Columbus Circle Holiday Market: Christmas by the Edge of Central Park

When we talk about Christmas in New York, there are a few spots that feel like pure movie set – and the Columbus Circle Holiday Market is absolutely one of them. Tucked into the southwest corner of Central Park, under the gilded statue of Columbus and a halo of fairy lights, this market turns a busy traffic circle into a cozy little village of wooden stalls, mulled drinks, and handmade gifts.

Holiday markets themselves go way back to medieval Europe, when winter fairs in places like Vienna and later Germany gave townsfolk a chance to stock up for the cold months and buy gifts from local craftsmen. New York picked up the tradition in the late twentieth century, and by the early 2000s the Columbus Circle Holiday Market had become a regular seasonal fixture. Today it’s run by Urbanspace and is known as one of the city’s most elegant, European-style markets, with over a hundred artisans and food vendors lining the park’s edge.

We love it because it manages to feel festive and upscale without tipping into chaos – especially if you time your visit right.

Why We Love the Columbus Circle Holiday Market

The Columbus Circle Holiday Market hits a sweet spot: it’s big enough to feel like an event, but compact enough that you’re not marching for miles like you might at some of the larger markets. Organizers bring in more than a hundred designers, makers, and food vendors, so you get a real mix of art, jewelry, home goods, specialty foods, and seasonal treats.

Compared with the very hyped Bryant Park Winter Village, Columbus Circle usually feels a bit calmer and more “local.” Travelers and New Yorkers often call it their favorite precisely because it’s busy but not overwhelming – more of a real shopping crowd than a shoulder-to-shoulder photo op. You still get twinkly lights, the smell of cinnamon and bratwurst, and festive music floating over the traffic, but the atmosphere leans relaxed rather than frantic.

Add in the location – Central Park on one side, The Shops at Columbus Circle and Broadway on the other – and it’s one of the easiest holiday markets to fold into a day of sightseeing.

When Is the Columbus Circle Holiday Market?

For the 2025 holiday season, the Columbus Circle Holiday Market is scheduled to run from December 2 to December 31.

Typical hours for the Columbus Circle Holiday Market in 2025 are:

Entry is free; you just pay for whatever you eat, drink, or buy. Exact hours can shift slightly year to year, so before you lock in plans we always double-check the official Urbanspace listing or the NYC Parks / tourism pages for that season’s schedule.

Where the Columbus Circle Holiday Market Is (and How to Get There)

The Columbus Circle Holiday Market sits at the southwest corner of Central Park, right where Central Park West meets 59th Street, beside the Columbus monument. One of the big advantages of the Columbus Circle Holiday Market is how easy it is to reach from almost anywhere in the city.

By subway

You couldn’t ask for an easier subway connection:

We like using the exits that bring you into The Shops at Columbus Circle (inside the Time Warner Center). It’s an easy, sheltered way to get to the surface, and you can pop into the mall if you need a bathroom or to warm up before or after the market.

Our local trick: if it’s windy or freezing, we come up through The Shops at Columbus Circle (inside the Time Warner Center). The underground passage from the station into the mall is sheltered, and you can warm up, use the bathroom, or grab a quick coffee before walking out to the Columbus Circle Holiday Market.

By bus

Several bus lines stop right at or near the circle, including the M5, M7, M10, M20, and M104, which all run along the west side and Midtown.

If you’re staying on the Upper West Side, riding an M10 or M104 down Central Park West or Broadway and hopping off at Columbus Circle feels very “old-school New York” and drops you just steps from the holiday market.

What the Columbus Circle Holiday Market Really Feels Like

The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is smaller than Bryant Park or Union Square, but that’s part of its charm. Rows of green-roofed wooden stalls wrap around the entrance to the park, with the gold statue on top of the Columbus monument glowing above everything.

Compared with other big markets, vendors and locals consistently describe Columbus Circle as:

We’ve noticed that visitors who “hate crowds but love Christmas” often end up naming the Columbus Circle Holiday Market as their favorite. It has enough energy to feel exciting but not so much that you’re stuck in a shoulder-to-shoulder shuffle the entire time.

You’ll see:

One thing to know: the layout can feel a bit maze-like in peak times. Some visitors mention having to double back to find stalls again, so it’s worth doing one slow lap just to get oriented before you decide where to shop and eat.

What to Eat & Drink at Columbus Circle Holiday Market

If you arrive hungry, you’re doing it right. Food is a huge part of the Columbus Circle Holiday Market experience, and many people come here specifically to graze.

Expect a rotating lineup of vendors, but year after year there are a few themes:

Prices are typical New York holiday-market levels – not cheap, but the “we’re in a Christmas movie” factor softens the blow.

Local tip: the food area can get congested. Instead of trying to eat right in the middle of the crowd, we like to grab our snack and walk a few steps toward Central Park’s entrance. There are benches along Central Park South and inside the park where you can actually hear yourself talk.

