
Central Park Holiday Market New York City
A vibrant holiday market at Central Park's edge, featuring 100+ artisans selling crafts, art, home goods, and global cuisine.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Central Park Holiday Market New York City
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant holiday market at Central Park's edge, featuring 100+ artisans selling crafts, art, home goods, and global cuisine.
"This is exactly what I think of when I think of a Holiday Market! I spoke with some wonderful makers and bought some fun things!"

🎯 Go on a Weekday
Avoid weekend crowds for a more enjoyable browsing and shopping experience.
💸 Sample Before You Buy
Many food vendors offer samples, so try before committing to a purchase.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Artisan Crafts & Unique Gifts
Discover handmade jewelry, home decor, art, and more from over 100 local artisans. Perfect for finding one-of-a-kind holiday presents.

Global Flavors & Festive Treats
Indulge in a diverse culinary journey with everything from gourmet waffles and empanadas to mulled wine and hot chocolate.

Central Park Ambiance
Nestled at the edge of Central Park, the market offers a festive atmosphere with live music and holiday decorations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Find Hidden Gems
Budget-Friendly Bites & Unique Finds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go on a Weekday
Avoid weekend crowds for a more enjoyable browsing and shopping experience.
💸 Sample Before You Buy
Many food vendors offer samples, so try before committing to a purchase.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Check the schedule for live performances, often featuring local jazz musicians.
🎁 Unique Artisan Finds
Look for handmade items from small businesses for truly special gifts.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go on a Weekday
Avoid weekend crowds for a more enjoyable browsing and shopping experience.
💸 Sample Before You Buy
Many food vendors offer samples, so try before committing to a purchase.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Check the schedule for live performances, often featuring local jazz musicians.
🎁 Unique Artisan Finds
Look for handmade items from small businesses for truly special gifts.
☕ Grab a Warm Drink
Sip on mulled wine or rich hot chocolate to stay warm while exploring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Columbus Circle Holiday Market for its festive atmosphere, diverse artisan crafts, and delicious food options, noting it's often less crowded than other NYC markets. Some find food prices high and vendor overlap with other markets, but the overall experience is highly rated for holiday cheer and unique finds.
"This is exactly what I think of when I think of a Holiday Market! I spoke with some wonderful makers and bought some fun things!
The lady selling the Japanese paper earrings was our favorite! Her earrings are so fun and we purchased 3 pairs! She explained to our kids the meaning behind several of the patterns used in Japanese culture. She was so lively and I would visit again just to talk to her!
We sampled Manor Sangria- so delicious! The gentleman that I spoke to was so warm and friendly. I didn't want to carry the jar around the city all day so I followed them on Instagram, only to find out they don't ship to my location. I was kicking myself for not buying it then. I went back the next day and bought some though!
The lady selling her soaps that she make was friendly and talkative as well. She does ship to my location so I cannot wait to buy some in the future!
All in all this is a wonderful market that you will absolutely find something for yourself and others!"
Shanyn Blanck
"It’s like Bryant, except you’re walking around in a circle and no ice skating rink. Food equally overpriced. I didn’t see many small businesses that were exclusive to Columbus; they were at Bryant and Union Square as well. Union Square is still my favorite holiday market."
Sterling Hitchcock
"The market is like a maze but fairly small so not too hard to navigate. It's relatively much less crowded, which is a relief. You can actually enjoy the market without getting jostled and buy things without waiting in a long line. It's decorated cutely with wreaths and lights. But most of the food is way overpriced and so not worth it. So you could visit for the experience and ambiance."
Arushi Bhattacharya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The market is conveniently located at Columbus Circle, right at the southwest corner of Central Park. You can easily reach it via the A, B, C, D, 1, 2, or 3 subway lines to the 59th Street-Columbus Circle station.
Parking in this area of Manhattan can be challenging and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transportation. If you must drive, look for parking garages in the vicinity, but be prepared for high fees.
Yes, the market is easily accessible on foot from many Midtown attractions. It's a pleasant walk from Times Square or a great starting point for exploring Central Park.
The most direct subway lines are the A, B, C, D, 1, 2, and 3 trains, all stopping at 59th Street-Columbus Circle.
The market is generally accessible, though pathways can be narrow and crowded at peak times. The ground is paved, making it manageable for strollers and wheelchairs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Columbus Circle Holiday Market is free. You only pay for the food and items you purchase from the vendors.
The market typically runs from early December through December 31st. Hours are generally Monday-Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm, and Sundays from 11 am to 7 pm, though hours can vary slightly each year and may close early on holidays.
