Union Square Holiday Market 2025: Local Guide to Hours, Food & Best Times to Go

If you only have time for one Christmas market in Manhattan, the Union Square Holiday Market is the one that feels the most like New York itself. The subway roars underneath, traffic circles the park, and in the middle of it all there’s a maze of green-roofed stalls glowing with lights and steam from hot chocolate.

Union Square has been a gathering place since the 1800s, from political rallies to labor marches, and over time that “people’s square” energy turned it into one of the city’s most beloved public spaces. In the early 1990s, inspired by traditional German Christkindlmarkts, market organizers launched what became New York City’s first major holiday market right here in Union Square.

Today, the Union Square Holiday Market is the longest-running and one of the largest holiday markets in the city, with well over 150–175 vendors and close to two million visitors each season. It’s busy, slightly chaotic, and absolutely classic New York.

When Is the NYC Holiday Market at Union Square?

The exact dates shift a little every year, but the Union Square Holiday Market typically runs from mid-November until Christmas Eve. Recent seasons have followed a pattern like:

Because hours can change (and occasionally there are weather issues), we always tell people: before you go, double-check the official Urbanspace or NYC tourism site for that season’s schedule.

The market takes over Union Square Park between 14th and 17th Streets, wrapped around the south and west side of the square.

What Makes the Union Square Holiday Market Special?

A true New York mix of vendors

This isn’t a row of generic souvenir stands. At the Union Square Holiday Market, you’ll see:

Many vendors are independent makers who wait all year to sell here, and some only have a physical presence at this market. For gift shopping, it’s where we go when we want something that doesn’t feel like it came straight out of a chain store.

Holiday comfort food (you’ll want to arrive hungry)

One thing repeat visitors agree on: come hungry. Typical food finds at the Union Square Holiday Market include:

Lines for the most Instagrammed snacks can get long in the evening, so we like to grab a savory bite early, then circle back for dessert later once we’ve done a loop.

The Holiday Atmosphere: Why Union Square Feels Different

Plenty of NYC holiday markets are pretty. The Union Squar Holiday Market e adds something else: city life layered on top of the holiday glow.

You have:

Union Square was historically a place for public debates and demonstrations, and that public-square DNA is still there. During the holidays, it just happens to smell like pine, cinnamon, and fried dough.

Best Time to Visit the Union Square Holiday Market

If you only remember one local tip about the Union Square Holiday Market, make it this one:

Weekday mornings or early afternoons are your best friend.

Locals describe weekend afternoons as “you can barely move,” and that’s not an exaggeration. Crowds spike:

Our time-of-day strategy

Safety & Practical Info

The Union Square Holiday Market is in a busy, well-lit part of Manhattan, so it feels safe even after dark. Still, it’s a classic NYC crowd — keep your phone and wallet zipped, especially when the aisles get tight. If you’re visiting with kids, mornings are the easiest because you’re not fighting the evening rush.

There are no restrooms inside the market. Closest options are inside Whole Foods, Barnes & Noble, and Nordstrom Rack — all just steps away and open all day.

Best Photo Spots

Union Square is one of those markets where the photos almost take themselves. The south entrance with the subway dome is a classic shot. The rows of lights along Union Square West look great at dusk. And if you want that “holiday maze” feel, stand in the center aisle once the lights flip on — that’s the moment everyone loves.

Accessibility Tips

The market is fully paved and easy to walk, but the aisles get narrow during peak hours. Weekday mornings are the best choice for wheelchairs or strollers. Most subway lines at Union Square have accessible exits — just double-check the MTA app, since the L line can be tricky depending on which entrance you use.

Seasonal Highlights

Every year the lineup shifts a little, so there’s always something new. Some seasons it’s a vendor with crazy-good hot chocolate, other years everyone talks about hand-carved ornaments or small-batch candles. That’s why we always do one full loop first — you never know what the “big hit” of the year will be until you see the crowd around it.

Warm-Up Spots Nearby

If the cold starts to bite, there are a few easy spots right around the park.
Joe Coffee on 13th Street is our quick go-to. Think Coffee has more seating if you need a break. And if you want something sweet while you warm up, Daily Provisions never disappoints. All three are within a minute or two from the market.

What to Wear and Bring (So You Don’t Freeze or Overspend)

The Union Square Holiday Market runs during classic cold-weather season — think chilly rain, wind tunnels between buildings, and the occasional snowflake.

Locals swear by a few basics:

If you’re planning to hit multiple markets in one day—Bryant Park, Columbus Circle, then the Union Square Holiday Market—build in a quick coffee or subway warm-up break between them. It’s amazing how fast cold plus crowds will drain your energy.

How to Get to the Union Square Holiday Market

The good news: Union Square is one of Manhattan’s easiest spots to reach by subway.

Lines serving 14 St–Union Sq include the 4/5/6, N/Q/R/W, and L trains, dropping you right under the park.

