Chinatown Holiday Market – What It’s Really Like

If you love NYC’s big holiday markets but wish they felt a little more local and a lot more meaningful, the Chinatown Holiday Market is exactly where we send people in December.

Set on the second floor of New Kam Man at 200 Canal Street, this new market turns a historic Chinese supermarket into a month-long holiday pop-up full of Asian-owned brands, small makers, and comfort food that actually tastes like something you’d eat off-duty, not just for Instagram.

This is the first Western-style holiday market in Manhattan’s Chinatown, organized by the nonprofit Welcome to Chinatown as a way to support local businesses and keep money in the neighborhood during the busiest shopping season of the year.

When is the Chinatown Holiday Market?

For the 2025 season, the Chinatown Holiday Market runs:

The schedule comes directly from the organizers and recent coverage, so you can rely on it for this season.

Because it’s indoors, the Chinatown Holiday Market is an especially good call on cold, rainy, or windy days when the big outdoor markets feel brutal.

A Quick Bit of History

Chinatown has had street festivals and Lunar New Year markets for years, but the holiday market as we know it-cozy stalls, artisan gifts, and mulled-drink energy-has mostly been a European import centered around Midtown. The idea here was different: bring that holiday vibe into Chinatown, but let local AAPI vendors and community stories lead the way.

The host venue, New Kam Man, has been a Chinatown landmark since the 1970s, originally one of the first self-service Chinese supermarkets in the neighborhood. Today it’s known for tea, snacks, pantry staples, dishware, and holiday shopping on its own—so turning its second floor into the Chinatown Holiday Market feels like an extension of what the building already means to the community.

How to Get to the Chinatown Holiday Market

You’re heading to New Kam Man, 200 Canal Street, right at the edge of Chinatown and a few blocks from Tribeca, SoHo, and the Lower East Side. It’s one of the easiest neighborhoods to reach in Manhattan, no matter where you’re staying.

By Subway

You have multiple subway lines that drop you within a short walk:

Once you’re on Canal, look for the bright yellow New Kam Man sign; the Chinatown Holiday Market is on the second floor upstairs.

By Bus

If you prefer street-level travel or want a more scenic route:

By Car or Uber

Taxis/Ubers can drop you right in front of 200 Canal Street, but traffic can be heavy around holiday weekends. If the block is backed up, we normally ask to get dropped off on:

All of these get you to the market in under one minute on foot.

Walking from Nearby Neighborhoods

Chinatown sits between several of NYC’s most walkable areas:

If you’re already exploring downtown, walking to the Chinatown Holiday Market is often faster than waiting for transportation.

Parking (Not Recommended, But Possible)

Parking in Chinatown during the holidays is… an adventure. If you must drive:

Walking, subway, or rideshare is much smoother.

What You’ll Find at the Chinatown Holiday Market

1. AAPI-Owned Gifts You Won’t See in Midtown

The vendor list is curated around AAPI creators and Chinatown-connected brands—many of them rising founders who’ve come through Welcome to Chinatown’s small-business programs.

Expect stalls with things like:

This is the sort of place where you end up buying gifts for other people and then quietly keep a couple for yourself.

2. Rotating Food Pop-Ups and Snacks

Each weekend, a different food pop-up takes over, so the market tastes a little different every time you go.

Across the season, people have found:

Because you’re literally inside New Kam Man, you can also duck downstairs for roast meats, buns, or snacks if you want something more substantial before or after browsing.

3. A Market With a Mission

A portion of the proceeds from the Chinatown Holiday Market supports Welcome to Chinatown’s work with small businesses, from grants and training to community projects.

So when we send people here, we’re not just thinking about cute holiday photos—your spending actually helps keep Chinatown storefronts alive at a time of rising rents and shifting tourism patterns.

What the Vibe Is Really Like at the Chinatown Holiday Market

Smaller and Calmer Than Midtown

If you’ve ever felt trapped in an hour-long hot chocolate line at Bryant Park or pinned in by crowds at Union Square, this will feel like a deep breath by comparison. Big holiday markets in Midtown have been getting hammered online for long waits and “wall-to-wall” crowds; in contrast, people talk about the Chinatown Holiday Market as busy but manageable, especially earlier in the day.

