Christmas Shops NYC: The Best Holiday and Souvenir Spots
New York City transforms into a shopping wonderland every Holiday Season, and finding the best Christmas shops NYC has to offer is part of the holiday tradition. Whether you are looking for sparkling ornaments, festive souvenirs, or unique gifts, the city is filled with stores and markets that capture the Christmas spirit. You can wander through outdoor holiday markets like Bryant Park Winter Village, Union Square, or Columbus Circle, explore dedicated Christmas shops such as Christmas in New York and Christmas Cottage, or step into classic souvenir stores that keep the magic alive all year.
What makes Christmas shopping in New York special is the mix of experiences. You can browse handmade ornaments at a market stall, then walk a few blocks and discover quirky design gifts in SoHo or holiday toys at FAO Schwarz. The variety is endless, from iconic department stores like Macy’s with its Holiday Lane to independent shops where every corner feels festive.
This guide brings together the top Christmas shops, markets, and souvenir spots so you know exactly where to go. For more inspiration, check our complete article on the Best Things to Do at Christmas in NYC. And if you want daily videos and live updates from the streets of New York City, follow us on Instagram at @MyChristmasinNewYorkCity.
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Christmas Shops NYC: Holiday Markets You Can’t Miss
New York City’s Christmas markets are among the most magical places to shop during the holidays. Operated mainly by Urbanspace, these festive markets fill the city with artisan gifts, ornaments, and delicious holiday treats. Visiting them is one of the best ways to experience Christmas shopping in NYC.
The Union Square Holiday Market is one of the biggest and liveliest, with rows of decorated stalls selling handmade jewelry, wooden toys, and festive souvenirs. Its downtown location makes it easy to combine with other Christmas attractions nearby. We also visit Union Square with our Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour, making it a stress-free way to enjoy the market.
The Bryant Park Winter Village is perhaps the most iconic. With its large skating rink, holiday shops, and food hall, it attracts visitors from around the world. Here you’ll find more than 100 boutiques offering ornaments, winter accessories, and global treats. Guests on our Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour even enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate at Bryant Park, the perfect way to warm up after shopping.
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market, at the entrance to Central Park, is smaller but has a cozy and elegant feel. It’s perfect for handmade art, crafts, and gourmet food, with the backdrop of Central Park lights.
Even Macy’s Herald Square joins the fun with outdoor holiday shops and indoor markets. A must-see is Holiday Lane on the ninth floor, where dazzling displays surround ornaments, stockings, and decorations you can bring home.
Full-Time Christmas Shops in NYC for Ornaments and Souvenirs
Beyond the seasonal holiday markets, New York is home to dedicated Christmas shops that stay open year-round. These stores are perfect if you want to bring home a festive souvenir or add something special to your tree.
Christmas in New York is the most famous. With locations in Little Italy, Brooklyn, Dumbo, and a pop-up inside all the Christmas markets, this shop offers thousands of ornaments, nutcrackers, and holiday decorations. It’s one of the few places where you can shop for Christmas items in every season, making it a favorite for locals and visitors alike. It’s also included in our New York Movie Tour, where you even have the chance to reserve your own Turtle Doves ornament, a keepsake inspired by Home Alone 2. These ornaments often sell out during the holiday season, so securing them early is a big advantage.
Another classic is the Christmas Cottage, located in Midtown Manhattan. This family-run store is packed with ornaments, garlands, and holiday figurines. Its cozy atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve stepped into Santa’s workshop. Shoppers love browsing its shelves for traditional keepsakes and timeless gifts.
Both of these stores are must-visits if you’re looking for authentic Christmas decorations or want to relive the holiday spirit long after December ends.
Classic NYC Souvenir Shops with a Christmas Twist
Not every store in New York is a dedicated Christmas shop, but some souvenir stores add a festive touch that makes them perfect stops during the holiday season. These shops are great for finding New York-themed gifts, snow globes, and ornaments that capture the magic of the city at Christmas.
Memories of New York, located in the Flatiron District, is one of the best-known souvenir shops in the city. Along with Christmas ornaments, mugs, and postcards, you’ll also find the classic I Love New York items that never go out of style. These standard souvenirs remain some of the most popular gifts to bring back home.
In the heart of Times Square, Grand Slam New York offers another large collection of souvenirs with a holiday focus. From festive ornaments to city-themed T-shirts, it also stocks the iconic I Love New York merchandise that visitors love to buy. Its central location makes it the perfect place to shop while exploring the bright lights of Midtown Manhattan.
Both shops are open year-round but feel extra magical in December, when the city’s Christmas energy spills inside. They are ideal for visitors who want to bring home a piece of New York without spending too much time searching for the perfect souvenir.
