9 NYC Christmas Markets for Meals, Enjoyable, and Getting All Your Reward Procuring Performed

New York City is electric any time of year, but few months on the calendar are as magical as the final two. In the run up to Christmas in New York, the Big Apple transforms into a holiday winter wonderland: think twinkling lights on street posts, elaborate department store window displays, and marquee theater events like New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker or the Radio City Rockettes. It’s also probably the best time of the year to shop, thanks to a flurry of NYC Christmas markets that set up everywhere from Bryant Park to Grand Central Terminal.

But with so many to choose from, and locations all over the boroughs, how do you know which one is best for you to visit? That’s where we come in. Not only are we yearly visitors to all the annual markets, we’ve already done the research to scout the best newcomers to the field for 2026. Below, find our New Yorker-vetted NYC Christmas markets worth a holiday visit, from favorite and famed ones like Union Square’s, to newer events like Eater Under Wraps and Field + Supply.

Read our complete New York City travel guide here, which includes:

The rink at Bryant Park is tied only with Wollman in Central Park for the title of most famous in the city, and it’s part of the Winter Village that runs here every year.

Colin Miller / Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park

Location: Bryant Park, New York, NY 10018

Dates: October 28 – January 3

Why we love it: There’s something for everyone at the massive Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park in the heart of Midtown. Gift givers will love The Holiday Shops by Urbanspace, a European-style market made up of “jewel box” kiosks filled with 180-plus vendors stocking everything from cozy winter hats to artisanal ornaments, while outdoor food stands at The Lodge provide plenty of fuel like s’mores and sausages for your shopping escapades. The Winter Village is also home to one of the city’s most famed ice rinks, which is free to use (though skate rental fees apply if you don’t bring your own).

The Grand Central Holiday Fair is celebrating its 21st year within the iconic terminal’s shuttle passage.

Courtesy of Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal 2026 Holiday Fair

Location: Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal, 89 E. 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017

Dates: November 9 – December 24

Why we love it: If you’re not exactly a fan of the cold weather, we have good news: New York City is also home to a handful of fantastic indoor holiday markets. The longest-running is the Grand Central Holiday Fair inside the city’s transportation crown jewel, Grand Central Terminal. The train station’s annual Holiday Fair inside Vanderbilt Hall features over thirty small businesses selling handmade gifts, plus an Uncommon Goods pop-up and an outpost of the Grand Central Gift Shop for all the train lovers on your list. And speaking of trains: after you’re done shopping, stick around the Terminal to watch the famed Holiday Train Show, featuring model trains trundling along decorated tracks that feature NYC landmarks and even the North Pole.

Union Square Holiday Market remains the gold standard classic for most New Yorkers, with 185 vendors spiraling out in a seemingly endless array of booths.

Bella Picicci

Union Square Holiday Market by Urbanspace

Location: Union Square, New York, NY 10003

Dates: November 12 – December 24

Why we love it: If you say “holiday market” to a New Yorker, chances are they’ll direct you to the bustling Union Square Holiday Market. With nearly 200 vendors spread across concentric half-circles of booths, we’re not exaggerating when we say you can find the perfect present for everyone on your list at this sprawling pop-up. Some buzzy vendors to look out for this year? The MB Edit for vintage accessories and silk scarves, Hudson Valley Seed Company for organic bulbs and seeds, and make sure to save time to explore the many food purveyors for snacks, like Fan-Fan Donuts from James Beard Award nominee Fany Gerson. Pro tip: As the city’s most famous market, it can get quite crowded on nights and weekends, so try to opt for daytime weekday visits if possible.

Courtesy Grand Bazaar NYC

Courtesy Grand Bazaar NYC

Grand Holiday Bazaar

Location: 100 W. 77th Street, New York, NY 10024

Dates: Every Sunday from November 29 until December 30

Why we love it: While many of New York’s most famed holiday markets have the polish so closely associated with the city, one of the reasons Grand Holiday Bazaar is beloved is that it feels like a proper neighborhood event. Held every Sunday in a combo indoor-outdoor space on the Upper West Side, the Bazaar hosts over 150 independent, rotating local vendors who sell everything from handmade holiday decor to vintage accessories to skincare. Plus, 100 percent of the event’s profits are donated to four local public schools that serve over 2,000 kids.

