Holiday Markets in New York City
One of the best places in New York City to buy souvenirs and gifts during the holiday season are the city’s abundant holiday markets. New York City takes its holiday market tradition from Europe. While many think these traditions date back to ancient times, even in Europe the holiday markets are relatively modern. (Emphasis on the word “Relatively.”) Let’s dig deeper.
History of Holiday Markets
Holiday markets can trace their roots back to 1296 in Vienna, Austria. The legend is Duke Albrecht I called for 14-day fairs during December, known as Dezembermarkt. The hope, of course, was to promote commerce and give the townsfolk a chance to stock up for the winter. Dezembermarkt was not directly tied to Christmas, nor were they held for any religious reason. It was truly rooted in commerce.
Historians have a difficult time pinning down the oldest “Christkindlesmarkt” or “Christ child market.” Dresden Striezelmarkt, which started in 1434, seems to be a good candidate. Another of note is the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, which began nearly 2 centuries later in 1628. Or to be specific “no later than 1628.” It was really when Christmas became more commercial in the 17th and 18th centuries, that Christmas markets really took flight. For a while, these markets were the only place where one could buy Christmas gifts and foods, but the rise of the department store added competition. It was the 1960s and 1970s where Christmas Markets really began to enter a golden age. People longed for the quaint nostalgia, and their popularity proliferated worldwide! But when did the Christmas market come to New York City?
The First NYC Christmas Market
It might surprise you to learn that the first New York City holiday market did not emerge until 1993. For a city that gave birth to so many of our modern day Christmas traditions, New York City was definitely late to the party with Christmas Markets. The first New York City holiday market was the Union Square holiday market. The Union Square Holiday Market is the brainchild of Eldon Scott, who worked for several years in the UK with Urban Space Management. Loosely modeled off of Europe’s Christkindlesmarkt, the Union Square Holiday Market is held during the advent season, and became the perfect place for locals and visitors alike to drink a cup of hot chocolate, and shop for gifts. Today, the Union Square holiday market has over 150 vendors.
Where are the New York City Holiday Markets?
In 2025, there will be holiday markets throughout the city. Most are run by UrbanSpace. The most popular New York City holiday markets tend to be Union Square, because it’s the original Grand Central Terminal Holiday Market, which is indoors, The Bryant Park Winter Village, which surrounds a free ice skating rink, and the holiday market at Columbus Circle. The newest UrbanSpace holiday market is at Herald Square, and this year, it extends into Macy’s. All of these NYC holiday markets bring holiday cheer!
What To Buy at the NYC Holiday Markets
The NYC holiday markets are a foodie’s dream. We strongly suggest we bring friends and go on a food crawl. Usually the markets have foods that look excellent on Instagram and taste even better than they look. Because each market is different, it’s a challenge to make specific recommendations. Feel free to browse around before making a selection. Each market also has stalls where you can buy jewelry, clothing, candles, soaps, and, of course, Christmas tree ornaments. They all take cards and cash.
Of course while the NYC holiday markets are excellent for souvenir shopping, we believe the best NYC souvenir is appearing on a Times Square billboard. You can appear on a Times Square billboard for as low as $150 a day. Check out our website to learn more!