New York in the winter is magical – the Rockefeller centre all lit up, ice skating in Central Park… And you can eat hot roasted chestnuts from street vendors. The city also has some amazing spots for holiday shopping and snacking, so we’ve rounded up the best Christmas markets in New York.
The city takes things to a new level with the many holiday markets that pop up for the season, from the famous Winter Village at Bryant Park to local crafts in Brooklyn. Here’s where you’ll find all sorts of gifts and tasty eats…
Best Christmas Markets In New York
How do these rankings work?
1. Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
One of the prettiest Christmas Markets in New York is the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. More than 150 glass kiosks line Bryant Park during the holiday season. The market has goods from local and international artisans, who sell artwork, home goods, beauty products and toys as well as a wide selection of food.
In the center of the park is a rink where you can ice-skate, and warm up with some hot cocoa.
2019 Dates: October 31st, 2019–March 1st 2020
2. Grand Central Holiday Fair
The indoor Grand Central Holiday Fair is a warm alternative to outdoor markets! Half of Vanderbilt Hall is taken over by 40 vendors—including local NYC artists —who specialise in hand-crafted products, use locally sourced goods and are socially responsible.
The best thing about this market is that you can refuel with a delicious snack at the Grand Central Market, Great Northern Food Hall or subterranean dining concourse.
2019 Dates: November 18th –December 24th
3. Brooklyn Flea + Smorgasburg Winter Market
The popular Brooklyn market moves indoors for the colder months, but it’s still worth a visit. Find 100 vendors from the Flea selling furniture, housewares, vintage clothing, antiques and collectibles, jewelry, art, and crafts; plus, 40 Smorgasburg vendors serving up cooked and packaged foods. The indoor Winter Flea market is open every Saturday and Sunday November through March.
2019 Dates: every Saturday & Sunday
4. Union Square Holiday Market
Nearly 200 local and national vendors come together at this outdoor market, selling things like leather goods, artisanal olive oil and skin care products. Special features include a “Little Brooklyn” section, a warming station, a kids’ crafts studio and live music.
And of course, there’s tasty food on hand—check out the Urbanspace Provisions area—with hot chocolate and apple cider available to keep you warm.
2019 Dates: November 21st –December 24th
5. Columbus Circle Holiday Market
There’s magical vibes at Columbus Circle during the holiday season— fron the Christmas lights sparkling to the carriage rides setting off through Central Park in the snow. In the southwest entrance corner of the park is one of the City’s best holiday markets, with aisles of jewelry, accessories, artwork, home goods and food from local designers and artisans.
The popular market has goodies and gifts for all ages from more than 100 vendors.
2019 Dates: December 4th- 24th
6. Astoria Holiday Market
For three Sundays this December, Astoria’s Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden will transform into a holiday market with gifts for sale by local Queens-based crafters, bakers and artisans. Handmade and vintage items include toys, jewelry, accessories, clothing, soaps, artwork and chocolates.
Vendors are always changing at the mom-and-pop-style market, so it’s worth visiting more than once.
2019 Dates: December 1st, 8th & 15th
7. Fort Hamilton Holiday Market
This one-night-only event, at the Fort Hamilton military base just south of Bay Ridge, features a tree-lighting ceremony, carousel rides, pictures with Santa and a holiday market. Local craftspeople sell their creations, and there are lots of delicious food options as well.
The event is free to go to, but registration is required, which you can do in advance here.
2019 Dates: December 6th