It’s one floor, not an endless maze. You can usually see the whole thing in 30–60 minutes and still have time for dinner, another market, or a nighttime walk over the Manhattan Bridge.

Crowd Patterns We’ve Noticed

From what regulars and locals have been sharing this season:

Unlike the huge Midtown markets, lines here are typically for a specific hyped vendor or food pop-up, not every stall at once.

How Long Do You Need at the Chinatown Holiday Market?

Most people are comfortable with:

We often tell visitors to treat it as one stop in a Chinatown afternoon rather than an all-day destination. Think: noodles or rice rolls nearby, the market, then a walk through Columbus Park or over to Little Italy.

Local Tips for Visiting the Chinatown Holiday Market

1. Go With a Rough Shopping Theme

Because so many vendors are small AAPI brands, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. A trick that works well:

Even Welcome to Chinatown has joked about people feeling overloaded by choice, so going in with a loose theme actually helps.

2. Build in Time for Dim Sum or Noodles

The market alone is fun, but pairing it with a proper Chinatown meal makes the evening. From Canal Street you’re close to dumpling spots, rice-roll counters, and sit-down restaurants—perfect if you’re already downtown for other holiday plans.

3. Dress for Both Indoors and Outdoors

The Chinatown Holiday Market itself is indoors and heated, but you’ll still be walking through chilly streets, possibly heading to other markets like Columbus Circle or Bryant Park later. Layer up so you’re not roasting inside and freezing outside.

4. Bring Both Card and Contactless

Most vendors take cards and tap-to-pay, but a few food or micro-vendors may prefer simpler setups. Having at least a little flexibility makes things smoother.

5. Pair It With Another Market if You Love Holiday Hopping

A lot of locals now treat the Chinatown Holiday Market as the “warm-up” stop before heading north to a bigger market. That way you get:

The Easiest Way to Save on NYC’s Must-See Attractions

If you’re visiting the Chinatown Holiday Market as part of a bigger December trip, one of the easiest ways to keep costs under control is New York CityPASS. It lets you save up to 42% on five top NYC attractions with one simple purchase—something that really matters during the holidays when ticket prices add up fast.

CityPASS works well for travelers who want to mix neighborhood exploring with classic NYC sights. Many visitors pair the market with:

• Top of the Rock for sunset views
• MoMA or the Met on colder days
• A Circle Line cruise for skyline photos
• The Empire State Building before or after shopping in Chinatown

It keeps the planning simple and saves money while you check off the city’s biggest highlights.

👉 Learn more here: https://www.citypass.com/new-york

Food & Drink: Where to Eat Around the Chinatown Holiday Market

One thing we love about the Chinatown Holiday Market is that you never have to think too hard about where to eat. Everything good is within a few blocks, and most places serve the kind of warm, comforting food that hits perfectly in December. These are the spots that come up the most among locals and repeat visitors — the places people swear by after a cold day of shopping.

1. Noodles & Rice Rolls (Fast, Cheap, Reliable)

Joe’s Shanghai (Pell St)
Known for soup dumplings, but the noodles here are exactly what you want if you’re freezing and starving. It fills fast, but turnover is quick.

Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles (Doyers St)
Visitors love the hand-pulled noodles, and locals go for the broth on cold days. It’s simple, cheap, and a 5-minute walk from the market.

Big Wong (Mott St)
Old-school Cantonese comfort: roast meats over rice, noodle soups, congee. You sit, you eat, you warm up — no fuss.

2. Dim Sum (Great if You Want to Sit Down)

Nom Wah Tea Parlor (Doyers St)
NYC’s oldest dim sum parlor. Fun vibe, great for photos, and solid dumplings. Go early if you can.

Jing Fong (Centre St)
A neighborhood favorite. Not as chaotic as it used to be, but the food is still consistently good and family-friendly.

