A Guide to NYC’s Best Holiday and Christmas Markets in 2024

New York City, known for its vibrant energy and dazzling lights, becomes even more magical during the holiday season. The city transforms into a festive wonderland, with NYC Christmas markets popping up in various neighborhoods, each offering a unique holiday experience. In 2024, these markets are set to bring the spirit of Christmas alive in the heart of NYC. This guide will take you through the best holiday and Christmas markets in New York City, ensuring you make the most of your festive season in the Big Apple.

Navigating New York City during the holiday season can be a bustling experience. With the crowds and festive events, it's important to plan your visits to the Christmas markets and attractions. Utilizing services like Nannybag NYC luggage storage can make your day trips more convenient and enjoyable, allowing you to explore the city without the burden of carrying your bags.

Christmas in New York: A City Transformed

The holiday season in New York is a mesmerizing experience, transforming the city into a dazzling winter wonderland. As outlined in the New York Christmas guide, the city sparkles with stunning Christmas lights and towering trees, especially the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the glamorous displays at Saks Fifth Avenue. Amidst this festive backdrop, holiday shopping becomes a magical journey, with stores from Fifth Avenue to small boutiques offering unique finds.

The legendary Radio City Music Hall comes alive with its spectacular Christmas show, featuring the world-famous Rockettes. For a unique twist, the holiday train shows at the New York Botanical Gardens are a must-see, where model trains wind through a miniature cityscape in a festive setting, adding to the city’s holiday joys and wonders.

Union Square Holiday Market

The Union Square Holiday Market, a must-visit for holiday shoppers, will return on November 14, 2024, operating daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 or 8:00 PM. Known for its cozy European-style setting and extensive selection of handmade gifts, artisanal foods, and unique crafts, this market features more than 160 vendors, both local and national, making it a festive hotspot for finding the perfect holiday gifts.

This year introduces some exciting new vendors:

Three Bluebirds Swedish Dishcloths will offer their eco-friendly, Connecticut-designed dishcloths, blending practicality with sustainability for an ideal holiday gift. Raw Spirit, a female-led fragrance brand, joins the market with a mission of sustainability, sourcing ingredients from Indigenous and marginalized communities to create captivating fragrances inspired by global travels. For something truly unique, K2 Pearls will feature their rare gemstone jewelry, known for their stunning marbled blue and white patterns resembling the K2 mountain, offering an extraordinary holiday gift option.

With each stall offering its own story, the Urbanspace Union Square Holiday Market promises a delightful shopping experience, where every item is infused with charm and creativity. Whether you're in search of sustainable home goods, socially conscious gifts, or rare, nature-inspired jewelry, this market has something for everyone.

Bryant Park Winter Village

Bryant Park's Winter Village by Bank of America is back for the 2024-2025 season, continuing to be a winter wonderland at the heart of New York City. Open until March 3, 2025, the village brings the festive spirit alive throughout the holiday season and beyond. At its center is the iconic 17,000-square-foot ice-skating rink, which remains free for visitors who bring their own skates, making it a favorite activity for locals and tourists alike.

The Winter Village also features over 180 kiosks, showcasing a mix of new and returning vendors. These kiosks offer a wide range of unique holiday gifts, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts, providing a charming shopping experience amidst the scenic beauty of Bryant Park. Whether you're looking for special gifts or indulging in delicious seasonal treats, the variety is sure to captivate.

Renowned as one of the world’s top Christmas markets, Bryant Park’s Winter Village is more than just a shopping destination—it's a full holiday experience. With its festive atmosphere, beautiful ice rink, and a plethora of shops, it's a must-visit location during New York City's holiday season. Whether you're ice skating, gift hunting, or simply soaking in the holiday ambiance, Bryant Park’s Winter Village remains a quintessential NYC experience during the festive season.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

The Columbus Circle Holiday Market, situated at the gateway to Central Park, is an essential visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in New York City's holiday spirit. This annual holiday bazaar, orchestrated by the same team behind the renowned Union Square market, is a treasure trove of festive delights.

Featuring approximately 100 booths, the market is known for its high-quality vendors who offer an impressive selection of handcrafted goods, gourmet foods, and unique holiday gifts. This year, the market boasts exceptional offerings from local artisans, including the elegant creations of Gabriella Ceballos jewelry, the innovative designs of Patches and Pins, and the stylish pet accessories and clothing from Hudson Houndstooth. These vendors represent just a fraction of the diverse range of goods available, ensuring there's something to catch every shopper's eye.

