Ten Christmas Markets in New York City
This post lists the top 10 Christmas Markets in New York City, including tips on how to reach them, what you can do and buy, updated for 2019. Be sure to read our full guide on Christmas in NYC.
MANHATTAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS
The holiday season in New York City is one of the most festive and beautiful times of the year. It is also a shopper’s paradise – if you like unique items, artisan gifts, crafts, and souvenirs.
From November through January, there are holiday markets in the city that sell special holiday items as well as jewelry, clothing, arts and crafts, and so much more.
Even if you don’t plan on shopping, the atmosphere is fun and many markets offer fantastic food and warm drinks.
TIP: Check a market’s website before heading out to make sure there have been no changes to their schedule or locations.
Click on map to enlarge it.
A – Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
This is one of the prettiest and most centrally-located holiday markets in NYC. It surrounds the ice-skating rink in the middle of park, making the atmosphere magical.
The market is so special, it’s included in our pay-what-you-wish Holiday Lights and Window Displays Tour.
There are over 100 stalls selling all kinds of items, like winter clothing, Christmas decorations, jewelry, local foods, and more. You can also snack at food stands with a variety of treats, hot drinks, kettle corn, and holiday sweets.
- Dates: Oct. 31, 2019 – to Jan. 5, 2020 (*the ice skating rink stays open until March 2020)
- Hours: Daily 8 am – 10 pm, with extended hours in December
- Location: Bryant Park, 40th to 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenue
TIP: Bryant Park is a stop on our Midtown Manhattan Tour as well as our GPS-enabled audio tour of Midtown Manhattan.
B – Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair
What a spectacular location for a holiday market! Better still, it’s indoors so, you’ll keep warm while perusing the dozens of shopping stalls with an array of holiday gifts.
You can find clothing for adults and children, accessories, bath and body items, collectible toys, holiday items and more.
Learn about this historic train terminal from our free guide to Grand Central Terminal or join us on one of our pay-what-you-wish guided tours of Grand Central. We also have a GPS-enabled audio tour version.
- Dates: November 18-December 24, 2019 (closed Thanksgiving Day. Nov 23)
- Hours: Monday-Friday 10 am-8 pm; Saturday 10 am – 7 pm; Sunday 11 am-6 pm; *Dec. 24 10 am – 6 pm
- Location: Grand Central Terminal, Vanderbilt Hall (42nd St. and Park Ave.)
C – Union Square Holiday Market
This is quite a large market with a downtown, funky vibe. Over 100 vendors fill the park and the atmosphere is jovial.
You’ll find truly unique items here, many with New York themes. From hand-blown glass housewares, bags and accessories made from recycled plastic (eco-friendly!), Tibetan crafts and more!
And of course you shouldn’t shop on an empty stomach so try some of the sweet and savory treats or a hot apple cider!
- Dates: Nov. 21st to Dec. 24th, 2019
- Hours: Monday–Friday 11 am-8 pm; Saturday 10 am-8 pm; Sunday 11 am-7 pm; closes at 4 pm December 24.
- Location: Union Square at 14th Street.
D – Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Located at Central Park’s southwest corner is historic Columbus Circle with a medium-sized market.
It’s a great place to stop by after ice skating in Central Park. Treat yourself to hot cocoa and gingerbread while browsing the stalls.
This is the only market with a stand that serves hot mulled wine (Gluhwein) and German Beer at their Bratwurst Stand.
- Dates: Dec. 4th to Dec. 24th, 2019
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 am to 8 pm; Sunday 10 am – 7 pm; closes at 4 pm on December 24.
- Location: West 59th Street and Broadway
Read our guide to Central Park or take one of our Central Park Tours that start next to the market.
E – Crafts at St. John’s the Divine Cathedral
This three-day arts and crafts fair is held inside one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the entire country and showcases some of the finest craftspeople in a truly divine atmosphere.
- Dates: Dec. 6 – Dec. 8, 2019
- Hours: Dec. 6, 12 pm -8 pm, Dec. 7, 10 am -6 pm, Dec. 8, 1 pm- 5 pm
- Admission: $10; Students and Seniors $8
- Location: St. John the Divine, Amsterdam Ave, and West 110th St, Manhattan
St. John the Divine is located in Morningside Heights and is adjacent to Harlem.
For Seinfeld fans, Tom’s Restaurant, whose exterior was used for the gang’s coffee shop, is located a short walk away. See our guide to Seinfeld sights in NYC.
F – Artists and Fleas at Chelsea Market
The items here are ‘funkier’ than you find at some of the other markets as they are made by independent designers, emerging artists, and vintage collectors.
Before or after your visit, explore more of Chelsea Market. We have a post to help guide you through this huge and interesting shopping location.
Join our Highline and Chelsea tour if it suits your schedule!
- Dates: Year Round
- Hours: Mon – Sat: 10 am-9 pm, Sun 10 am – 8 pm
- Location: Chelsea Market, 88 10th Avenue at 15th Street
BROOKLYN + QUEENS CHRISTMAS MARKETS
There are several fantastic Christmas and holiday markets in Brooklyn and Queens, but below are the most accessible for visitors to the city.
Be sure to read our guide of things to do in Brooklyn.
G – Brooklyn Flea
If you like one-of-a-kind treasures like vintage hip furniture and housewares, vintage clothing, trendy antiques, collectibles, jewelry, and more, the Brooklyn Flea is a must!
For the winter season, including the holidays, the Flea is usually located indoors at the Atlantic Center, a great indoor mall in Downtown Brooklyn. The location has yet to be confirmed.
- Dates: TBD. Be sure to check their website for dates when they are announced.
- Location: TBD
During the rest of the year, from April to October, the Flea can be found in Williamsburg at Kent Ave. and N. 6th Street on Saturdays 10 am-5 pm and in DUMBO under the Manhattan Bridge on Sundays from 10 am-5 pm.
H- Renegade Craft Fair
With over 150 vendors, this is the world’s largest curated exhibition of independent crafts.
The fair features hundreds of craft makers, artisanal food and drinks, and great music, and good times.
Renegade holds fairs worldwide throughout the year. They come to New York three times a year, each time at a different venue, so always check their website for any changes.
- Dates: December 21 + 22, 2019
- Hours: 11 am – 5 pm
- Location: Brooklyn Expo Center, 72 Noble St., Brooklyn
TIP: For those who love crafts fairs, Renegade is held in major cities throughout the year like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Boston and even London!
I – Bust Magazine Craftacular and Food Fair Holiday
Located in the super cool Industry City in the waterfront area of Sunset Park in Brooklyn.
You can actually take the East River Ferry here! You’ll get great views on your way to the fair.
More than 200 vendors will be out at this two-day holiday shopping extravaganza showcasing handmade, vintage, and craft items as well as tasty treats.
- Dates: Sat & Sun, Dec 7 & 8, 2019
- Hours: Saturday and Sunday: 11 am-7 pm
- Location: Industry City, Factory Floor, 242 37th Street, Brooklyn
J – Astoria Market
Maybe a bit more about the food and drink than shopping, the market is located in the Main Hall of the famous Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden.
Here you will find an artisan market filled with handmade items, vintage goods, and baked treats.
- Dates: December 1, 8, and 15, 2019
- Hours: 12 pm – 6 pm
- Location: Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden, 29-19 24th Avenue between 29th and 31st Streets, Astoria, Queens