3. Roast Meat Shops (For the Real Chinatown Flavor)

Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food (Chrystie St)
The place everyone raves about. Char siu over rice for a few dollars. The line looks long but moves incredibly fast.

Great NY Noodletown (Bowery)
Roast duck, roast pork, and late hours — a classic for anyone exploring downtown at night.

4. Bakeries (If You Want Something Small and Warm)

Fay Da Bakery (East Broadway)
Custard tarts, buns, pastries — always fresh, always reliable.

Kam Hing Coffee Shop (Baxter St)
The famous sponge cakes. Light, warm, and ridiculously cheap.

New Kam Man Bakery (inside the same building as the market)
Grab a pineapple bun or egg tart right downstairs before heading up to the market.

5. Soup Dumplings (NYC Winter Essential)

Shanghai 21 (Mott St)
Consistently popular with visitors because it’s cleaner, calmer, and easy to navigate.

Shanghai Heping (Pell St)
Locals love this one — slightly quieter, great broth, and dumplings that don’t fall apart.

6. Bubble Tea & Desserts (Quick Sweet Stops)

Yi Fang (Canal St)
Good fruit teas and brown sugar classics.

Tiger Sugar (Canal St)
People queue here for the brown sugar boba — sweet enough to count as dessert.

Möge Tee (Bowery)
Cream caps, taro, and seasonal warm drinks. A favorite after long walks.

7. Late-Night Spots (If You’re Doing Multiple Markets in a Day)

Noodle Village (Mott St)
A solid after-dark choice. Wonton soups, beef brisket noodles, and no long waits.

Pho Grand (Grand St)
If you’re craving something different after hours of dumplings and buns, pho here is a warm reset.

Wo Hop (Mott St)
Open late, neon signs, and a cult following. It’s a Chinatown classic — and tourists love the downstairs dining room.

What to See Near the Chinatown Holiday Market

When you step out of the Chinatown Holiday Market, you’re basically in the middle of half the city. Everything is a few minutes away, and the best things are the small, easy stops that people always talk about afterward.

⭐ Columbus Park

It’s right there. You’ll hear it before you see it sometimes — the card games, someone tapping on a wooden board, a guy practicing an instrument that sounds like it shouldn’t echo this nicely outdoors, but it does. Sit for five minutes. Just watch the neighborhood breathe. Travelers always say, “We didn’t expect this, but it was one of our favorite moments.”

⭐ Mott Street at Night

Take a slow walk up Mott. Nothing dramatic, just simple lights, lanterns, the kind of glow that makes everything feel warmer than it actually is. People constantly say they got their best Chinatown photos here without even trying. It’s one of those streets you can walk ten times and still enjoy.

⭐ Doyers Street

Tiny curved street. Murals. Colors popping out of nowhere. The whole thing looks like it’s hiding from the rest of Manhattan. Every time someone finds it they react the same way: “Wait, what is this place?” It’s a quick detour and absolutely worth it.

⭐ Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

Tiny shop. Big flavors. Half the time someone walks out with taro or black sesame and immediately goes, “Okay… that’s actually good.” Even in December people still line up. It’s been around forever, and you feel that when you’re inside.

⭐ Little Italy

Walk two minutes and suddenly you’re in a completely different world. Mulberry Street puts up holiday lights that make everything feel a little cinematic. Grab a cannoli or just stroll. People like the contrast — Chinatown energy on one block, Little Italy charm on the next.

⭐ African Burial Ground

If you want something quieter, head ten minutes up. It’s indoors, very calm, very real. Most visitors say they had no idea it existed until someone mentioned it. A strong stop if you want one meaningful thing mixed into your holiday wandering.

⭐ SoHo Side Streets

If you drift west, you’ll hit SoHo. Broadway is chaos in December, but the side streets are gorgeous. Cast-iron buildings, holiday windows, smaller shops that don’t scream at you. People usually come back saying, “We didn’t even plan to shop, and somehow we did.”

⭐ Manhattan Bridge Views

Walk toward the bridge and you’ll hit a little stretch where the skyline opens up in a way you don’t expect. No crowds. No influencers. Just a weirdly good view that feels like you stumbled onto something locals never fully advertise.

