Where to Shop, Eat, and Stroll This Holiday Season
New York City transforms into a winter wonderland every December, and its holiday markets are at the heart of the magic. From Bryant Park’s ice-skating rink surrounded by 180+ kiosks to cozy indoor fairs filled with handmade gifts and artisanal treats, these markets offer something for everyone. Whether you’re searching for unique presents, festive bites, or just a magical holiday stroll, here’s your guide to the very best Christmas markets across NYC this season.
Why Go: NYC’s flagship holiday market with skating, food, and 180+ vendors.
Description: Bryant Park’s Winter Village is the centerpiece of holiday cheer in Midtown. Beyond the 17,000-square-foot free-admission ice rink, you’ll find rows of glass-enclosed kiosks selling everything from artisanal chocolates and hand-knit scarves to global street food. Rent a cozy igloo, try curling at the Curling Café, or warm up with hot chocolate while people-watching under the twinkling lights. This market is festive day or night, and it stays open well into March — making it a holiday favorite.
Location: Bryant Park (40th–42nd St between 5th & 6th Ave)
Why Go: Iconic indoor holiday shopping inside Grand Central.
Description: Held in Vanderbilt Hall, the Grand Central Holiday Fair is the city’s longest-running indoor market, perfect for cold or rainy days. Vendors specialize in jewelry, ornaments, fine art, and crafts, with new additions like the Uncommon Goods pop-up. You’ll also find Grand Central–exclusive souvenirs — ideal for travelers. The historic architecture of the terminal adds to the magic, making this one of NYC’s coziest shopping spots.
Location: Grand Central Terminal, Vanderbilt Hall, 89 E 42nd St
Why Go: Downtown’s go-to market for gifts, food, and festive energy.
Description: With over 100 vendors, the Union Square Holiday Market is as eclectic as the neighborhood itself. Browse socially-conscious brands, handcrafted jewelry, and artisanal foods, or grab a hot cider while shopping for wreaths and ornaments. It’s known for its international vibe, family-friendly food stalls, and great energy after dark. This is where you’ll find unique gifts you won’t see in larger stores.
Location: Union Square
Why Go: A one-weekend pop-up with 200+ vendors and free family activities.
Description: For two days only, the Brooklyn Navy Yard transforms into a winter shopping wonderland. Expect local artisans selling art, skincare, fashion, and home goods alongside festive music and free kid-friendly crafts. It’s less touristy than Manhattan’s markets and a great way to discover Brooklyn-made gifts while supporting small businesses.
Location: Brooklyn Navy Yard
Why Go: One of NYC’s most famous holiday markets, next to Central Park.
Description: Nestled at the corner of Central Park, this holiday market offers 100+ booths filled with gourmet chocolates, handmade jewelry, cozy scarves, and international foods. Its location makes it the perfect stop before or after a Central Park stroll. Strings of lights and music create a truly magical vibe, and it’s a can’t-miss holiday tradition for both locals and tourists.
Location: Columbus Circle (59th St & Central Park West)
Why Go: Market with skyline views and fun photo ops.
Description: Inside DUMBO’s Empire Stores courtyard, this curated market brings together jewelry designers, local artisans, and sweet treat vendors. A heated outdoor lounge offers hot drinks and seasonal bites, while the rooftop boasts a giant walk-in snow globe for photo ops. Families love the festive installations, and couples come for the skyline backdrop of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.
Location: Empire Stores Courtyard, 55 Water St, Brooklyn
Why Go: NYC’s largest curated holiday market benefiting local schools.
Description: This Upper West Side bazaar mixes indoor and outdoor shopping with 350+ independent vendors rotating each week. Expect vintage clothing, artisanal chocolate, candles, art, skincare, and more. The community-driven market donates 100% of profits to local public schools, so shopping here supports a good cause while crossing items off your holiday list.
Location: 100 W 77th St at Columbus Ave
Why Go: Rotating vendors for handmade and creative gifts.
Description: FAD Market’s holiday series pops up across Brooklyn, and the DUMBO edition is particularly charming. Vendors sell jewelry, stationery, home goods, and artisanal food in an intimate, design-forward setting. Each weekend features different makers, so repeat visits feel fresh. A great stop while exploring the Brooklyn waterfront.
Location: 190 Court St (Cobble Hill) & 51 Bergen St (Boerum Hill), Brooklyn
Why Go: Diverse market showcasing underrepresented makers.
Description: This market inside City Point highlights BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and women-owned brands. Expect everything from custom jewelry to pet accessories. It’s a mix of modern, trendy vendors and community-focused businesses, making it one of the more meaningful shopping destinations during the season.
Location: City Point Brooklyn, 445 Albee Sq W
Why Go: Vintage lovers’ paradise with holiday flair.
Description: Brooklyn Flea runs year-round, but its December editions are extra festive, featuring holiday décor, vintage finds, and artisan-made gifts. Vendors include antique dealers, jewelry designers, and quirky collectibles. The added bonus? Scenic views of the Manhattan skyline right by the East River.
Location: 80 Pearl St, DUMBO
Why Go: NYC’s most famous department store now adds outdoor holiday markets.
