Our Favorite NYC Holiday Markets
The tradition of the holiday market dates back to the 1300’s in Germany. Held in the town square, the markets included food, drink and seasonal items from open-air stalls accompanied by singing, dancing and other local performers. These festive markets were an opportunity for villagers to stock up for the cold winter months ahead, and a chance to come together in community in an otherwise harsh time of year. These holiday markets have continued and spread across much of Europe and have even started cropping up in US cities!
We love the winter holidays in NYC. And we especially love the amazing holiday markets in NYC and Brooklyn. Many of them feature local artisans and designers and it’s a great opportunity to shop local and shop small. These amazing markets pair perfectly with one of our fabulous food & walking tours! Read on to see which market matches to which tour!
Bryant Park Winter Village:
October 28, 2022 – March 5, 2023
Holiday Shops close January 2, 2023
Hours 8am-10pm
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 (bring your own skates!), artisanal boutiques offering delicious eats and exquisite gifts, beverages to refuel, local crafts, jewelry, clothes, and many more cute baubles. Located along Bryant Park’s allées, plazas, and terraces, the Holiday Shops are housed in custom-designed kiosks. Browse NYC’s best outdoor holiday market and check everyone off your list!
Columbus Circle Holiday Market:
From November 28 – December 24
Monday – Saturday 11am -8pm / Sunday 11am – 7pm
What better way to end a perfect wintery stroll through Central Park than with one of the best holiday markets in NYC? The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is internationally known as one of the most elegant and beautiful places for holiday shopping. Located at the entrance to Central Park, at 59th street and Central Park West, visitors lose themselves in glittering aisles of art, jewelry, home goods and delicious eats from local artisans and designers. The market is the perfect place to do all your holiday shopping while soaking in the splendor of winter in New York City.
After exploring Winter Village @ Bryant Park join the 5th Avenue Hidden Secrets Tour and make your way up to Central Park where you can wrap up your day with the Columbus Circle Holiday Market!
Grand Central Holiday Fair:
November 14 – December 24
Monday – Saturday: 10AM – 7PM / Sunday: 11AM – 6PM / (Closed Thanksgiving)
On those blustery days that a cup of mulled wine won’t warm you up, head to the indoor Grand Central Holiday Fair! 40 vendors will take over half of the historic Vanderbilt Hall for almost six weeks to sell artwork, clothing for all ages, men’s and women’s accessories, children’s clothing and toys, and home goods. After a 2 year hiatus, the fair is sure to be an amazing part of the holiday experience!
Union Square Holiday Market:
November 17 – December 24
Monday – Friday 11am-8pm / Saturday 10am-8pm / Sunday 11am – 7pm
The Union Square Holiday Market is an internationally renowned Holiday Market located at the heart of New York City, in Union Square Park. Hailed as a must-visit destination for unique gifts created by local craftsmen and artists, millions of people browse the winding aisles each year enjoying this unique and eclectic holiday experience. This market has been providing holiday cheer for over 25 years and this year is sure to bring joy to all who visit!
Join us on our guided Flatiron Food, History & Architecture Tour – we walk through the market and learn about the park’s incredible history! $68 gets you enough food for lunch and a great way to experience Flatiron & Union Square NYC!
Borough Hall Holiday Market:
November 28- December 26
Daily 11am-8pm
This new holiday market from Urbanspace will highlight Brooklyn-based, minority-owned businesses. Explore 100 vendors at the Borough Hall Holiday Market. For Brooklynites this comes as a wonderful early present- no longer having to head to Manhattan for all of the festivities! We expect this market to be just as fun, funky, and unique as Brooklyn is with artisan vendors, vintage finds, and delicious bites to eat!
And it’s the perfect addition to the Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Bridge, & DUMBO Food Tour which meets just around the corner!
Whether you decide to head out to one or all of the markets this year, we encourage you to shop local! From small vendors, to local online businesses there is no better way to spread some holiday cheer than showing up for your community!
Looking for a unique gift for someone you love? We think experiences make the perfect gift!
Purchase a gift certificate to one of our award-winning food & walking tours by clicking here!