The most wonderful time of the year is on its way, and we all know how over the top NYC behaves during the holiday season, from its light displays to its holiday themed bars and restaurants and, of course, all the city’s festive holiday markets. In other words, the holiday season in NYC can definitely be overwhelming, but we know just what to prioritize on your holiday bucket list.
Travel experts at InsureandGo recently analyzed online search data to find which cities are currently seeing the biggest spikes in online interest for Christmas markets compared to the same period last year. By doing so they were able to determine the top trending Christmas markets for 2024. And we can’t say we’re surprised that two New York City Christmas markets found their way on the top ten!
The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park came in at number two, with a 311% increase in online search popularity versus July – September 2023. The ranking writes:
Bryant Park’s Christmas Market is a must-see attraction. The longest running holiday market in the city, visitors can shop at artisanal stalls, warm up with steaming cups of mulled wine or hot chocolate, and enjoy free admission to the ice-skating rink, which stays open until March.
Lucky for us, the Bryant Park Winter Village is already open for the season–it even opened before Halloween, at that–so you can get a head start on your holiday shopping. The beloved open-air market features over 170 artisanal vendors selling unique gifts, and they’ll be open through Sunday, January 5, 2025.
And, beyond the vendors, the market is also home to its iconic ice skating rink, a Curling Cafe & Bar, Cozy Igloos, and The Lodge, a covered, outdoor “après skate escape.”
Union Square Holiday Market came in at number ten with an 84% increase in online search popularity versus July – September 2023.
Though not open yet–it’ll be open November 16th through December 24th–Union Square’s Holiday Market will feature over 150 local vendors selling the most unique holiday gifts, with everything from clothing to food and everything in between. Plus, new to the market this year is the chance for American shoppers to have the ability to purchase items online from a curated selection of market vendors thanks to Urbanspace’s new partnership with KewlStreet.
CEO Chris Rolland stated:
Christmas is a thrilling time to visit new cities around the world, made all the more magical with the buzz of the festivities taking place around you, as well as getting to experience how other cultures celebrate this season.
According to the ranking, the ten most popular Christmas markets in the world are as follows:
1. Skansen Christmas Market, Sweden
2. Winter Village at Bryant Park, United States
3. Covent Garden Christmas Market, United Kingdom
4. Tivoli Christmas Market, Denmark
5. Distillery Winter Village, Canada
6. Blenheim Palace Christmas Market, United Kingdom
7. Montreux Noël, Switzerland
8. Frankfurt Christmas Market, United Kingdom
9. Downtown Holiday Market, United States
10. Union Square Holiday Market, United States
And while we’re on the topic of holiday shopping, be sure to check out some of our favorite local businesses!