Description: Macy’s in Herald Square has long been known for its festive windows and iconic Thanksgiving Parade, but in 2024 it debuts two holiday markets: one indoors within the flagship and one outdoors in Herald Square. Shoppers can browse food stalls, gifts, and quirky pop-ups like Gnocchi on 9th and Wacky Wonderworks. With the giant Macy’s tree overhead and festive displays, this new market is sure to become a Midtown holiday staple.
Location: Herald Square, Midtown Manhattan
Why Go: Food, music, and culture in a lively neighborhood setting.
Description: Harlem’s beloved night market takes on a holiday twist with special December editions. Expect soulful food vendors, curated artisans, festive music, and a lively atmosphere that captures the neighborhood’s spirit. This market is more of an experience than just shopping, offering a blend of culture, food, and community. Perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends looking for something beyond the big tourist markets.
Location: La Marqueta, Harlem (112th & Park Ave)
Why Go: A festive celebration of Bronx makers and food vendors.
Description: Fordham Plaza comes alive on select Saturdays in December with this holiday pop-up featuring artisans, food stalls, and live entertainment. Vendors range from local artists to street food favorites, creating a vibrant community vibe. This is a great market to discover gifts while exploring the Bronx — and support local businesses often overlooked by tourists.
Location: Fordham Plaza, Bronx
Why Go: Local Harlem crafts and food vendors.
Description: Smaller and more intimate than Midtown markets, the Uptown Holiday Market highlights the creativity of Harlem and Northern Manhattan. With food stalls, crafts, and music, it’s a community-driven market where you’ll find one-of-a-kind handmade gifts and tasty seasonal eats. Perfect for an evening stroll after visiting neighborhood landmarks.
Location: Jackie Robinson Bandshell, Harlem (116 Bradhurst Ave)
Why Go: A festive, food-focused Brooklyn holiday stop.
Description: Industry City, Brooklyn’s creative hub, hosts a holiday pop-up featuring local artisans, makers, and food vendors. Think gourmet snacks, small-batch products, and plenty of Brooklyn-made crafts. The industrial setting transforms with twinkling lights and seasonal decorations, making it a cozy yet trendy shopping destination.
Location: Industry City, 220 36th St, Brooklyn
Why Go: Queens’ cozy holiday shopping spot inside a beer hall.
Description: This two-weekend market combines handmade and vintage goods with festive food and drink. Taking place inside Astoria’s historic Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden, it’s a fun outing where you can shop for jewelry, baked goods, and unique home décor — then relax with a seasonal beer or cider in the beer garden.
Location: Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden, 29-19 24th Ave, Astoria, Queens
Why Go: Spotlight on Black women-owned businesses.
Description: Partnering with H&M, this holiday market brings together vendors from across the country, selling everything from wellness products to home décor and beauty. It’s more than just a shopping experience — it’s a movement supporting Black women entrepreneurs. With events in both Harlem and Times Square, it’s convenient and meaningful.
Why Go: NYC’s largest Asian makers’ holiday market.
Description: Founded in 2022, MAUM Market highlights Asian-owned brands and artisans, from skincare to home décor. In addition to a storefront at The Seaport, the market also hosts a one-day outdoor event coinciding with the Seaport tree lighting. Expect beautiful goods, trendy gifts, and a festive waterfront atmosphere.
Location: The Seaport, Lower Manhattan
Why Go: Harlem’s historic cultural center hosts a holiday pop-up.
Description: The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture hosts this festive market featuring artists, jewelers, clothing designers, and more. Focused on highlighting local businesses of color, it’s a vibrant shopping opportunity with a community-centered feel — and it takes place in one of NYC’s most iconic cultural institutions.
Location: Schomburg Center, 515 Malcolm X Blvd, Harlem
Why Go: LES favorite transforms indoors for the holidays.
Description: Known for its eclectic mix of food, vintage finds, and live music, the Hester Street Fair moves indoors for December, creating a cozy, festive shopping space. It’s part gift market, part holiday party, making it one of NYC’s trendiest stops for younger crowds. Expect hand-crafted goods, small-batch foods, and live entertainment.
Location: Essex Market, 88 Essex St, Lower East Side
Why Go: Pet-friendly artisan market with 50+ artists.
Description: The Invisible Dog Art Center hosts this holiday edition of FAD Market, showcasing 50+ Brooklyn makers. You’ll find trendy home goods, wellness products, jewelry, and more, in a creative arts space. Bonus: it’s pet-friendly, so locals love to bring their dogs along. With multiple Brooklyn locations, this pop-up is a neighborhood favorite.
Location: The Invisible Dog Art Center, 51 Bergen St, Brooklyn
Why Go: Shop inside the world’s largest Gothic cathedral.
Description: The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine hosts this massive holiday craft fair with 85 artisans from around the country. Shoppers can browse ceramics, textiles, glass, paintings, and more, all set against the backdrop of soaring Gothic arches and stained-glass windows. It’s both a shopping trip and a cultural experience.
Location: Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave
Why Go: Brooklyn’s ceramics hub brings artisan pottery to the holidays.
Description: For one weekend only, Boerum Hill’s BKLYN CLAY ceramics studio becomes a holiday market featuring 20 local potters and artisans. Expect beautiful handmade ceramics, perfect for holiday gifting, along with specialty teas served onsite by Kettl. This is a niche but memorable stop for design lovers.
Location: 84 Saint Marks Place, Brooklyn
Go check out my guide for the best free things to do as well as itineraries and travel tips to make your trip unforgettable.