Christmas Events in New York: 4 Markets You’ll Love

Visiting the Christmas markets in New York is a classic holiday outing. These markets fill the streets of New York with color and good smells, and you can pick up Christmas ornaments, gifts, and souvenirs to take home.

There are four traditional Christmas markets in New York, and here's the rundown on each:

1. Christmas Market in Bryant Park: Winter Village

Dates: October 27 through January 2, 2024
Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat and Sun 10am-8pm
Address: Bryant Park, 42nd Street between 5th and 6th

This Christmas market (Holiday Shops) is part of the so-called Winter Village at Bryant Park, a whole section of the park given over to holiday activities like ice skating (if you bring your own skates, skating at Bryant Park is free).

It's one of the most traditional Christmas fairs in New York. Don't miss it!

The layout of its 125 shops is inspired by Europe's open-air Christmas markets, and you'll find more or less the same goods sold at all the markets, but as you can see, this one runs into January while the others close before Christmas Eve.

If you want to browse the shops at this traditional Manhattan Christmas market, check their official site.

2. Grand Central Christmas Market

Dates: November 13 to December 24, 2023
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 7pm. Sundays 11am to 6pm.
Address: Grand Central Terminal, Vanderbilt Hall, 89 E 42nd Street

This holiday fair at Grand Central Terminal is the only indoor one in the city, so you'll stay warm while you shop.

Beyond the goods on offer at its nearly 80 stalls, it's worth a visit just for the setting inside Vanderbilt Hall at this historic train terminal.

3. Union Square Christmas Market

Dates: November 16 to December 24, 2023
Hours: Monday to Friday 11am to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 8pm, Sundays 11am to 7pm
Address: Between Park Avenue South, Broadway, and 14th Street. Union Square

The Union Square Christmas market is one of the most visited in New York (more than a million people come through every year!) and one of the oldest, with over 20 years behind it and more than 125 craft and food vendors.

This one is largely a Christmas market of local designers, where you'll find crafts, jewelry, ornaments, clothing, bags, pet products, and other special handmade gifts.

4. Columbus Circle Holiday Market

Dates: November 28 to December 31, 2023
Hours: Monday to Saturday 11am to 8pm, Sundays 11am to 7pm
Address: 59th St at Central Park West. Upper West Side

This Christmas fair at the Central Park entrance at Columbus Circle sells much the same things as Union Square, but what makes it special is that prime location.

You'll find food from all over the world and seasonal drinks (don't skip a cup of cider or a hot chocolate). After browsing the stalls, I'd suggest a walk through Central Park to see how it looks during winter in New York.

Looking for a Hotel at Christmas?

Take a look at these 5 central, affordable hotels, close to the Christmas markets in New York and right in the middle of the holiday action.