Our usual move:

Once you surface, you’ll see the green-roofed market stalls almost immediately—follow the smell of food and the string lights.

Pair It with the Union Square Greenmarket

One of the best “hidden in plain sight” combos is doing Union Square Greenmarket and the Union Square Holiday Market on the same day.

The Greenmarket runs year-round on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., bringing in up to 140 regional farmers, bakers, and fishers during peak season.

Here’s how we like to plan it in December:

It feels like two different worlds in the same park: one focused on farm-fresh ingredients, the other on gifts and holiday treats.

What to Buy at the Union Square Holiday Market

Everyone shops differently, but certain things are almost guaranteed “wins” at this market:

Gifts that actually feel local

Because the Union Square Holiday Market focuses heavily on artisan goods, it’s one of the best places to grab a gift that feels like it came from a particular maker, not a warehouse.

Food souvenirs

If your suitcase can handle it, we always look for:

These small items are perfect if you’ve promised to “bring back something from New York” to a long list of people.

Real-World Tips from People Who Go Every Year

Over the years, we’ve picked up a bunch of street-level advice from people who treat the Union Square Holiday Market as a yearly ritual:

Be patient with lines. Vendors are often small teams or one-person businesses; things move slower than in a big-box store, but you’re talking directly to the person who designed or made what you’re buying.

Set a loose budget before you go. It’s easy to fall in love with ten things in the first thirty minutes. We like to do one full lap before committing to bigger purchases.

Have a meeting point. If someone gets separated in the crowd, “meet by the big subway dome at the south end” saves a lot of stress.

Check the weather twice. If a cold rain is coming, it can make the market feel more miserable than magical; on those days, some people prefer indoor options like the Grand Central Holiday Fair instead.

Best Tours to Book During Christmas Week

If you’re in New York during Christmas week, booking a holiday tour is one of the easiest ways to soak in the lights, music, and decorations without stressing about where to go next. These three tours pair perfectly with a visit to the Union Square Holiday Market or any other Christmas plans you already have in the city.

1. New York City Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise

⭐ 4.7 (276) | from $134.03 | Free cancellation

A cozy holiday cruise with skyline views, Christmas lights, and live carols while you sip hot cocoa. We like this one in the evening after a market day — you get off your feet, warm up, and still feel like you’re right in the middle of the holiday scene.

👉 Book the New York City Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise →

2. Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour

⭐ 5.0 (107) | from $165.00 | Free cancellation

A private walking tour that takes you through New York’s classic holiday spots — tree, lights, shop windows — with the stories behind them. It’s a great pick if you want someone to guide you through the crowds and explain why NYC Christmas looks the way it does, instead of just snapping photos and moving on.

👉 Book the Christmas in New York: Private Holiday History Tour →

3. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour

⭐ 4.7 (193) | from $95.00 | Free cancellation

If you’ve seen photos of those over-the-top Brooklyn houses covered in lights, this is how you see them without worrying about trains or directions. The tour handles the transport, you handle the “wow.” It’s a fun way to spend one evening away from Midtown while still staying in full Christmas mode.

👉 Book the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour →

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the Union Square Holiday Market?
In Union Square Park in Manhattan, between roughly 14th–17th Streets and Union Square West/East.

When does the market open for the season?
It usually kicks off in mid-November and runs until Christmas Eve. The hours shift a bit every year, so it’s always worth checking the current season’s schedule before you go.

How many vendors are there?
Expect 150+ booths, sometimes closer to 175–185 in recent years.

Is it free to enter?
Yes, entry to the Union Square Holiday Market is free — you only pay for what you buy and eat.

Is it good for kids?
Yes, but go earlier in the day and avoid peak weekend hours. The aisles are narrow and can feel overwhelming when it’s packed.

Can you visit other holiday sights the same day?
Absolutely. Many people pair Union Square with:

• A walk up Broadway or Park Avenue toward the Flatiron District
• A short subway ride to Bryant Park Winter Village or Grand Central for more holiday decorations

Can you visit other holiday spots the same day?
Definitely. Many visitors pair Union Square with Bryant Park Winter Village or the Grand Central Holiday Fair. They’re only a short subway ride away.

Is it safe to visit after dark?
Yes. Union Square stays busy and well-lit during market season. Normal city awareness is enough — keep your bag zipped and your phone tucked away in tighter crowds.

Final Thoughts?

At the end of the day, the Union Square Holiday Market isn’t about checking off another stop on your holiday list — it’s about the feeling you get when you’re standing in the middle of it. The lights, the smell of something sweet on the grill, the crowd shuffling past in a hundred different winter coats… it’s one of those New York moments where everything feels a little magical for no big reason.

We always tell people: don’t rush it. Walk slow, taste something warm, talk to a vendor, let the noise of the city wrap around you. If you’re in New York during the holidays, this market is where the season really starts to feel real.

And if you leave with cold hands, a full bag, and one tiny gift you didn’t plan on buying — that’s exactly how it should be.