To enhance your shopping experience, the market provides a concierge service. This helpful feature assists visitors in navigating the booths, making the search for the perfect holiday gift both effortless and enjoyable.

Queens Craft Brigade

The Queens Craft Brigade, an independent, queer-owned market nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Katch Astoria, is a celebration of local talent and community spirit. Dedicated exclusively to showcasing makers from the borough of Queens, this market is a unique platform for the area's diverse and talented artisans. Each month, the Queens Craft Brigade curates events that bring together local creators, featuring everything from stunning artwork and handcrafted jewelry to bespoke fashion and intricate crafts.

The market not only offers a shopping experience but also serves as a communal space where visitors can connect with the heartbeat of Queens’ artistic community. For the remainder of 2024, the Queens Craft Brigade has an exciting lineup of themed events:

• November 23: Small Business Saturday: Timed perfectly for holiday shopping, this event celebrates and supports local small businesses. It's an ideal occasion for finding unique gifts while supporting the local economy.
• December 7: Holiday Market: To cap off the year, the Holiday Market will offer a wide range of festive items, perfect for those looking for special holiday gifts or wanting to indulge in the seasonal spirit.

Cathedral of St. John the Divine

The annual holiday artisan market at the majestic Cathedral of St. John the Divine is a highlight of the season for art enthusiasts and shoppers alike. This esteemed event provides a platform for more than 85 skilled crafters, many of whom have showcased their work at prestigious venues like the Philadelphia and Smithsonian Museum Craft Shows.

Visitors to the market can expect to find plenty of handmade wares, each piece a testament to the artisan's unique vision and skill. The offerings range from one-of-a-kind wearable art, exquisite pottery, and fine leather goods to impressive sculpture, intricate jewelry, captivating paintings, and works in metal, wood, and mixed media. This diverse collection ensures that every visitor will find something that speaks to their taste and style.

The fine craft event is expertly organized and managed by Richard and Joanna Rothbard, who are not only the owners of An American Craftsman Galleries but also seasoned producers of notable art events. Their repertoire includes the Berkshires Arts Festivals, American Fine Craft Show Brooklyn Museum, Sarasota Art & Design Show, and the Arts Festival at Rockefeller Center. Their experience and passion for fine crafts are evident in the quality and diversity of the artisans they bring together.

Set against the backdrop of one of New York City's most iconic cathedrals, this artisan market is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the world of fine crafts and to discover truly unique holiday gifts that are sure to be treasured.

Astoria Holiday Market

As the festive season approaches, Queens’ renowned Bohemian Hall beer garden offers a unique holiday experience, transforming into an artisan market that captures the essence of New York City. This special event takes place on two Sundays before Christmas, December 8 and 15, providing an ideal opportunity for holiday shopping and enjoyment.

The Bohemian Hall market is a treasure trove of handmade and vintage merchandise, showcasing the talents and creativity of local artisans. Visitors can peruse a wide range of items, each with its own story and character, making them perfect for those seeking distinctive and thoughtful gifts.

Adding to the market's charm is Bohemian Hall's “Grandma’s Kitchen” menu. This comforting selection features a variety of homemade soups and platters, bringing traditional flavors and warmth to the winter season. A highlight of the menu is the homemade apple strudel, a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with the festive atmosphere.

The holiday spirit is further amplified with seasonal favorites such as eggnog, roasted chestnuts, and hot apple cider. These classic holiday treats not only provide warmth and cheer but also create a nostalgic and inviting ambiance, ideal for gathering with friends and family.

Bohemian Hall’s transformation into a holiday market offers a unique blend of shopping, dining, and festive cheer. It's a perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit while enjoying the best of Queens’ local crafts and culinary delights. Whether you're browsing for gifts, savoring homemade delicacies, or simply soaking in the festive environment, these Sundays at Bohemian Hall promise a delightful and memorable holiday experience.

Other Christmas Activities in NYC

In New York City, the holiday season offers festive activities beyond the charming Christmas markets. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the city is alive with a magical atmosphere. A quintessential New York experience is gliding across one of the many ice skating rinks, such as the iconic rink at Rockefeller Center, where you can skate under the watchful gaze of the famous Christmas tree.

For breathtaking views of the city's festive lights, a visit to the Empire State Building is a must. Its observation decks provide a panoramic view of the illuminated city, making it a perfect spot for holiday sightseeing. And of course, Christmas shopping in New York is an adventure in itself, with stores from Fifth Avenue to neighborhood boutiques offering festive window displays and unique gifts, capturing the essence of holiday magic in the city that never sleeps.