A Quick Guide to Visiting the New York City Holiday Markets
New York City during the holiday season is truly magical. From dazzling lights to festive decorations, it’s no wonder NYC is a top destination for holiday shoppers. One of the city’s most polular traditions amongst tourists and native New Yorkers is visiting its holiday markets. It’s a great way to soak in the holiday spirit while finding holiday gifts and enjoying special foods.
I’ve NEVER visited the NYC Holiday Markets until a few years ago, and I really have been missing out! There are many small business pop-up shops throughout the boroughs, but there are five big outdoor markets in NYC.
If you’re a local or plan on visiting NYC this Christmas, this guide covers everything you need to know about the visiting the best NYC Christmas markets, from the famous Union Square Holiday Market to Grand Central Holiday Fair.

About the NYC Holiday Markets
Starting with the Grand Central Holiday Fair and Union Square Holiday Market, the big outdoor markets in NYC are operated by Urbanspace. They run several markets throughout the city and offer a space for local businesses to be exposed to locals and tourists by selling food, drinks and other goods.
As mentioned, there are five big Manhattan holiday markets: the Union Square Holiday Market, Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park – Holiday Shops by Urbanspace, Herald Holiday Market, Uptown Holiday Market, and the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. Here is some basic information for this year.

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park – Holiday Shops by Urbanspace:
- Location – 40-42 Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues. (B, D, F, or M train to 42nd Street/Bryant Park or 7 train to 5th Avenue)
- Dates – October 25 through January 5, 2025
- Times – Monday – Friday: 11am-8pm, Saturday and Sunday: 10am-8pm
- Closed Christmas Day & closes early on New Year’s Eve
Herald Holiday Market
- Location – Herald Square
- Dates – December 6th through January 3rd, 2025
- Times – Monday – Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Closed Christmas Day. Open until 4:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve
Uptown Holiday Market
- Location – Jackie Robinson Park, Bradhurst Av and Edgecombe Av, A, D, B, C, 2
- Dates – Saturdays in December (7,14,21,28), 2024,
- Times – Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
- Location – Columbus Circle, 59th Street and Central Park West (1, A/C, B/ D trains to Columbus Circle)
- Dates – November 28th – December 24th
- Times – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays, Closes at 4 pm on Christmas Eve
Union Square Holiday Market
- Location – Union Square Park (4, 5, 6, L, N, and Q trains to 14 st/Union Square)
- Dates -November 11 through December 24, 2024
- Times – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM M-F, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturdays, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays, Closes at 4 pm on Christmas Eve
- Closed on Thanksgiving Day. Closing at 4:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve Day.







Things to Do in the NYC Holiday Markets
Here are some fun things to do in and around the outdoor NYC holiday markets
- Shop Local – The best thing about visiting the holiday markets is finding the perfect gift for yourself, friends, family members, or coworkers. Support small businesses and local artisans offering handmade pottery, unique gifts, handmade jewelry, and good eats from local food vendors.
- Eat and Drink – Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or indulge in a variety of cookies, pretzels, and more. Grab a bite to eat while walking around or dine at any of the eateries nearby. You can also get samples from shop owners on occasion. Foodies will love sampling goodies from local vendors.
- Go Ice Skating – Visit the Wollman Rink in Central Park or the rink at Bryant Park for some winter fun. Rental skates are available.
- Warm-up in the Holiday Lounges and Grand Central Terminal – Since the markets are outside, urban space provides lounges to warm up, enjoy live music, and charge your phone. The Grand Central Holiday Fair offers plenty of holiday shopping options.
- View the Holiday Decor of Stores – Taking a simple train ride (or walk away); you can hop over to 5th Avenue to see the luxury and designer store’s window displays.
- Visit the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center – You can start or end the night by watching the Radio City Christmas Spectacular or walking over to view the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and enjoy photo opps.
Read More NYC Guides
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Love this! We’re in NY for the holidays would love to check it out.
Bryant Park has the most to offer, but they’re all great to visit. Enjoy your Christmas ☺️