⭐ Dumplings, Rice Rolls, Noodles

And of course — food. Real food. The stuff people rave about later. Nom Wah on Doyers. Rice rolls on Grand. Hand-pulled noodles on Bayard. Everything is close, warm, and exactly what you need after walking around in December.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Chinatown Holiday Market

These are the little things people wish they knew before going to the Chinatown Holiday Market. Nothing dramatic — just stuff that makes the visit smoother.

Go Earlier Than You Think

If you want space to browse, aim for early afternoon. Once it gets later in the day, especially on weekends, it fills up fast. Not chaotic, but tighter. People who went around noon almost always say it felt relaxed.

Don’t Expect a Huge Market

This isn’t Bryant Park. And that’s the point. The Chinatown Holiday Market is one floor, indoors, and easy to walk through. Think quality over size. Go in knowing it’s a shorter stop and you’ll enjoy it more.

Eat Before or After — Not During

There are food pop-ups, but most people end up saying the same thing: the real move is eating nearby. Dumplings, rice rolls, noodles — all within a few blocks. Treat the market as the shopping stop, not the full meal.

Bring a Tote

You’ll probably buy more than you expect. Small gifts, prints, ceramics, snacks. Vendors usually bag things, but having a tote makes it easier, especially if you keep walking afterward.

Card Is Fine, Cash Is Smart

Most vendors take cards, but a few smaller tables move faster with cash. You don’t need much — just enough so you’re not standing there awkwardly if the Wi-Fi hiccups.

It’s Indoors, But Don’t Overheat

The market itself is warm. Outside is not. Layers help. People who overdress end up peeling jackets off five minutes in.

Bathrooms Are Limited

This comes up a lot. Plan ahead. Use a café or restaurant nearby before heading in. Once you’re upstairs, options are limited.

Pair It With Something Close

The Chinatown Holiday Market works best as part of a loop — Little Italy, SoHo, a walk over the bridge, or just wandering side streets. People who treat it as one stop in a bigger afternoon enjoy it more than those who make it the main event.

Don’t Rush the Vendors

This is a market where talking actually matters. Many sellers are the founders themselves. People often say the short conversations are what made the visit memorable, not just what they bought.

Go In With an Open Mind

Some of the best finds aren’t what you came for. A book you didn’t expect. A print you didn’t plan on buying. That’s kind of the whole charm of the Chinatown Holiday Market.

Best Hotels Near the Chinatown Holiday Market

When friends or family come to town and want to visit the Chinatown Holiday Market, we usually tell them the same thing:
don’t stay on Canal Street. Stay just off it.

You want to be close enough to walk, but far enough that you’re not hearing traffic and horns all night. SoHo, Tribeca, Bowery, and the LES edge are the sweet spots.

Hotel Mulberry

Not big rooms, but good beds and a solid setup. Easy subway access, quick walk to Chinatown, and very predictable if you like knowing exactly what you’re getting.

👉 Check availability for your exact dates

NobleDEN Hotel

This is one we recommend a lot. It’s right by Little Italy, close to Chinatown, but it feels calmer at night. People always come back saying they slept better than expected for downtown Manhattan.

👉 Check availability for your exact dates

citizenM Bowery

Not big rooms, but good beds and a solid setup. Easy subway access, quick walk to Chinatown, and very predictable if you like knowing exactly what you’re getting.

👉 Check availability for your exact dates

Walker Hotel Tribeca

Tribeca is where we send people who want quiet evenings. You’re still close to everything, but coming back at night feels different—less noise, fewer crowds.

👉 Check availability for your exact dates

Hotel 50 Bowery

This one makes sense if it’s your first NYC trip and you want everything around you. Chinatown, Little Italy, SoHo, Lower East Side—all within a few blocks. Convenient, no overthinking.

👉 Check availability for your exact dates

Moxy Lower East Side

More energy, later nights. We usually suggest this to people who don’t mind noise and like being near bars and restaurants. Still walkable to the Chinatown Holiday Market, just a different vibe.