Unique and Quirky Gift Shops in NYC
If you’re looking for something more original than standard souvenirs, New York is full of quirky gift shops that make Christmas shopping extra fun.
Fishs Eddy is famous for its witty mugs, plates, and New York–themed kitchenware. It’s a great place to pick up gifts that are both practical and playful.
The MoMA Design Store offers stylish, modern holiday gifts ranging from art-inspired ornaments to exclusive design objects. It’s ideal if you want something creative and unique.
For book lovers, Barnes & Noble and the Strand Bookstore are must-visits. Both carry New York–themed books, puzzles, and Christmas editions that make thoughtful gifts.
At The Plaza Shops, you’ll find elegant boutiques beneath the iconic hotel, selling everything from luxury accessories to Christmas keepsakes. They even feature Home Alone II inspired items, making it a must-visit for kids and movie lovers who want a festive souvenir tied to one of the most famous Christmas films set in New York.
Smaller stores like Random Accessories and Patches & Pins offer fun, low-budget gifts that are perfect for stocking stuffers or quirky souvenirs.
Trendy Boutiques and Local Markets for Holiday Shopping
Some of the best Christmas shopping in NYC comes from small boutiques and markets where creativity shines.
Mure and Grand is known for trendy accessories and playful jewelry, often with a festive twist during the holidays.
PIQ Midtown West specializes in colorful, pop-culture gifts, while in Soho, Little Market NYC focuses on artisan goods and sustainable gifts, ideal for visitors seeking something meaningful.
At Chelsea Market, you can browse dozens of independent shops selling food, crafts, and design items, all wrapped in a festive atmosphere.
Finally, Delphinium Home in Hell’s Kitchen offers creative home décor and lifestyle gifts, a neighborhood favorite for unique holiday finds.
Another hidden gem is New York Factory Tile, a Japanese artisan shop that recently opened in NYC. It specializes in handmade ceramic pieces, from plates and mugs to chopstick holders and jewelry, along with unique aroma diffuser tiles that release scents when paired with essential oils. Many items are themed for New York, making them perfect as stylish and thoughtful holiday gifts.
Big Brand Stores in NYC for Christmas Shopping
New York is also home to some of the most famous flagship stores in the world, making them must-visit stops for Christmas shopping. These big brands transform their spaces with festive décor, limited-edition items, and holiday displays that attract families and visitors from around the globe.
The legendary FAO Schwarz at Rockefeller Center is one of the most Christmassy places in the city. Famous for its giant piano and whimsical displays, it’s packed with toys, games, and plush characters that make unforgettable holiday gifts.
At the LEGO Store, creativity takes center stage. Kids and adults alike will love the massive builds on display and the chance to design custom LEGO sets, many with seasonal themes.
Gamers will enjoy the Nintendo Store in Rockefeller Center, which features exclusive merchandise and special holiday releases.
For Harry Potter fans, the Harry Potter New York store is a magical destination with holiday-themed décor and collectibles inspired by the Wizarding World.
Finally, the American Girl Place offers dolls, accessories, and a festive atmosphere that makes it a holiday favorite for families.
Each of these flagship stores is worth visiting during the holiday season, both for the shopping and the spectacular decorations that turn them into full Christmas experiences.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Best Christmas Shops NYC
Christmas shopping in New York is more than just buying gifts, it’s part of the holiday experience. From festive holiday markets like Bryant Park and Union Square to full-time stores such as Christmas Cottage and Christmas in New York, the city is filled with places where you can find unique ornaments, souvenirs, and one-of-a-kind presents. Even classic souvenir shops and flagship brands like FAO Schwarz or the LEGO Store turn into magical destinations in December.
If you plan to shop during the holidays, a good tip is to go early in the day or on weekdays when markets and stores are less crowded. Remember that most shops are closed on Christmas Day itself, so finish your shopping before December 25.
For the most stress-free way to experience the city’s Christmas spirit, join one of our guided tours. Our Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour takes you through Union Square Christmas Market and festive lights without the hassle of planning. The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour includes a free hot chocolate stop at Bryant Park Winter Village, while the New York Movie Tour brings you to Christmas in New York, where you can even reserve your own Turtle Doves ornament from Home Alone II. And if you want the perfect Christmas morning, our Christmas Morning in Manhattan Tour with Papillon Restaurant offers a reserved holiday table with skip-the-line access in the best Christmas Restaurant in NYC!
With so many shops and experiences, New York truly is one of the most Christmassy places in the world.
Author: Written by Dora Formica on behalf of My Christmas in New York
