Holiday Magic in the Big Holiday Apple: A Guide to NYC’s 2024 Holiday Markets

Is there a better way to get into the holiday spirit than grabbing a hot cup of cocoa and strolling through some of the best NYC Christmas Markets? Booths with local crafts, savory treats, and hot specialty drinks are the most authentic environment to have a merry time and ‘wrap’ 🥁 up your gift shopping. 

Here’s where to check out this Holiday Season…

Photo Credit: Secret NYC

Bryant Park Winter Village

Where: Bryant Park, located between 40th and 42nd Streets, and between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in Midtown Manhattan.

When: Friday, October 25, 2024 – Monday, January 5, 2025
Ice Skating Rink open until March 2, 2025

Hours:
The Ice Rink: 8 AM -10 PM
Open until midnight on most weekends, holidays, and much of December

Holiday Shops:
Mon – Fri: 11 AM – 8 PM
Sat & Sun: 10 AM – 8 PM
Open until 4 PM on Sunday, January 5, 2025

Debuting in 2002, Winter Village in Bryant Park is an annual must-do during the NYC Holiday Season. The center of the city is a truly inspiring place to eat, drink and shop as you and your loved ones stroll down aisle after aisle of specialty vendors and themed attractions. Winter Village has lots to offer: an ice skating rink with free admission (just rental skates cost), unique and seasonal bites, beverages to refuel, local crafts, jewelry, clothes, and many more cute tchotchkes.

Insider Tips:

• Bank of America Cardholders receive 10% off skate rentals.
• Navigating Booths: Look for the tiny booths in the back corners of the park or tucked in-between larger stalls. These can sometimes have the most unique, one-of-a-kind items that are less crowded and more affordable.
• Best Time to Visit: Weekdays, especially early in the morning or right after the market opens (around 11 AM), are your best bet for avoiding heavy crowds. If you’re planning to visit on a weekend or closer to Christmas, aim for mid-afternoon on weekdays, when the after-work crowd hasn’t yet arrived.
• If you must visit at peak times, food lines can get quite long. You may want to consider dividing and conquering. Have other members of your party wait on other food lines, then reconvene with your bounties to chow down together.
• Check the schedule for carolers, musical performances, free ice skating lessons and visits from Santa Claus!
• Add a little extra Christmas cheer to your time by walking a few blocks over to Frosty’s Christmas Bar, one of the best themed Christmas bars in NYC

Photo Credit: NYC Tourism & Conventions

Union Square Holiday Market

Where: Union Square Park, between 14th Street and 17th Street, and between Park Avenue South and Broadway, in Manhattan.

When: Thursday, November 14 – Monday, December 23, 2024

Hours: 
Mon – Fri: 11 AM – 8 PM
Sat – Sun: 10 AM – 8 PM
Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Eve

Union Square is proud to host over 25 years of holiday markets. The market’s layout was initially 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. Union Square Holiday Market welcomes 185 vendors this year, featuring unique gifts created by local craftsmen, artists, and entrepreneurs.

Insider Tips:

• The market is popular for unique, hand-crafted gifts, so if there’s a specific vendor you love, it’s a good idea to visit earlier in the season to get the best selection. Some popular goods—like locally made chocolates or custom jewelry—sell out fast.
• Don’t Miss the Surrounding Area: Union Square is home to a variety of shops and restaurants. After visiting the market, you can grab a meal at a local restaurant or other retailers. The area around Union Square is full of great spots for people-watching and soaking in the holiday buzz. Want even more? Book our NoMad & Flatiron Architecture & Food Tour which ends right at the Union Square Holiday Market!
• Bring Cash (or use Venmo): While many vendors accept cards, smaller vendors may only accept cash or Venmo, so it’s handy to have a little extra on hand to buy that perfect gift or snack.

Photo Credit: Central Park

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

Where: Columbus Circle, at the intersection of Eighth Avenue and 59th Street, just at the edge of Central Park in Midtown Manhattan.

When: Tuesday, December 3 – Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

Hours: 
Mon – Sat: 11 AM – 8 PM
Sundays: 11 AM – 7 PM.
Closes at 4 PM on Christmas Eve. Closed Christmas Day. 

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 start or 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!

Insider Tips: 

• Perfect for before or after a visit to Central Park. Use the restroom at the West 61st Street Comfort Station before grabbing your cup of hot cocoa at the market and taking a scenic stroll through the park.
• Don’t miss the iconic Wollman Rink in Central Park, which is just a short walk from the market. Ice skating in Central Park is a classic New York City holiday experience, and it’s a great way to complete your visit to the area.
• Across the street from the market, the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle offers upscale shops and restaurants. You can pop in for a warm meal or browse luxury stores if you’re in the mood for some indoor shopping and need to defrost your toes.
• The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Just a short walk away, MoMA is one of the city’s top cultural attractions. You can explore the museum’s impressive collection of modern and contemporary art and, of course, have access to a restroom after a trip to the market.

Photo Credit: Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Holiday Fair

Where: Vanderbilt Hall inside of Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd Street (between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue), Manhattan.

When: Monday, November 11 – Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Hours: 
Mon to Sat: 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Open Christmas Eve: 10 AM – 6 PM, Closed Thanksgiving

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 some higher-end 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!

Insider Tips:

• Bring any item purchased from the Holiday Fair or another store in the Terminal to the Grand Boutique for complimentary gift wrapping. Just show your receipt.
• Free Wi-Fi: If you’re traveling and need to catch up on work or messages, Grand Central offers free Wi-Fi in the public areas, and there are plenty of seating options where you can take a break.
• Consider pairing this with a visit to Bryant Park Winter Village for an ultimate Holiday outing or include them both in a Private Midtown Architecture Tour and even see the iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center!

NYC’s 2024 Holiday Markets are sure to fill you with festive cheer. From ice skating at Bryant Park to unique gifts at Union Square, there’s something for everyone. The cozy indoor Grand Central Holiday Fair offers a warm escape, while Columbus Circle’s European-style charm brings the spirit of the season to life. So grab your shopping list, enjoy the sights, and let NYC’s holiday magic make your season merry and bright!