What to Buy at Columbus Circle Holiday Market

Because the Columbus Circle Holiday Market is heavy on independent designers, a lot of what you see is ideal for gifts that feel personal but still fit in a suitcase.

Popular categories include:

Our ritual at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market:

1. Do a full loop first without buying anything, just taking photos of the stalls we like.
2. On the second lap, go back to the ones we bookmarked in our heads.

It sounds simple, but it saves you from buying the first ornament you see and then finding “the one” two stalls later.

If you’re flying home, we avoid anything in glass unless it’s well packed and go heavier on prints, textiles, and small boxes of sweets.

Best Time to Visit the Columbus Circle Holiday Market

This is where local timing makes all the difference. The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is popular, and it does get crowded – especially in the late afternoon when office workers clock out and tourists head back from Central Park.

Our favorite windows:

If you’re planning a big “Christmas lights” night, we like pairing a late-afternoon walk in Central Park with an early evening stroll through the Columbus Circle Holiday Market and then heading down Fifth Avenue for the department store windows.

How to Pair the Columbus Circle Holiday Market with the Rest of Your Day

Because of where it sits, the Columbus Circle Holiday Market is perfect as a connector between big New York moments. A few easy combos:

Central Park first, Columbus Circle Holiday Market after

Enter Central Park at Columbus Circle, walk a loop past The Mall or around the pond near the Plaza, and drift back just as the lights are coming on at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market.

Skating & shopping

Book an afternoon session at Wollman Rink, then exit toward the southwest corner and finish with food and gift shopping at the market. It’s one of the most classic winter pairings in the city.

Broadway & the market

If you’re seeing a matinee in the Theater District, it’s a straight shot up Broadway to Columbus Circle. We like walking up, grabbing hot chocolate at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, and then wandering into Central Park to decompress after the show.

Practical Tips: Bathrooms, Weather & Budget

These are the details people usually end up asking us later.

Bathrooms

Weather & what to wear

The wind at the circle can be sneaky. We’ve learned to bring:

Paying at the stalls

Most vendors at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market accept cards and phone payments, but it’s still smart to have a small amount of cash for tiny purchases or minimum-charge situations. Holiday markets across the city have moved heavily toward contactless payments in the last few years.

Crowds & navigation

What to See Near the Columbus Circle Holiday Market

One reason we recommend the Columbus Circle Holiday Market so often is because it sits in one of the easiest “holiday clusters” in the city. You can walk a few minutes in any direction and land somewhere worth your time — perfect if you want to build a half-day in Midtown without zig-zagging around or ending up in long lines.

Here are the nearby spots travelers love most, based on what people constantly ask and thank us for later:

⭐ The Maine Monument (2 minutes)

Walk just a few steps into Central Park and you’ll hit the Maine Monument, the marble-and-gold fountain at the park entrance. It’s one of the best quick holiday photo angles because you get the trees, the skyline, and the glow of the market behind you. Locals stop here when they want a fast “we’re in New York for the holidays” shot without crowds brushing past.

⭐ A Quiet Loop Toward The Mall (5–7 minutes)

If you need a break from the market buzz, slip into the park and angle toward The Mall — the straight path lined with American elms. It’s usually calmer here, even in December, and it’s one of those places that looks like a movie when it’s cold and the lamps are on. This is the walk we recommend when someone says, “Where can we escape crowds for 10 minutes?”

⭐ The Shops at Columbus Circle (1–2 minutes, indoors)

This is the warm-up zone everyone ends up using at least once. Besides the bathrooms and heat, the inside is full of quick bites and a big window overlooking the ice rink area of the park. If the wind is brutal, locals dip inside, regroup, and then head back into the Columbus Circle Holiday Market refreshed.

⭐ The Time Warner Center “Holiday Under the Stars” Display (December evenings)

Inside the same building, the lobby’s ceiling lights — huge stars that change color — are one of the most underrated holiday visuals in the city. It’s free, warm, and never as crowded as Fifth Avenue. Perfect five-minute detour when your fingers need feeling again.

⭐ Central Park Gapstow Bridge (12–14 minutes)

If you’re up for a slightly longer walk, this is the classic postcard spot — skyline, bridge, the Plaza, and often a touch of snow or winter branches. Many travelers say this ends up being one of their favorite moments of the trip. It’s an easy straight walk along Central Park South from the Columbus Circle Holiday Market.

⭐ Serendipity-Style Sweets at Magnolia Bakery (5–6 minutes)

The Columbus Circle location of Magnolia is close enough that you can pick up banana pudding or cookies without trekking far. Good if someone in the group suddenly wants dessert after you’ve already left the waffle stall.

⭐ Broadway Holiday Window Walk (starts right at the circle)

If you head south down Broadway, you’ll pass small boutiques and decorated lobbies until you eventually connect with the bigger Fifth Avenue window displays. This route is calmer than starting directly on Fifth, and you build up the holiday energy gradually.

