Guides Prices checked September 30, 2026
NYC holiday markets in 2026: dates, hours, and which one is worth it
Four markets, four different jobs: one for the rink, one for the crowd, one for the weather, one for the park. Dates are confirmed for two and still pending for two.
The short answer
The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park opens October 28, 2026 (shops run to January 3). The Grand Central Holiday Fair runs November 9 to December 24 in Vanderbilt Hall. Union Square's market is listed for November 12 to December 24 by a vendor partner, and Columbus Circle has not announced its 2026 dates. Dates checked September 2026.
- Bryant Park Oct 28 to Jan 3 (shops, official)
- Grand Central Nov 9 to Dec 24 (official)
- Union Square Nov 12 to Dec 24 (partner listing)
- Columbus Circle Not announced yet
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The four markets, side by side
| Market | 2026 dates | Hours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of America Winter Village, Bryant Park | Shops October 28 to January 3; rink to February 28, 2027 (official) | Shops Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Gifts plus the free rink and the Lodge |
| Grand Central Holiday Fair, Vanderbilt Hall | November 9 to December 24 (official); closed Thanksgiving | Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-6 p.m. to Dec 16; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec 17-23; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Christmas Eve | Staying dry; a small indoor artisan market |
| Union Square Holiday Market | November 12 to December 24 (listed by a vendor partner; operator page not posted) | Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (same listing) | The biggest selection: nearly 200 vendors |
| Columbus Circle Holiday Market | Not announced yet; the operator says it will be back in 2026 | Not announced yet | Central Park views with your gift shopping |
Which one, honestly
Bryant Park is the one to plan a whole evening around, because the market, the rink and the Lodge share one block. The shops are free to walk through; the rink is free if you bring skates (see the skating guide). Union Square has the most vendors and the biggest crowds, worst on weekend afternoons. Grand Central is small, indoors and warm, the one to pick in a cold rain; it closes at 7 p.m. on most days, earlier than the others. Columbus Circle is the only one with Central Park behind it.
Our advice, not the operators': go on a weekday before 5 p.m. to any of them. Stalls at these markets are a mix of local makers and resellers, so ask where something is made before paying a craft price.
Getting to each
| Market | Subway |
|---|---|
| Bryant Park | B, D, F, M to 42 St-Bryant Park, or the 7 to 5 Av |
| Grand Central | 4, 5, 6, 7 and the S to Grand Central-42 St |
| Union Square | 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W to 14 St-Union Sq |
| Columbus Circle | A, B, C, D, 1 to 59 St-Columbus Circle |
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Bryant Park Winter Village
The default pick: dates are confirmed, walking through is free, and it is the one place where the market, the skating and a warm-up share a block.
-
Grand Central Holiday Fair
The rainy-day answer. Six thousand square feet of indoor stalls under the terminal's chandeliers, and you are already at a train.
-
Union Square Holiday Market
The widest choice for gifts: nearly 200 vendors, by the operator's own count.
The questions people actually ask
When does the Bryant Park Winter Village open in 2026?
October 28, 2026. The Holiday Shops run to January 3, 2027 and the rink to February 28, 2027, per bryantpark.org (checked September 2026).
When is the Grand Central Holiday Fair in 2026?
November 9 to December 24, 2026, in Vanderbilt Hall, closed on Thanksgiving Day, per Grand Central Terminal (checked September 2026). It closes at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Is the Union Square holiday market open in 2026?
A vendor partner lists it for November 12 to December 24, 2026 (checked September 2026). The operator, Urbanspace, says it will be back in 2026 but had not posted dates when we looked.
Are NYC holiday markets free?
Walking through the markets is free. Bryant Park's rink is free if you bring your own skates; rentals and fast passes cost extra.
What is the best holiday market in NYC?
Bryant Park if you want an evening (market, rink, Lodge). Union Square for the most vendors. Grand Central if it is raining.
The sources
Where the prices and rules above come from. Check them yourself:
- Bryant Park: Bank of America Winter Village — 2026 dates and hours
- Grand Central Terminal: Holiday Fair — 2026 dates and hours
- Urbanspace Markets: Union Square — operator page; 2026 dates not posted
- Urbanspace Markets: Columbus Circle — operator page; says it will be back in 2026
- Made in NYC: Union Square Holiday Market 2026 — the November 12 to December 24 listing
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