FAD Market Holiday Pop-Up will set up shop in the lobby of Empire Stores in Dumbo, also home to Time Out Market.

Courtesy of FAD Market

FAD Market Holiday Pop-Ups

Location: Empire Stores, 55 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Dumbo) and St. Paul, 190 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Cobble Hill)

Dates: November 30 – December 20 (Dumbo) and December 5–6, 12–13, and 19–20 (Cobble Hill)

Why we love it: FAD (which stands for Fashion, Art, Design) will host double the markets this year, in two separate locations in Brooklyn. Dumbo, which will run continuously from November 30th until December 20th inside Empire Stores, will have a rotating selection of jewelry makers, ceramicists, and small-batch food purveyors, with about 35 vendors on weekends and 14 during the week. Cobble Hill’s pop-up, meanwhile, will run over three weekends in December at St. Paul church, with a brand-new crew of 70-plus makers selling giftables like apparel, home decor, and skincare.

29 Best Christmas Vacation Ideas, From Scotland to the Seychelles
Take your pick of one of these Christmas vacations, from The Peabody in Memphis to Gleneagles in Scotland.

Turkish jewelry, fondue baguettes, and artisan soaps are on offer at Columbus Circle’s Central Park-adjacent Christmas market.

Courtesy of Urbanspace Markets

Columbus Circle Holiday Market by Urbanspace

Location: Columbus Circle, New York, NY, 10019

Dates: December 1 – December 31

Why we love it: Situated at one of the prettiest corners of Manhattan—smack between Columbus Circle and Central Park—this market would be worth the trip even if the vendors were hawking only touristy souvenirs. Luckily though, the selection here is carefully curated, with makers this year ranging from Seyahan’s Turkish-inspired jewelry to Fairy Greens Lavender Farm’s fragrant collection of candles, soaps, and body oils made with the dreamy plant. There’s also plenty to snack on: don’t miss first-time vendor Fondue Baguette selling—you guessed it—baguettes filled with cheese.

Steps from Macy’s lies Herald Holiday Fair’s art vendors and cookie stalls.

Courtesy of Urbanspace Markets

Herald Holiday Fair

Location: Herald Square, New York, NY 10001

Dates: December 2 – January 3

Why we love it: Held steps from the famed Macy’s department store, the Herald Holiday Fair is more than just a shopping destination: It also contains a Christmas-themed, double-decker carousel; snow slide; and a virtual-reality ride on Santa’s sleigh. Stocking stuffers also abound, of course—look out for vendors like Drawings of New York for art inspired by the city’s architecture, Granny’s Batch cookie tins, and With Root’s unique jewelry that’s created with real plants inside.

Field + Supply, one of upstate New York’s premier makers’ markets, has landed in the city for the first time this year with a weekend pop-up in the Starrett-Lehigh Building.

Courtesy Field + Supply

Field + Supply Holiday Market

Location: Starrett-Lehigh Building, 601 W. 26th Street, New York, NY 10001

Why we love it: One of upstate New York’s premier makers’ markets returns to the city this year, much to the delight of anyone looking for chic home goods, artisanal jewelry, and much more. There will be 140-plus vendors at the two-day Field + Supply event in Chelsea, with products ranging from ceramics to textiles to specialty foods. And even if you’re shopped out, there’s plenty else to lure you, including a visit from Santa himself and retro tintype portraits.

Eater Under Wraps

Location: Iron23, 29 W. 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010

Dates: December 5, 11 AM – 7 PM

Why we love it: The ultimate one-stop-shop for foodies, Eater Under Wraps, returns for a one-day-only market this year in Chelsea. Brands like Pepsi, Reese’s, and Kahlúa will host activations, along with food and drink samples from local spots like Shania’s Max Bet and Nishaan, and, naturally, a robust, curated selection of gifts chosen by Eater’s own editors.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Source: www.cntraveler.com