👉 Check availability for your exact dates

Two things we always tell people

• If noise bothers you, ask for a room not facing a main street, especially Canal.
• Always check recent reviews and search for “clean” and “quiet” before booking.

If you want, tell us your budget range and we’ll narrow this down to two or three that actually make sense for you.

Is It Smart to Stay Near the Chinatown Holiday Market?

Yes — if you choose carefully. Staying near the Chinatown Holiday Market puts you within walking distance of SoHo, Little Italy, the Lower East Side, and multiple subway lines. It’s convenient, lively, and easy for short December stays.

The key is location within the location. Avoid hotels directly on Canal Street and look one or two blocks off, or on the edges toward SoHo or Tribeca. You’ll get the same walkability, better sleep, and a much calmer night.

Done right, staying near Chinatown is one of the smartest bases in downtown Manhattan.

What Visitors Really Say About the Chinatown Holiday Market

If you want the honest version of what the Chinatown Holiday Market is like, it helps to listen to people who stopped by without overthinking it — locals doing errands, travelers filling a few hours downtown, couples warming up before dinner. Their reactions tend to be consistent: it’s small, calm, and easy to enjoy.

Here’s how people describe it in their own words.

“We didn’t plan much time here, but it ended up being a really nice stop.”

Many visitors mention that they didn’t come with big expectations — and that’s part of why it worked.

“It’s not huge, but that actually made it better.”

“You can walk around without feeling rushed or crowded.”

Comparisons to Midtown markets come up often.

“After Union Square, this felt like a break.”

Being indoors matters more than people expect, especially in December.

“It was freezing outside. This felt warm and comfortable.”

“We stayed longer than planned just because it was cozy.”

Visitors also talk about the vendors.

“People actually talked to us about what they were selling.”

“It didn’t feel generic. Things felt personal.”

The size comes up again and again — usually in a positive way.

“It’s more of a short stop than a full destination.”

Not everyone is looking for a massive holiday scene, and that’s where this market fits.

“If you want a huge Christmas village, this isn’t it.”

“If you want something relaxed, it’s great.”

Most people don’t leave saying it was spectacular. They leave saying they’re glad they went. And for a lot of visitors, that’s exactly what they’re looking for when they add the Chinatown Holiday Market to a December day downtown.

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 Chinatown Holiday Market indoors or outdoors?
Indoors. It’s upstairs inside New Kam Man, so weather doesn’t matter.

Do we need tickets or reservations?
No. Just walk in.

How much time should we plan for?
About half an hour. A bit longer if you’re shopping or talking with vendors.

Is it very crowded?
Weekends get busy, especially later in the day. Early afternoon is easier. Even when it’s full, it’s calmer than Midtown markets.

Is it worth going if we already visited Bryant Park or Union Square?
Yes. It’s a different experience. Smaller, quieter, and more local.

Is it good for kids?
Yes, but don’t expect activities. Kids usually enjoy the snacks and small gift tables.

Can we bring a stroller?
You can, but it’s tighter when crowded. Earlier in the day works better.

Is there food inside?
Sometimes, but most people eat nearby. Chinatown has better options a few minutes away.

Do vendors take credit cards?
Most do. Having a little cash helps with smaller stalls.

Are prices high?
Not really. Some handmade items cost more, but people usually say prices feel fair.

Are restrooms available?
Limited. It’s easier to use a café or restaurant nearby before going in.

Can we combine this with other plans?
Yes. Little Italy, SoHo, food spots, or just walking around all fit easily.

Is it worth visiting more than once?
Many people do. Vendors and food change, and it feels different depending on the day.

Final Thoughts?

The Chinatown Holiday Market is not a big stop. And that’s fine.

You go in. You walk around. You see a few things. You probably buy one or two. Then you step back outside and you’re right in Chinatown again.

It works best when you don’t overthink it. No schedule. No pressure. Just part of the day.

If you’re already downtown in December, it makes sense to stop by. Most people do. Then they keep walking, get food, and remember it as a nice, easy moment from the trip.