Columbus Circle Christmas Market 2025: Complete NYC Guide
Planning to visit the Columbus Circle Christmas Market in 2025? This popular holiday market in New York City returns with festive gifts, handcrafted goods, and seasonal food, all in one of Manhattan’s most scenic locations.
Set at the southwest corner of Central Park, the Columbus Circle holiday market is one of the top Christmas markets in NYC. It combines charming wooden stalls with a cozy, European-style atmosphere. Whether you’re shopping for unique holiday gifts or simply enjoying the decorations, it’s a must during the NYC Christmas season.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know: from opening dates and hours, to what to buy, where to eat, and how to make the most of your visit.
If you want a full overview of the NYC holiday season, don’t miss our guides to the best things to do at Christmas in New York and our 2025 holiday timeline with all key dates.
Let’s explore the Christmas market at Columbus Circle and see why it remains a holiday favorite in New York.
Table of Contents
What Is the Columbus Circle Christmas Market?
The Columbus Circle Christmas Market is one of New York City’s most iconic holiday shopping destinations. Every December, this festive outdoor market transforms the southwest entrance of Central Park into a charming winter village.
Also known as the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, it features over 100 stalls filled with holiday gifts, seasonal treats, and handcrafted items. Visitors can browse through sparkling displays of art, jewelry, home goods, ornaments, and more. Each created by local designers and artisans.
The setting itself is part of the magic. Located at the entrance to Central Park and just steps from Lincoln Center, the market combines a cozy Christmas ambiance with scenic city views. You’ll hear festive music, smell cinnamon and hot chocolate, and see twinkling lights as you stroll through the aisles.
Organized by UrbanSpace, the market has become a must-visit for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts or simply soaking up the atmosphere, the Christmas market at Columbus Circle offers one of the most elegant and memorable holiday experiences in New York.
Let’s now look at when the market opens for the 2025 season.
When Does the Columbus Circle Christmas Market Open in 2025?
The Columbus Circle Christmas Market 2025 officially opens on Tuesday, December 2 and runs until Wednesday, December 31. It remains closed on Christmas Day, and on New Year’s Eve, it closes early at 4:00 PM.
The market operates from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, and from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. These extended weekend hours make it easy to visit, even with a busy holiday schedule.
Since this is one of the last holiday markets to open in New York, it’s a great option for visitors arriving in mid or late December. You can enjoy the festive atmosphere and shop for last-minute gifts without missing out.
If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, consider visiting in the morning or on weekdays.
Where Is the Market and How to Get There?
The Columbus Circle Christmas Market is located at the southwest corner of Central Park, right at the intersection of 59th Street, Central Park West, Broadway, and Eighth Avenue. This iconic location places the market in the heart of Manhattan, just steps away from Lincoln Center, The Shops at Columbus Circle, and the entrance to Central Park.
Getting to the Christmas market at Columbus Circle is easy by subway. The 59th Street–Columbus Circle station is served by the A, B, C, D, and 1 trains. When you exit the station, the market is right outside.
You can also reach the area by walking from Midtown or by taking a short cab or bus ride. It’s a very central and walkable part of the city, especially during the holiday season.
Because of its location, visiting the Columbus Circle NYC Christmas Market also gives you the chance to explore nearby sights, go ice skating in Central Park, or stop by Lincoln Center’s tree and lights.
Up next, we’ll cover the market’s hours and when it’s best to visit.
Columbus Circle Christmas Market Hours and Best Time to Visit
The Columbus Circle holiday market opens from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, and 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekends, throughout December. Most visitors arrive in the afternoon, especially after 4:00 PM when locals finish work and tourists return from sightseeing.
If you prefer a quieter experience, the best time to visit is in the morning when the market first opens. Weekdays are also calmer than Saturdays and Sundays. This is ideal if you want to take your time browsing or snapping photos without the crowds.
Evenings, on the other hand, feel more festive. That’s when the lights glow brightest, and the atmosphere feels magical. The stalls are fully stocked, and you’ll hear music and smell holiday treats in the air.
Just remember: the market is closed on December 25 and closes early at 4:00 PM on New Year’s Eve. Try not to leave your visit to the very last minute.