The market usually opens in early December and runs until December 31st. Always check the official UrbanSpace Markets website for the most up-to-date dates.
Yes, the market often features live music, particularly jazz performances from Jazz at Lincoln Center, adding to the festive ambiance.
Weekdays are significantly less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience for browsing and shopping. Weekends are much busier but offer a more vibrant, bustling atmosphere.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Vendors
You'll find a wide array of goods, including handmade jewelry, art, home decor, clothing, accessories, artisanal food products, and unique gifts from over 100 vendors.
Many vendors are local artisans and small businesses from New York and the surrounding regions, offering unique, handcrafted items.
While some vendors may also be at other markets like Bryant Park or Union Square, you can often find unique pieces and discover new artisans.
Popular vendors often include those selling gourmet waffles, empanadas, unique jewelry, and artisanal food products like sangria or specialty chocolates.
Absolutely! It's an excellent place to find unique, handcrafted Christmas gifts for everyone on your list.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The food selection is diverse, featuring international cuisine like shrimp tempura tacos, cheesesteak empanadas, fettuccine alfredo, dumplings, and festive treats like crepes and waffles.
Food prices can be on the higher side, typical for holiday markets in NYC. However, many visitors find the quality and unique offerings worth the cost.
Yes, you can find vegetarian and vegan options, including items like halloumi fries, various crepes, and some dumpling varieties. It's always best to ask vendors directly about ingredients.
Highly recommended items include Dubai Chocolate Waffles, shrimp tempura tacos, fettuccine alfredo, Oreo s'mores crepes, and truffle fries.
Yes, vendors offer hot beverages like mulled wine, hot chocolate, and coffee, perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the festive atmosphere with shots of the stalls adorned with lights and decorations, the bustling crowds (if you enjoy that vibe), and the iconic Columbus Circle monument.
Visiting during off-peak hours (weekday mornings) makes it much easier to take photos without getting in the way of shoppers or vendors.
Late afternoon into early evening offers a magical glow as the market lights up, creating a festive ambiance. Daytime provides good natural light for product shots.
The market's location at the edge of Central Park provides opportunities for photos with a park backdrop. Also, look for uniquely decorated stalls or visually appealing food items.
For low light, use a higher ISO and a wider aperture if your camera allows. On smartphones, utilize night mode or portrait mode for enhanced detail and bokeh effects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for kid-friendly food options like waffles, crepes, and hot chocolate. Many vendors also offer unique toys and crafts that can make for delightful souvenirs. Visiting on a weekday morning is highly recommended to avoid overwhelming crowds and ensure a more pleasant experience for younger children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider browsing the stalls for unique, smaller gift items or simply soak in the festive ambiance without making purchases. Many vendors offer visually appealing displays that are enjoyable to photograph even if you're not buying.
couples
Consider visiting in the early evening as the market lights up, creating a magical atmosphere. The live music often adds to the romantic ambiance, making it a perfect date spot during the holiday season.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Key to a good visit is timing. Weekdays, especially mornings, offer a much more relaxed experience, allowing you to browse at your own pace and chat with vendors. Weekends are significantly busier, with a lively but often crowded atmosphere. If you're looking for a more intimate shopping experience, aim for a weekday.
Pro-tip: While the market is free to enter, be prepared for potentially higher prices on food and goods, which is common for such events. However, the quality and uniqueness of many items, especially from local artisans, can make it worthwhile.
Culinary Delights at the Market
Many visitors rave about specific vendors, highlighting items like truffle fries from Bel-Fries, jerk chicken platters, and rich hot chocolate from 'No Chewing Allowed.' The market is also a great place to grab a warm beverage, with mulled wine and coffee being popular choices to combat the winter chill.
While prices can be a bit steep, as is typical for NYC holiday markets, the opportunity to sample unique treats and enjoy festive flavors makes it a worthwhile culinary adventure. It's advisable to explore a bit before settling on your first food purchase, and don't hesitate to ask vendors if they offer samples.
Shopping for Unique Gifts
Many visitors highlight the opportunity to connect with the makers themselves, learning about the inspiration and craftsmanship behind their products. This personal touch adds significant value to the shopping experience, making it ideal for finding meaningful presents.
While you might see some vendors also present at other New York City holiday markets, the curated selection at Columbus Circle often includes exclusive finds. It's a fantastic place for last-minute holiday shopping or simply to find a special memento of your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit