Perched at the southwest corner of Central Park, the Columbus Circle Holiday Market packs a concentrated selection of artisans and food vendors into a compact footprint. The park trees frame the stalls, and the location makes it an easy add-on to a walk through the park or a visit to Lincoln Center.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market 2026
Dates and Location
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Columbus Circle dates: 1st to 31st December 2026
Last checked: July 2026
Source: Urbanspace
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Location: Central Park at 59th Street and Central Park West.
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 11am to 8pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
New Year’s Eve: 11am to 4pm.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: Yes, at Wollman Rink.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Prime city location, unmatched accessibility. Renowned for artisanal craftsmanship and food specialties.
Specialities: New York pretzels. Hot apple cider. Freshly baked gingerbread. Local food trucks are diverse and innovative.
Where to stay: JW Marriott Essex House is 5-minutes away.
Nearby Hotels
If you visit NYC, consider staying near Central Park and Columbus Circle. Access to the nearby theatre district, home to many Broadway shows, makes it a convenient place to stay if that’s what interests you. I recommend the JW Marriott Essex in this area.
Read our complete guide to the NYC Holiday Markets.
Event Location
Explore the full guide to the best Christmas markets in the USA.
What to Expect
Among the many food vendors, you’ll discover local specialties such as New York pretzels and hot apple cider, which add to the overall festive atmosphere of this distinctive NYC event. A complete list of specialties is further below.
At the Food Stalls
- New York Pretzels: Not your average pretzel, New York pretzels are large, soft, and have a subtle exterior crunch. Vendors often serve them warm with a sprinkling of coarse salt, and they are a favourite on-the-go snack for both locals and tourists.
- Hot Apple Cider: A beloved warm drink in winter, hot apple cider is made by simmering apple juice with spices like cinnamon and cloves.
- Gingerbread: Quintessential to any winter market, stalls sell delicious gingerbread in various forms, from beautifully decorated gingerbread people to intricately assembled gingerbread houses.
- Roasted Chestnuts: The sweet, nutty aroma of roasted chestnuts is a distinctive scent that fills the air. They are usually roasted over an open fire and served warm.
- Bratwurst: These German-style sausages are typically grilled and served in a bun with a selection of mustards.
- Mulled Wine: Derived from European Christmas traditions, mulled wine is crafted by gently heating red wine with various aromatic spices, orange peel, and occasionally a hint of brandy.
- Candied Nuts: Vendors at the market sell candied nuts, including almonds, pecans, and peanuts.
- Churros: These classic Spanish doughnut-like pastries are deep-fried, coated in sugar, and often served with rich chocolate dipping sauce.
- Local Food Trucks: Columbus Circle is also home to a variety of food trucks offering innovative street food. From Korean tacos to vegan falafel bowls, there’s a wealth of global flavours to be discovered.
- Eggnog: A classic holiday drink, eggnog is a creamy blend of milk, cream, sugar, whipped egg whites, and egg yolks. It’s typically spiced with nutmeg and sometimes given a kick with a splash of rum or bourbon.
What to Buy
- Ornaments: Numerous stalls at the market sell handmade ornaments, ranging from delicate glass baubles to wooden trinkets.
- Local Artwork: The market features numerous stalls showcasing local artists and their works. Purchasing one of these pieces supports local talent and makes for a unique gift.
- Gourmet Food: Specialty food items are in high demand at the market. Stalls carry items like artisanal cheeses, locally sourced honey, handmade chocolates and small-batch hot sauce.
- Beauty Products: Beauty products made from local and natural ingredients are also standard. Organic soaps, hand creams, lip balms and bath bombs are popular purchases, perfect for creating a spa-like experience at home.
- Hand-Knits: Given the chilly weather, stalls selling hand-knit items, such as scarves, hats, and gloves, are a common sight.
- Unique Cards: Several stalls offer unique Christmas and Holiday cards, often hand-drawn or painted.
Sustainability Tips
- Renewable Energy: Consider staying in a hotel that uses renewable energy sources to support the transition to lower-emission energy.
- Reduce Food Waste: Be mindful of your portions when ordering food at the market or nearby restaurants to minimise waste. You could also take a reusable container with you for any leftovers.
- Ethical Consumption: Prioritise shopping from vendors who use ethical practices, like those selling handmade or fair-trade products. Also, only purchase what you need and avoid impulse buys.
- Sustainable Diet: Try some plant-based food options available at your local market. Vegan and vegetarian dishes are not only delicious but also have a smaller environmental footprint.
- Sustainable Transport: Reduce your carbon footprint by using public transport or walking where possible. Columbus Circle is well-connected by the subway and is within walking distance of many major attractions.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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