The Best NYC Holiday Markets You Should Visit

December 17, 2019 New York, NY, USA

Here is a list of the best New York City holiday markets to visit if you around the area!

New York City Holiday Markets.

It's that time of year where the holiday markets are up and running in New York City. Personally, I believe NYC is the prettiest during the holiday season. With all the festive decorations everywhere, people are usually in a better mood, and you just feel the holiday spirit in the air. A big part of that also includes the holiday market pop up shops that bring in thousands if not millions of people every year. No matter what kind of gift you’re looking for, chances are one of these markets has it. You can find the perfect gift for your foodie friend, unique jewelry, to eco-friendly gifts and beyond, these markets have got you covered. I love supporting small businesses! With all the unique vendors you come across, you'll be supporting local businesses in a big way.

I do have to say as a New Yorker, the holidays markets over the years were a bit simple and basic but got the job done during the holiday season. This year the holiday markets in NYC stepped up their game! Not sure if social media had a thing or two in their decision to do because I've seen some spectacular, beautifully decorated holiday markets scrolling through Instagram from all over Europe. It's actually very impressive on how over the top they go. I hope to one day experience the European holiday markets some day but for now I'll just stick to what I know and experienced here in New York. Now these aren't ALL of the holiday markets that are here during the season but these are the most popular NYC holiday markets and the ones that continue to come back year after year. So if you plan to visit during the holiday season you can experience these markets for yourself.

If you plan to spend the holidays in New York City, just note that this is high season. Tourists from all over the world come visit during this time. It is inevitable that you will find overcrowding at popular tourist spots, restaurants, let alone walking along the sidewalks. So visiting these markets during this time is no exception. If you don't like being in places with big crowds, I would recommend to go as early as possible. But the closer it gets to the actual day of the holidays, it gets so busy it doesn't matter what time you go. I feel like each year that passes, more and more tourists come during this particular time but that's just how it is. If you want to see how the markets look in video format check out my youtube video below!

Winter Village at Bryant Park.

Address: Bryant Park, 40th to 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenue

This has to be one of my all time favorite holiday markets. I believe this is one of the biggest holiday markets in NYC if I'm not mistaken. Being located in midtown, it's perfectly located to all the hot spots you may want to check out in walking distance of each other. You can check out more than 125 vendors, including over two dozen food stalls selling tasty treats from around the world. There's vendors selling jewelry, toys, clothing, imported chocolates, and etc. There's also a pretty tree to take photos at and a big ice rink! It's free to enter but if you need ice skates to rent, it will be around $20.00. If you feel tired of walking or just want to people watch for a while they have seating areas throughout the market. You could also find festive installations which made for a good photo op. I highly recommend making your way here!

Columbus Circle Holiday Market.
Address: West 59th Street and Broadway

If you're around the Central Park area, make sure to stop by the Columbus Circle holiday market! Treat yourself to a hot cocoa or some mulled wine. Stroll around and shop the variety of unique stands and vendors. If you crave some NYC stye street food, you'll also find some food trucks parked right there as well. I indulged in some home-made apple cider donuts and already craving more. I love the location of this holiday market because you have easy access to many fun places that you can get to by foot. Because of that this place does get pretty crowded especially on weekends!

The Market at Westfield.
Address: 185 Greenwich Street

This holiday market is different from the rest because it's actually inside of a Westfield mall + train station. Yes you read that right. If you never been to the Oculus, what are you waiting for. It's an architectural dream where people come to snap a few photos if their every nearby the area. For the holidays they designed a mini holiday market area on the main floor that has 25 hand picked specialty shops. I do have to say that the the vendors you'll find here are mainly food based compared to the other markets. At the end of the day you are at a mall so if you don't find any fun treats to gift you can walk around and shop at the stores. Theres also areas throughout the market that are nicely decorated and very instagrammable. So if you want a cute holiday photo by yourself, with family, or your significant other, this is the place to do it!

Grand Central Station Holiday Fair.

Address: Grand Central Terminal, 42nd St and Park Ave

Grand Central Station is one of my favorite train stations here in NYC. It's beautiful, classic, and just a stunning place to walk around. If you're coming from the Westchester, Connecticut or Harlem area, you're most likely going to arrive and depart from this station. You'll find an Apple store, a couple of eateries, and a few stores. You'll find two markets in Grand Central. One is a standard food market that has many options to choose from, like getting specialty cheeses, chocolates, spices, and fruit. And then there is the traditional holiday market, in Vanderbilt Hall with 40 unique vendors. It's is smaller than the other markets mentioned but if you don't have to time to shop, what better place to get something when you're waiting for your train. You can find artwork, clothing, unique ornaments, children's toys + clothing, and home decor goods.

Union Square Holiday Market.
Address: Union Square Park, East 14th to East 17th Streets, between Broadway and Park Avenue South.

You may come across some similarities between the Union Square Market and the Columbus Circle market and that is because it's run by the same people. Theres around 150 vendors that offer artisanal foods, products, original artwork, clothing, jewelry and so much more. There's actual live music at this holiday market which also puts you in all the holiday feels. If it gets to cold, there are some warming stations around the market to make you feel a little bit warmer. If you have kids, there's a section where you can find holiday projects being displayed thats in partnership with the Children's Museum of the Arts.