Written by Nick Simard on 23.11.23
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All over the five boroughs, holiday markets are popping up. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, markets all over the city will be selling arts and crafts, special gifts, and things you may not find in your favorite retail store. Here is a selected list of some of the best and most interesting markets.
Union Square is proud to host over 25 years of holiday markets and this year will be no exception. The market’s layout was modeled after European Christmas markets and despite some changes since its original inception, the Union Square Holiday Market still mirrors its cousins across the Atlantic pretty closely. It is one of the largest Christmas markets in New York and a holiday tradition for any visitor.
At Union Square, you can browse through winding rows of stalls with live music playing in the background. A total of 100 red-and-white-striped booths display their unique wares and artisanal foods. The Union Square Market boasts more than 150 registered vendors, both local and international, that are carefully selected. That’s not all, however. Union Square Holiday Market has grown significantly over the years and now also features a kid’s art studio and a warming station.
When: November 17 – December 24, 2022
Hours: Monday-Friday 11 am – 8 pm / Saturday 10a m – 8 pm / Sunday 11 am – 7 pm
The Holiday Shops at Winter Village at Bryant Park
Kicking off at the end of October, Bryant Park’s Winter Village opens the holiday market season in New York. Besides being the first to open, it’s also the longest-running, inviting visitors to explore their impressive array of booths all the way through New Year’s Day.
Debuting in 2002, Winter Village in Bryant Park is one of the most festive Christmas markets in NYC. Winter Village has lots to offer: an ice skating rink with free admission, holiday stands to offer seasonal bites, beverages to refuel, local crafts, jewelry, clothes, and many more baubles.
Though the Winter Village Christmas market at Bryant Park closes on January 2nd, events run through January and February. The program for 2021 includes live performances at the Lodge, kids week, bumper cars, winter fitness, broomball, and exerskate.
When: October 28, 2022 – March 5, 2023
Hours: Monday – Friday 11 am – 8 pm / Saturday – Sunday 10 am – 8 pm
Where: Bryant Park
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Located at Central Park’s southwest corner, in close proximity to the iconic Wollmann ice skating rink, you will find Columbus Circle Holiday Market. What better way to end a perfect wintery stroll through Central Park than with one of the best holiday markets in NYC? This outdoor Christmas market will transport you to a quaint German village enthralled in the holiday spirit.
With about 100 booths, the European-style Columbus Circle Holiday Market belongs not only to the best but also to the largest holiday markets in NYC. What can you find at the famed circle during the holiday season? Hot mulled wine, handmade crafts, and one-of-a-kind ornaments make it the quintessential NYC shopping experience. Merry shopping!
If you find yourself in the area on a Monday, be sure to take advantage of free Broadway performances in the Shops at Columbus Circle thanks to Broadway Under The Stars!
When: November 28 – December 24, 2022
If you want the holiday-fair experience but don’t feel like braving the cold, head to Grand Central Terminal for the best of both worlds. The Grand Central Holiday Fair offers a diverse mix of products in an elegantly decorated environment—all in the warmth of Vanderbilt Hall. The market opens November 14 and closes December 24. Broadway Under the Stars
When temperatures plunge, those of you who are sensitive to the cold may consider spending their time at one of the indoor Christmas markets in NYC. Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central boasts a large month-long indoor holiday market in New York that’s perfect for those who prefer to stay snuggled in warmth regardless of outdoor conditions.
At the Holiday Fair, vendors are carefully selected to guarantee only the best experience for their visitors. If you’re looking for gifts, you’ll find a wide selection of one-of-a-kind items. More than 1 million shoppers pass through the holiday fair each day. The iconic transport hub is a convenient location for a jolly extravaganza!
When? from November 14 – December 24, 2022
Where: Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal
The Market at Westfield World Trade Center
Christmas Market in Financial District
Inside the Oculus, you can find a whimsical pop-up holiday market called “The Market at Westfield World Trade Center” that will make your commute even more magical. A path leads you through a little winter village featuring over 20 specialty shops limited edition gifts, snacks and souvenirs. As if the Oculus wasn’t already one of the most beautiful photo ops in the city, a few more props were added to help you get the perfect Christmas card photo this year. The festive decorations include a clocktower, a chrome snowman, and a lush winter landscape.
When: November 26, 2022 – January 2, 2023
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 am – 8 pm / Sunday 11 – 7 pm
Where: Inside the Oculus
Christmas Market at Amaze Light Festival
Other Events in Flushing
Christmas Lights can be experienced for the first time this year at Citi Field (the New York Mets’ stadium) in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, as the Amaze Light Festival.
It is the largest festival of lights in the country and offers you booths with festive food and a light show in addition to the incredibly impressive Christmas lights. The Amaze Light Festival takes place outdoors and with the amazing stadium as a backdrop, it becomes even more stunning.
You can stroll through a total of five themed worlds with millions of twinkling lights, 3D light decorations and a Christmas market. There will even be a small forest with lanterns and frost-covered trees. Every 30 minutes there will be an animation of the trees, which will then dance to Christmas music.This will be a real highlight at Christmas time.
In total, over 400,000 Christmas enthusiasts are expected to attend the Amaze Light Festival. Tickets for the event will be available from October 3 via the official website.
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