New York City’s holiday season is as much about the experience as it is about the destination. From the familiar glow of seasonal storefronts to the aromas of freshly prepared food and the discovery of independent makers, the city’s holiday markets have become an annual tradition that brings neighborhoods together. For 2026, Urbanspace is expanding that experience with new partnerships, exclusive merchandise, additional attractions and an expanded selection of local vendors across Manhattan.
The New York-based market operator, which has been developing public markets since 1993, is returning to four familiar destinations: Bryant Park, Union Square, Columbus Circle and Herald Square. This season, however, the emphasis extends beyond holiday shopping, placing greater attention on local entrepreneurship, craftsmanship and the independent businesses that contribute to the city's cultural identity.
At the Union Square Holiday Market, a first-time partnership with Made in NYC will spotlight independent manufacturers and creative entrepreneurs. Each week, a different local vendor will take center stage, offering visitors an opportunity to meet the makers behind their products and discover businesses rooted in New York. Participating brands include Silly Sketched Pets and SloGlo. The market will also introduce limited-edition merchandise developed with NYC Parks, alongside the addition of wine and beer for visitors looking to make an afternoon of shopping.
Elsewhere, the Herald Holiday Fair is expanding its festive footprint through a partnership with the 34th Street Partnership. Building on last year's Christmas Carousel, the destination will introduce additional attractions, photo opportunities, food and beverages across Herald and Greeley Square Parks. Meanwhile, Columbus Circle Holiday Market is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an entirely new layout, including an enlarged seating area offering views of the monument.
The vendor selections further reinforce Urbanspace's interest in bringing distinctive independent businesses into high-traffic public spaces. At Bryant Park's Bank of America Winter Village, newcomers include Centuries Clayworks, Chama Mama and French-York. Union Square welcomes Brooklyn-based Danish bread company Frø, Fan-Fan Donuts and vintage fashion curator The MB Edit, founded by former fashion editor Marybeth Schmitt.
Columbus Circle introduces Smar Art, an AAPI female-owned Brooklyn art brand, alongside Fairy Greens Lavender Farm, a family-operated business committed to regenerative farming, and Seyahan Jewelry, which draws inspiration from Turkish and Anatolian craftsmanship. At Herald Holiday Fair, visitors can discover botanical jewelry from With Roots, ethically sourced Nepali teas from Nepal Tea Collective , New York-inspired artwork by artist Bryan Cardova and Granny's Batch tincan cookies.
The 2026 schedule begins with Bryant Park's Holiday Shops on October 28, continuing through February 28, 2027, while most individual shops close January 3. Union Square runs November 12 through December 24, followed by Columbus Circle from December 1 through December 31 and Herald Holiday Fair from December 3 through January 2.
For Urbanspace, the continued evolution of these markets speaks to the value of physical retail experiences in a landscape increasingly shaped by digital commerce. By creating opportunities for independent makers to connect directly with consumers, the markets offer something beyond seasonal convenience: a closer relationship between the products people purchase and the communities responsible for making them.