beverage operators. Subway riders can easily access the market from 2,3,4,5, and R lines.

2023 Borough Hall Market Event Details:

Borough: Brooklyn

10. Grand Holiday Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is an indoor/outdoor market open year-round, but the Holiday Bazaar only comes around from November to December. It’s the only market with indoor and outdoor rotating merchants, allowing you to warm up while shopping on chilly days. Over 150 vendors offer hand-picked gifts, including vintage accessories, collectibles, furniture, and even rare antique glassware and silver. Don’t forget to try some of the delicious artisanal chocolates here–they are amazing!

2023 Grand Holiday Bazaar Event Details:

Dates: November 26 to December 17, 2023
Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Sundays)
Borough: Manhattan

11. Amaze Market at the Amaze Light Festival

You must book a ticket and purchase a prepaid parking pass to get into this festival, but it’s magical and worth it. Amaze Light Festival is a winter wonderland with towering displays that will make you forget you’re in New York City. Yes, there is a market among all these lights! There’s also Zing’s Toyporium, Sparky’s Sweet Spot, and a variety of holiday-themed menus to grab a bite to eat when you are hungry from all the excitement. This market only takes place in the evening, making a perfect ending for a day trip to NYC.

2023 Amaze Light Festival Market Event Details:

Borough: Queens

13. Brooklyn Made Holiday Pop-Up

Brooklyn Made is one of the newer holiday markets in New York City and certainly one to add to your list. Launched by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, you can browse over 45 local vendors at this market gathering from across Kings County. There’s a major focus on BIPOC and women-owned businesses here, which we are always excited and honored to support. Some of the more notable vendors include Teazert Tea, IndigoStyle Vintage, and the Brooklyn Cyclones, who will be selling merchandise for all the baseball lovers on your list.

2023 Brooklyn Made Holiday Pop-up Event Details:

Borough: Brooklyn

14. Holiday Pop-Up Markets

Fashion and design enthusiasts will adore this holiday market for gifts and personal finds! FAD (Fashion, Art, and Design) features a ton of up-and-coming designers and brands with a mix of small business creations at their holiday pop-ups. They have everything from jewelry to apparel to stationary, body products, and home goods. Every week features a rotating schedule of 100 makers who come and show off their skills. You can choose from two locations: Boerum Hill and Dumbo. Admission is free, and you can even bring your dog to shop with you!

2023 Holiday Pop-Up FAD Boerum Hill Details:
- Dates: December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 2023
- Times: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Location: The Invisible Dog Art Center, Brooklyn
2023 Holiday Pop-Up FAD Dumbo Event Details:
- Dates: November 27, December 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 2023
- Times: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm (Mondays); 11:00 am to 6:00 pm (Saturdays)
- Location: Empire Stores, Brooklyn

How to Prep for NYC in the Winter [PACKING LIST]

Adjustable earmuffs like these, if you don’t want to flatten your hair
Thermolayers like this one if you’re going to be standing outside a lot.
Comfortable walking shoes. These are fashionable but comfortable. We walk a lot!
Waterproof snowboots like these which are high quality but gorgeous.
Ultra-compact umbrella since it can get rainy at any moment.
A spacious lightweight tote bag for all of your things/shopping (we don’t have cars to keep your things)
Puffy Coat. People love Canadian Goose. I think a compact one like this with sweaters and layers under is fine.
Alpaca or wool gloves
A lined hat. NYC’s winter wind is no joke!

I hope this list of the best Christmas markets in New York City helped you come up with the perfect bucket list! There’s nothing quite like strolling an artisan market or two to get the Christmas spirit going, even as early as in the fall in New York City, while connecting with local artists. This is hands down one of the best NYC shopping experiences because you can’t find most of these items in stores. And on top of that, you get to meet so many of the founders/artists in person.

What are some other awesome Christmas markets in NYC you love stopping by at? Let me know your favorites in the comment section down below!