Next, let’s explore what kinds of gifts and unique items you can buy at the Columbus Circle Christmas Market.
Vendors, Gifts, and What to Buy in 2025
Looking for unique holiday gifts in New York? The Columbus Circle Christmas Market is the perfect place to find something special. Every year, the market features a handpicked selection of vendors offering locally made crafts, art, jewelry, home goods, and holiday decorations.
You won’t find mass-produced souvenirs here. Instead, the stalls are filled with one-of-a-kind items created by independent artists and designers from New York and beyond. From scented candles to handmade scarves, from quirky prints to Christmas ornaments, the market is full of gift ideas for every budget.
This is also one of the best places in Manhattan to do your last-minute Christmas shopping. Whether you’re buying for family, friends, or just yourself, the selection is thoughtful, creative, and full of personality.
The mix of stalls changes slightly each year, but the focus always stays the same: quality gifts with a personal touch. Many of the Columbus Circle Christmas Market vendors are small businesses you won’t find elsewhere, making this experience even more meaningful.
Food and Drinks at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Shopping is just the beginning. One of the best parts of the Columbus Circle holiday market is the food. Between the gift stalls, you’ll find cozy vendors serving warm, seasonal bites perfect for a chilly December day in New York.
Craving something sweet? You’ll likely find hot chocolate, fresh-baked cookies, candied nuts, and holiday pastries. Want something savory? Look out for grilled cheese sandwiches, pierogies, gourmet pretzels, or even empanadas from local NYC favorites.
The food selection changes every year, but it always reflects the diversity of New York City. Everything is easy to eat on the go, so you can snack as you browse. It’s the ideal spot for a quick holiday bite or a festive treat after a walk through Central Park.
The warm smells, twinkling lights, and cozy food stalls make this a truly sensory experience. One of the reasons why so many return year after year.
Next, don’t miss what’s waiting just steps away: some of the most beautiful indoor Christmas decorations in NYC.
Don’t Miss the Christmas Decorations Inside The Shops at Columbus Circle
Right next to the outdoor market, you’ll find one of the most magical indoor Christmas displays in New York. Step inside The Shops at Columbus Circle, and you’ll be greeted by a stunning canopy of oversized, illuminated stars hanging from the ceiling of the Time Warner Center.
These glowing stars are a holiday favorite. They light up in sync with festive music and change colors throughout the day. If you’re looking for an indoor holiday photo spot, this is one of the best. The show is free to enjoy and visible from multiple floors inside the shopping center.
This makes the Columbus Circle New York Christmas Market experience even more complete. After browsing the outdoor stalls, you can warm up inside, grab a coffee, and admire the beautiful decorations.
You’ll also find luxury stores, cozy cafes, and public restrooms. Ideal for a quick break from the cold. It’s a great way to extend your visit and enjoy another side of the holiday season at Columbus Circle.
Conclusion: Is Columbus Circle Christmas Market Worth Visiting in 2025?
Absolutely. The Columbus Circle Christmas Market is one of the most charming holiday experiences in New York. What makes it special is its location. It’s right on the edge of Central Park with views of the city skyline, and it has an elegant, boutique feel. Columbus Circle Holiday Market offers a relaxed and curated atmosphere, perfect for those looking to enjoy the holidays at a slower pace.
It also combines outdoor and indoor holiday magic. You can shop for handcrafted gifts under twinkling lights, then step inside The Shops at Columbus Circle to see the famous illuminated star display. Few other holiday markets offer that cozy blend of festive sights, sounds, and shopping in such a compact and scenic setting.
If you’re staying in Midtown or exploring the Upper West Side, it’s a must-see stop. But for a full Christmas-in-New-York experience, we also recommend visiting the Bryant Park Winter Village, and Union Square Christmas Market.
Want to explore more of New York’s best holiday spots? Our Christmas tours are designed to show you the most iconic lights, markets, and festive landmarks, day or night. Whether you prefer a cozy morning walk or an evening filled with lights and stories, our guided experiences help you make the most of Christmas in the city.
Author: Written by Dora Formica on behalf of My Christmas in New York