What Visitors Really Say About the Columbus Circle Holiday Market

The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is one of those places where everyone has a slightly different experience, but the same themes keep coming up again and again from people who’ve actually been. Here’s the real, unpolished consensus that matches what travelers and locals say most often:

“Smaller but better curated.”

Visitors are often surprised that the market isn’t huge — and they mean that as a compliment. People appreciate that it feels selective, not stuffed with filler stalls. Many say they find better gifts here than at larger markets because the vendors tend to be more artisanal and less mass-produced.

“Way calmer than Bryant Park.”

This opinion pops up constantly. Travelers who tried Bryant Park first usually describe Columbus Circle as the more breathable, enjoyable version. You can move, browse, take your time, and not feel squeezed into a single lane of people.

“Great spot if you’re already doing Central Park.”

A lot of visitors say they ended up here after a park walk and didn’t even realize how perfect the timing was. The market sits right at the entrance, so people love the convenience of grabbing a hot chocolate or picking up a small gift before exploring more of Central Park.

“Food is legit.”

Food gets some of the most enthusiastic reactions. Visitors point out that the waffles, sweets, and seasonal snacks taste better than they expected from a holiday market. Hot chocolate gets rave reviews — especially on cold days when people come back for a second cup.

“Great for photos without the chaos.”

Visitors who want holiday photos but don’t want Fifth Avenue-level crowds always mention Columbus Circle as a sweet spot. The stalls, lights, and Central Park background make it easy to get festive shots without waiting for the perfect moment.

“Super easy to get to — even with kids.”

Families regularly mention that the subway dropping you right at the market makes it one of the least stressful holiday stops. Parents say it’s easy to keep track of kids here because you’re not being swept along in a huge crowd.

“Plan one loop first.”

One fun, very common piece of advice:
Walk the whole market once, then buy things on the second lap.
People say this saves them from impulse-buying at the first stall and then discovering something even better a few steps later.

“Worth it even if you’ve done other markets.”

Visitors who hit multiple markets in one trip usually say that Columbus Circle stands out for its location, vibe, and manageable size. Many call it the one market they’d revisit on their next NYC trip.

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

Is the Columbus Circle Holiday Market very crowded?
Crowds depend completely on timing. Early in the day it feels open and easy, even in December. Late afternoons and weekends get busier, especially if the weather is nice. Most people say the crowds here are nothing compared with Bryant Park, which is why so many travelers end up calling this their favorite market.

How long do we actually need to see everything?
Most visitors spend around thirty to forty-five minutes if they’re just browsing. If you eat, shop, and take photos, expect closer to an hour. The market is compact, so you won’t lose half your day here unless you want to.

Is the market safe at night?
Yes. Columbus Circle is a well-lit, busy area with constant foot traffic and police presence around the park entrance. It’s one of the easier nighttime holiday stops in the city. As always, the usual city awareness is enough — nothing unusual here.

Can I use a bathroom nearby?
Yes. The easiest options are inside the Shops at Columbus Circle or the comfort station in Central Park just a short walk north. Most visitors use the mall because it’s warm and close.

Is it good for kids and strollers?
Families use this market all the time because it’s right next to the subway and not overly packed. Strollers fit, though it’s easier earlier in the day. People often say this is the most stress-free market to visit with kids.

Do vendors take cards or do we need cash?
Almost all vendors take cards or contactless payments. Cash helps only for small items or if you want to move fast. Most travelers don’t need much cash here.

Is the food expensive?
It’s holiday-market pricing, which means more than a normal street snack but still worth it if you treat it as part of the experience. Visitors often say the waffles, sweets, and warm drinks feel like a “trip moment,” not just something to fill up on.

Can we visit the market if it rains or snows?
Yes. The market stays open in all but extreme conditions. Light snow actually makes it feel magical. Rain is fine too, though you’ll want a hood or umbrella. People step into the mall to warm up and then come back out.

Does the market close early on certain days?
It stays open until the early evening most days but closes early on New Year’s Eve. Christmas Day is the only day it’s closed. Hours can shift slightly year to year, so a quick check of the official schedule is smart.

What’s the best time of day to go?
Travelers agree that opening hours on weekdays are the sweet spot — calm, bright, easy to walk. Twilight is beautiful, but it’s also when more people show up. If you want the lights without the crush, weeknights are much better than weekends.

Is it worth visiting if we already saw Bryant Park or Union Square?
Yes. Many people say that Columbus Circle ends up being the one they enjoyed most because it feels manageable and connected to the park. Even travelers who visit all three usually call this one the most relaxed and “easy.”

Final Thoughts?

The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is one of those places that just fits naturally into a New York December. It’s small enough that you can see everything without rushing and festive enough to make you feel like you stumbled into a Christmas postcard. Being right at the edge of Central Park gives it a calmness that most Midtown spots don’t have, and that’s why so many visitors walk away saying this was the market they actually enjoyed. Come for the food, wander a bit, take a few photos, warm up in the mall, and drift back out again. It’s an easy holiday moment that doesn’t try too hard, and sometimes that’s exactly what makes it perfect.