Tis the season of holiday shopping, and there’s no better way to start your spending and sightseeing than at a local decorated market. There's nothing like NYC during the holidays, and our city is famous for its incredible holiday markets. From Bryant Park to Union Square, here are the best holiday markets in NYC.
See also: The 6 Best Festive Window Displays To Get You In The Holiday Spirit
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41st St. and 6th Ave. / Website
Location/Hours: 41st St. and 6th Ave. / The Rink: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m., open until midnight on most weekends, holidays, and much of December / Holiday Shops: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., open until 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 5, 2025 / The Lodge: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., open until 11:30 p.m. on select peak dates.
Our Favorite Vendor: With over 180 merchants at the Holiday Shops by Urbanspace, it is hard to choose just one vendor. However, some returning favorites are delicious sandwiches from Cheesesteaks by the Truffiliest and 5th & Madison, known for their candles, aroma diffusers, and other bath products.
Insider Tip: The 17,000-square-foot rink is a holiday hit, so be sure to book your skate time early to enjoy the rest of your time exploring the market. Book a cozy igloo and sip on some hot apple cider or hot chocolate with family and friends to escape the cold.
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University Pl & E 14th St. / Website
Location/Hours: University Pl & E 14th St. / November 14, 2024, through December 23, 2024, Market closes on 12/24 at 4 p.m. / Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. / Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.
Our Favorite Vendor: With over 185 options to explore, there's a vendor for everyone. Some unique stands to keep an eye out for are Mama’s Cupboard, serving kimchi fries or Pigeon by Pigeon, an art studio that creates merchandise with line drawings of New York’s favorite bird, pigeons. Don’t forget about Rubyzaar Baked’s famous hot chocolate, too.
Insider Tip: Take it from the organizers. They recommend coming early in the day or midweek as the market gets busy between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Also, bringing reusable bags can help you carry your goodies back home as you trek back home on foot or through public transportation.
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Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal on 89 E 42nd St. / Website
Location/Hours: Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal on 89 E 42nd St. / November 11, 2024 to December 24, 2024, Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. / Open Christmas Eve, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. / Closed Thanksgiving.
Our Favorite Vendor: Each vendor brings its own style, but Bleecker & Prince is a luxury jewelry house that offers unique pieces that undergo anywhere from seven to 12 stages of production. For your furry friend, LoveThyBeast is a modern pet boutique is bringing accessories for every man’s best friend.
Insider Tip: This year, Grand Central Station is introducing a merchandise booth, the Grand Gift Shop. Featuring items like puzzles, prints and everything in between, be sure to pick one up and let the workers complimentary gift wrap it for you, saving you the frustration and trouble.
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Columbus Cir. and Central Park S / Website
Location/Hours: Columbus Cir. and Central Park S / December 3 - December 31, 2024 / Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Closes at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve. / Closed Christmas Day.
Our Favorite Vendor: You can never go wrong with Breezy Hill Orchard’s apple cider and apple cider donuts from the Hudson Valley. After your pick-me-up, check out Once a Book, which turns books into unique home decor and the best gift to get under the tree.
Insider Tip: Come hungry because with over 100 artisans and specialty food stands, you are going to want to try them all. Embrace the European flair, try a bunch of different small plates, and bring a few friends along as you wander through this showstopping market.
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151 W 34th St. / Website
Location/Hours: 151 W 34th St., Mezzanine, 9th Floor Holiday Lane and More / Open November 1, 2024, through January 3, 2025, Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Our Favorite Vendor: This market includes national and local vendors. It has everything from personal items to stroopwafels from Amsterdam to even a Crumbl Cookies stand. One unique stand that truly stands out is Mr. Ellie Pooh, which uses entirely recycled materials to create notebooks, greeting cards, note boxes and more.
Insider Tip: With over nine floors of holiday fun to conquer, come with a game plan and check out the Macy’s Holiday Map available online. It provides exact details of where certain stores are located and will guide you through the night.
Holiday markets are the perfect place to pick up a unique gift for your friends and family or simply to grab a sweet treat for those true winter evenings. Whichever market you choose to go to, you will truly be walkin’ in a winter wonderland.
Photography by: Colin Miller
