Jingle bells, jingle bells, let’s drink hot cider! In December (to be honest, already in November), New York turns into one of the most Christmassy cities in the world! Christmas trees appear everywhere, Christmas carols and Mariah Carey fill the air, and a lot of neighborhoods set up their own Christmas markets.
Yes, they’re far from the traditional European markets some of you may be used to, but they bring that holiday spirit to New York. And who are we to say no to that? So, without further ado, here are our 8 favourite Holiday markets in New York.
Bryant Park’s Winter Village
The Winter Village in Bryant Park is probably one of the most beautiful Holiday markets in New York. Located in the middle of the park, it’s quite unique with its small and beautifully decorated glass huts, its ice rink, its carousel and the magnificent fountain that freezes in the winter!
Here, you’ll find more than 100 little shops, selling everything from Christmas baubles to jewelry and clothing. Those who shop on the green side of life will be happy to learn that, though there’s quite a lot of Made in China, some of the little boutiques sell only eco-friendly and local products.
Of course, besides doing your Christmas shopping, you can also grab a bite (and a drink). The hardest part might be to choose between sandwiches, dumplings, hot chocolate, pastries, donuts, pastrami, soups and cookies… Or just have them all, it’s Christmas after all.
When? Open daily from October 31, 2019 to January 5, 2020.
Where? 6th Avenue at 42nd St., New York
More info on their official website
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4nMbu7lqGy
The Christmas Lights Tour at Dyker Heights
Okay, this is not a Holiday market per say, but it’s so worth it. Every year at this time, Dyker Heights turn into the embodiment of Christmas decoration. That’s right, this place is one of the best-decorated districts in the United States, with dozens of fully decorated houses covered from top to bottom: colorful garlands, giant Santas with their sleighs and reindeers, life-size nativity scenes, fake snow… It’s EPIC. You can either go by foot or take a (pretty expensive, to be honest) bus tour.
When? From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, anytime between dusk and 9pm.
Where? From 11th to 13th avenues and from 83rd to 86th streets, Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.
More info on timeout.com
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5T-tydBp3Y
Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair
Since 1933, New York Central Station also has its own Holiday market! The Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair welcomes tens of craftsmen of all kinds. You’ll find chocolates, winter clothes, decorative objects, jewels and lots of gift ideas for Christmas. Although it lacks a little of the Holiday magic, it has a great advantage : it takes place indoors! And this can come in handy when it’s -10° outside. Also, the Holiday magic really kicks in when the light show starts (and that’s every half hour).
When? Open daily from November 18 to December 24, 2019 (closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve).
Where? Grand Central Terminal, Vanderbilt Hall, 42nd St. and Park Avenue.
More info on grandcentralterminal.com.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5LTrccJEzE
Union Square Park Holiday Market
Union Square Park Holiday Market has to be one of our favourites! It is full of handmade items that make great authentic presents, but also food and drinks. The perfect program? Take a stroll among the 150 local vendors, buy your Christmas gifts, then treat yourself with a waffle, hot cocoa or hot cider, you’ve earned it!
When? Open daily from November 21 to December 24, 2019.
Where? 14th to 17th St St between Union Sq West and Park Ave South.
More info on urbanspacenyc.com.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5vl2fagmCO
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
This super cute Christmas market is located on Columbus Circle, at the intersection of West 59th Street and Central Park West, so basically right by Central Park. Its unique location and tight alleys add much to the Christmas atmosphere. Quite like Union Square Park’s Holiday Market, it’s the kind of place where you can spend a few hours looking at all the stalls and beautiful crafts, but also enjoy a heartwarming cup of hot cider after a long walk in Central Park. Our insider tip to get the best view? Go up to the Mandarin Oriental bar/restaurant, located at the top of the hotel. Stunning.
When? Open daily from December 4 to December 24, 2019.
Where? Columbus Circle, 59th Street and Central Park West.
More info on urbanspacenyc.com.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcvf0-Hnrk7
Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar
If you’re more of a Brooklyn person, or just want to avoid Manhattan’s Christmas frenzy, you’re in luck! For the seventh year, Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar gathers local (i.e. Brooklyn-based) food and drink vendors and artisans, who will showcase their craftsmanship.
As everything in Brooklyn, what we like in this market (or well, bazaar) is that it’s more authentic and genuine than bigger Holiday markets. There will also be music, DJs, a photo booth, family-friendly activities… Another good point is that it takes place indoors!
When? December 8 and 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where? 501 Union Street, Gowanus
More info on brooklynholidaybazaar.com
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb-HTlxDTWI
Alsatian Christmas Market
No, there’s no mistake in the name of this Holiday market! There now is an Alsatian Christmas market in the heart of Manhattan, where emblematic local products of Alsace are exposed in some thirty little wooden chalets.
Not far from Broadway, the adventurous visitors will be able to taste sauerkraut, gingerbread or bredele. You’ll also have the opportunity to buy items made in Alsace. How exotic is that?
When? Open daily from December 5 to December 22, 2019.
Where? Bowling Green Park, Whitehall Street.
More info on visit.alsace
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5yXjCnpfzC
NYC Winter Lantern Festival 2019
Who said Staten Island wasn’t trendy? Since 2018, the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, in the most often forgotten borough of New York, organizes the Winter Lantern Festival. What should you expect? Well, some call it the “Dyker Heights on steroids”. In practice, you’ll have to pay an entrance fee between $15 and $25, but it’s worth it.
When? Open daily from November 20, 2019 to January 12, 2020 from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Where? South Meadow, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301.
More info on the official website
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4yJb3rBIgl
