There’s something about New York in December that makes the city glow a little brighter. Maybe it’s the scent of roasted chestnuts drifting through crisp winter air, or the way Manhattan’s skyscrapers reflect the twinkle of a gazillion holiday lights. But for those of us who crave a distinctly festive fix, there’s nothing quite like a Christmas market, where every stall feels like a little slice of holiday magic waiting to be discovered. We’ve put together a round-up of New York’s best holiday markets (plus a few other essential festive NYC experiences), to help you craft an adventure packed with shopping, snacking, and plenty of cheer. Whether you’re hunting for unique gifts, local treats or that Insta-worthy cup of cocoa, these spots have your festive cravings covered.
Bryant Park Winter Village
Bryant Park Winter Village
Bryant Park’s Winter Village feels like the perfect mix of New York energy and European Christmas charm. Every year, more than 100 kiosks sprout up around the park’s skating rink, each bursting with intriguing finds. It’s the best place to start your holiday adventure: there’s nowhere else in the city where you can lace up for a spin on one of New York’s only free-admission ice rinks, then wander out onto tree-lined paths bedecked with fairy lights and enticing gift ideas. Snag handmade candles from Brooklyn, sip chocolate-dipped churros, then browse artisan jewelry or leather notebooks shipped straight from Florence. Don’t forget to stop at The Lodge, a cozy covered area where you can warm up with mulled wine, steaming ramen, or Bryant Park’s famous raclette sandwich (imagine gooey, melted alpine cheese poured over potatoes and pickles—every bit as good as it sounds).
Union Square Holiday Market
Union Square’s Holiday Market is a local tradition that thrums with all the energy and passion of downtown NYC. Rows of colorful glowing booths make this market the go-to spot for anyone looking to check off a holiday shopping list in true local style. Every vendor here is handpicked, so you’ll find a curated mix of indie jewelry makers, craft chocolate-smiths, hand-painted ornaments, and even gifts for pets.
What draws us back year after year? The atmosphere is unbeatable. Friends reunite under the lights with hot ciders in hand, busking musicians provide a lively backing track, and every single booth seems to come complete with a friendly face eager to chat about their craft. The food options are bold and creative, too. And, if you’ve never tried Japanese-style takoyaki balls, German-style pretzels bigger than your head, or a ramen burger, this is the place to indulge.
Parents will find plenty to keep the kids entertained, from craft workshops to puppet shows (plus a steady stream of cookie samples). And when you need a break, the adjacent Union Square Park offers plenty of space, and people-watching opportunities galore.
Holiday Lights & Movie Sites Walking Tour
If you’re hooked on holiday movies, the Holiday Lights & Movie Sites Walking Tour will transport you right into your favorite festive scenes. This guided stroll takes you through Manhattan’s best-lit blocks, showcasing the department store windows and landmarks that star in Christmas classics from ‘Elf’ to ‘Home Alone 2’. Sip warming cocoa as your guide points out familiar filming locations, shares behind-the-scenes stories, and peppers the walk with fun facts known only to locals.
The tour turns ordinary streets into movie sets, giving you a sense of New York’s Christmas magic through a storyteller’s eye. Beyond the lights and displays, you’ll feel the warmth of the city’s traditions—and probably spot a few hidden holiday gems you’d otherwise miss. Bring a friend or family member, snap photos under fairy-lit trees, and finish the tour with fresh inspiration for your next holiday movie marathon.
Grand Central Holiday Fair
Grand Central Holiday Fair
Tucked away inside one of New York’s most beautiful buildings, the Grand Central Holiday Fair brings cozy holiday vibes to an urban landmark. Walk beneath the terminal’s arched ceilings to discover dozens of local vendors offering handmade toys, artisan soaps, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, and gourmet bites. If you need a break from the chilly city streets, this indoor market promises warmth, ornate beauty, and—let’s be honest—a perfect spot to watch late arrivals sprinting to catch their trains.
What stands out about the market in Grand Central Station is its festive, intimate ambiance. The selection is tightly curated but diverse, featuring standout picks like hand-knit scarves, original artwork, and locally made chocolates that look almost too good to eat. We always recommend grabbing a lavender latte at Café Grumpy (whose cheerful yellow mugs match the holiday mood) before doing your shopping rounds.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Tucked at the southern tip of Central Park, the Columbus Circle Holiday Market is everything you’d hope a New York Christmas would be: busy, bustling, and full of festive surprises. Pathways wind between candy-striped stalls that overflow with special gifts and treats: if homemade chocolates, Peruvian alpaca scarves, hand-poured candles, and artisan teas top your Christmas gift list, you’ve come to the right place!
The location is unbeatable, too. You’re just steps from Central Park, which means you can pick up your market treasures, grab a Belgian waffle drizzled with chocolate or a gourmet hot chocolate from No Chewing Allowed, and take a wintery stroll beneath the park’s towering, snow-dusted trees. The sounds of live jazz fill the air, cheerful carolers make regular appearances, and the smell of roasting nuts seems to follow you from stall to stall.
