There is little doubt that New York City is one of the most delightful places to visit during the holiday season, in part thanks to the NYC Christmas markets around every corner. Seasonal shows like New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker and the Radio City Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular, plus photo opps in front of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree or the decorated storefronts of Fifth Avenue are on many a visitor’s wishlist.
But, of course, no trip to the Big Apple is complete without some souvenir shopping, and winter might be the absolute best time to stock up on those only-in-New-York items. The reason? The abundance of Christmas markets, which generally open up in late November and run through the end of December. Whether you take a spin around the famed Union Square behemoth or opt for the comfort of indoor versions like Grand Central Holiday Fair, each one offers plenty of locally made goods and treats, plus that ineffable magic of New York at Christmastime. Read on for six of our favorites.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Location: Bryant Park
Dates: October 25, 2024, through January 5, 2025
Why we love it: There’s something for everyone at the massive Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park in the heart of Midtown. The Holiday Shops by Urbanspace boast 180-plus vendors stocking everything from cozy winter hats to artisanal ornaments, while food stands provide plenty of fuel for your shopping escapades. The Winter Village is also home to one of the city’s most famed ice rinks, which is free to use (though skate rental fees apply if you don’t bring your own). After a spin, you can even cozy up in a private, heated igloo, complete with wintery snacks and tipples.
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Frost Fest at Luna Park
Location: Coney Island
Dates: November 23, 2024 through January 1, 2025
Why we love it: Coney Island may have a reputation as a summer playground, but the famed Luna Park amusement park now also hosts a winter festival called Frost Fest during the chillier months that's among the best NYC Christmas markets. Back for its second year, Frost Fest kicks off right before Thanksgiving and includes a Santa’s Wonderland for photos with the big guy, tree lighting ceremony, and, naturally, access to the park’s 20-plus rides like the Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster. A holiday market rounds out the festivities, with vendors selling everything from stocking stuffers to classic wintertime drinks like hot chocolate and fresh apple cider.
Grand Central Holiday Fair
Location: Grand Central Station
Dates: November 11, 2024 through December 24, 2024
Why we love it: If you’re not exactly a fan of the cold weather, we have good news: The city is also home to a handful of fantastic indoor Christmas markets as well. The most well-known (and accessible) is the Grand Central Holiday Fair inside the city’s transportation crown jewel, Grand Central Terminal. The train station’s annual Holiday Fair features 36 local vendors and small businesses selling abstract art to perfumes. And after you’re done shopping, stick around to watch the New York Transit Museum’s Holiday Train Show, which celebrates its 20th year inside Grand Central Gallery. The model trains trundle along decorated tracks featuring NYC landmarks and even the North Pole.
Macy’s Holiday Square by Urbanspace and the Herald Holiday Market
Location: Herald Square
Dates: November 1, 2024 through January 3, 2025
Why we love it: Macy’s Herald Square, one of the largest department stores in the world, is finally getting in on the holiday market game this year with the opening of not one, but two seasonal shopping pop-ups. Inside the store will be Macy’s Holiday Square, a tightly curated selection of vendors on the Mezzanine Level selling seasonal decor and gifts like olivewood charcuterie boards and chocolate truffles. Meanwhile, following the Thanksgiving Day parade, the Herald Holiday Market will set up shop in the plaza outside, selling treats like gnocchi to go and artisanal products from vendors like puzzle makers Wacky Wonderworks.
The Makers Show at City Point
Location: Downtown Brooklyn
Dates: Select weekends in December
Why we love it: One of the best spots to shop local for holiday gifts is The Makers Show, a pop-up inside City Point, the multi-use commercial space in Downtown Brooklyn. Previous years have included a mix of everything from handmade pottery to sock designers and adorable giftables for pets. Other activations will include free holiday photos with Santa and festive balloon decorations; and don’t leave without sampling the food at the superb DeKalb Market Hall, a collection of 36 food vendors serving everything from arepas to handrolls to jerk chicken.
Urbanspace Union Square Holiday Market
Location: Union Square
Dates: November 14, 2024 through December 24, 2024
Why we love it: If you say “holiday market” to a New Yorker, chances are they’ll direct you to the bustling Union Square Holiday Market. With 185 vendors spread across concentric half-circles of booths, we’re not exaggerating when we say you can find the perfect present for everyone on your list at this sprawling pop-up. Some buzzy vendors to look out for this year? Pigeon be Pigeon’s bird-centric cartoons and drawings, Rubyzaar’s colorful scarves from Southeast Asia and East Africa, and make sure to save time to explore the many food purveyors for snacks like hot chocolate and mac and cheese. Pro tip: As the city’s most famous market, it can get quite crowded on nights and weekends, so try to opt for daytime weekday visits if possible.
