Macy’s on 34th Street in Manhattan is the world’s most famous department store, and they have turned the lower levels and the outdoor plaza into a dazzling holiday market! More than just its iconic holiday windows, or meeting with Santa, the department store has the savvy holiday shopper knowing the real magic (and the best gifts) are found inside, specifically with an amazing collaboration with Urbanspace from now through January 4, 2026.
Packed with local New York vendors, artisan treats, and genuinely cool stuff you won't find anywhere else, this is your personal five-point guide to exploring Macy’s Holiday Square like a true New Yorker.
1. The Unique Gifts of Lower Level
First stop: Explore the lower Level of Holiday Square. This market is a dream for those needing a unique gift ASAP. It's indoors, heated, and packed with over 30 specialty vendors making it feel less "department store" and more "Soho pop-up."
Think curated, high-end market meets holiday efficiency. You're hitting up vendors like Feste for chic, festive partyware, or Poured New York for hand-poured, locally made candles and mists that smell amazing. It’s perfect for finding that small, perfect item.
2. International Bites and Local Flavor
You will not survive holiday shopping without fuel, and Holiday Square delivers big time. This isn't just another pretzel stand; it's a global food tour in one stop!
Seek out Joey Bats for their authentic Portuguese pastéis de nata (these warm, flaky custard tarts are a MUST). Then hit up Brooklyn Dumpling Shop for creative, Asian-inspired dumplings (they are so good, I ordered a second helping). If you need a caffeine jolt, Tea & Milk is there with elevated bubble tea and ceremonial matcha. It’s the kind of high-quality, diverse food that defines New York City all within one convenient location.
3. Personalized Custom Gifts
Holiday Square vendors make customization easy. No more last-minute online purchases necessary—you're creating personalized keepsakes and memories that last forever.
Swing by vendors like Christmas in New York City for personalized ornaments or check out the beaded, inspirational bracelets from Little Words Project for a gift that’s unique and meaningful. For the coolest leather goods, Glad & Young offers colorful, handcrafted wallets and accessories with customizable options. You get the credit for the creativity without the actual labor—genius!
4. Support NYC Historical Sweet Spots
Don't let the new pop-ups distract you from the city's actual confectionery history. The market is an amazing place to secure gifts from legendary NYC businesses.
Grab truffles and luxury treats from Li-Lac Chocolates, a historic NYC company that has been handcrafting sweets since 1923. Or, for a truly iconic (and delicious) New York donut experience, visit Doughnut Plant for their artisanal, handcrafted creations. This is how you taste the city's historical holiday tradition.
5. Explore the Outdoor Holiday Market
Once you've conquered the interior, step outside to the Urbanspace’s Herald Square Holiday Market on the plaza outside Macy's. This expands the vendor count dramatically, giving you a proper, fresh-air market experience.
Explore unique gifts like the mechanical puzzles from Wacky Wonderworks or the fun, dog-themed merchandise from Sabyloo. And for the ultimate street food, you can find Gnocchi on 9th for to-go Italian goodness.
It’s the perfect way to wrap up your holiday spree with a warm meal and one last weird, perfect gift. And do not forget to meet Santa Claus at Santaland NYC (reservations starting November 23rd)!
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