The Met Cloisters
For an unconventional take on holiday cheer, head north to Fort Tryon Park, where the Met Cloisters promise a festive experience, medieval-style. Wandering the reconstructed French abbeys and gardens, you’ll discover holiday decorations straight out of the Middle Ages: think lush evergreen garlands, antique candle sconces, and intricate tapestries that tell their own festive stories.
Why visit at Christmas? The Cloisters transport you from Manhattan into a world where holiday traditions—feasting, music and crafts—began. Each corner feels peaceful and contemplative, offering a gentle break from the rush of downtown crowds. While it’s less of a traditional ‘market’ stop, the Met gift shop is packed with thoughtful art prints, jewelry, and books for anyone who treasures unique gifts.
Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows & Saks Light Show
Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows & Saks Light Show
Fifth Avenue reigns supreme as New York’s glitziest address during the holidays. Every year, department stores compete for the boldest, most dazzling window displays, which double as holiday attractions for locals and visitors alike. Starting at Bergdorf Goodman and making your way down to Saks, each storefront drapes its windows in lights, animatronic elves, and storybook festive scenes. The windows are true works of art, telling a new story each year: sometimes whimsical, sometimes nostalgic, always enchanting. You’ll spot everything from moving toy trains to elaborate gingerbread mansions, and maybe even a cheeky nod to pop culture in the décor.
One of the season’s highlights is the Saks Fifth Avenue light show: a cascade of vibrant colors combined with festive music, projected onto the store’s facade every 10 minutes after dusk. The crowd, a spirited mix of locals and out-of-towners, gathers in anticipation for each performance (there’s always a chorus of oohs and aahs when the lights finally sway in time to the music). There’s rarely a moment when you don’t feel the energy of the holidays in the air, and the excitement here is definitely contagious. There's something joyful about joining the ocean of bundled-up holiday shoppers, cocoa in hand, as laughter and music float through the air. Best of all: it’s absolutely free.
Holiday Market at Brooklyn Flea DUMBO
Crossing into Brooklyn, the DUMBO Holiday Market at Brooklyn Flea is where creative gifting gets a real hip twist. Inside a cobbled warehouse surrounded by bridge views and riverside paths, you’ll find dozens of indie artists and local makers selling everything from custom prints to ceramics and vintage collectibles. The Flea turns holiday shopping into an adventure—every booth offers something a little unexpected, and conversations with artists often lead to the discovery of your new favorite Etsy shop.
The best part about the Brooklyn DUMBO Flea is the energy. String lights zig-zag across the ceiling while the soundtrack bounces from lo-fi beats to classic holiday tunes. The snacks are next-level: munch on pastrami egg rolls, inventive dumplings, or try a Brooklyn blend chai latte. Not only do you leave with armfuls of quirky finds, but you’re also supporting small businesses and independent artists at their most inspired.
Rolf’s German Restaurant
Rolf’s German Restaurant
Step inside Rolf’s and you’re greeted with a holiday fever dream. Thousands of ornaments and twinkling lights drape every inch of the ceiling, and the glow from vintage German lanterns makes the whole experience feel like stepping into a scene from an old-school Christmas card.
Nowhere else in New York does festive atmosphere quite like Rolf’s. The decorations start going up in October and usually hang around long after the holidays are over, so you’ve got plenty of time to soak up the kitsch. This longtime Gramercy hangout is famous for its maximalist décor, hearty German fare, and drinks that warm you from the inside out (we’re fans of their creamy eggnog and classic glühwein). Classic schnitzel, bratwurst platters, dense apple strudel, and big steins of Bavarian beer keep festive spirits high, and the intimate tables make this perfect for both rowdy celebrations with friends and cozy lunches for two.
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Industry City Winter Wonderland
No festive round-up would be complete without a trip to Industry City in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. This vibrant complex transforms into a Winter Wonderland each season, with a festive outdoor skating rink, holiday pop-up shops, and food vendors serving up everything from smoky BBQ to vegan peppermint bark. Yummy. Shop for reusable candles at Gold Candle Co, browse intricate ceramics, or sample a beer flight at Big aLICe Brewing.
Live music drifts through courtyards dotted with fire pits, and murals make for bright backdrops everywhere you turn. The holiday programming includes everything from ornament workshops and holiday film screenings to family-friendly ice sculpting demonstrations. After you’ve made your way through the shops, grab a piping hot bowl of ramen from Japan Village or a salted caramel croissant from One Girl Cookies, and settle in for an afternoon of people-watching.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn are never less than eye-popping: a fantastically OTT holiday spectacular that has to be seen to be believed. This residential neighborhood goes all-in for Christmas, with entire blocks decked out in dazzling displays—think inflatable Santas, twinkling icicle lights, animatronic reindeer, and front lawns that could easily double as holiday movie sets.
What makes Dyker Heights so special is the community spirit. Homeowners compete to create the wildest, brightest show, making for a fun block party atmosphere. You can wander around at your own pace or join one of the guided walking tours, which come with stories about the families behind the displays. Don’t forget your camera: a stroll here is guaranteed to make your Instagram feed pop.
Enjoyed this? Check out our favorite NYC family attractions or take a peek at the best bars near Central Park.
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