Grand Central Holiday Fair Returns With 45 Vendors

Grand Central Terminal's holiday fair returns Nov 17-Jan 5 with 45 vendors and light show

Grand Central adds 45 vendors to holiday fair

Grand Central Terminal's annual holiday fair returns with 45 vendors, live performances, and a festive light show, transit officials said. The fair opens November 17 and runs through January 5, offering commuters and visitors an expanded seasonal shopping experience in Vanderbilt Hall. Catherine Sheridan, President of MTA Metro-North Railroad, said the fair's become a beloved tradition for New Yorkers and visitors alike.

Terminal transforms into holiday destination

The 2025 fair builds on Grand Central's century-long tradition of serving as more than just a transit hub. The terminal opened in 1913 and has hosted special events and celebrations throughout its history, including a major centennial celebration in 2013. Major transit stations across the country increasingly serve as community gathering spaces, with Philadelphia's 30th Street Station and Washington's Union Station hosting similar seasonal markets. Officials said this year's expanded offerings aim to capture the magic of the season while enhancing the commuter experience.

Fair features entertainment and decorations

The holiday fair will feature live musical performances including carolers and musicians throughout its run, officials said. A holiday light show will be projected on the Main Concourse ceiling, the same architectural feature restored during the terminal's 1998 renovation project. Festive decorations will appear throughout the terminal, though officials haven't specified which vendors will participate or what products they'll offer. The fair opens with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:00 AM on November 17.

Fair runs through early January

The holiday fair will operate Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, officials said. The 50-day event runs from November 17, 2025, through January 5, 2026, extending the holiday celebration into the new year. Officials announced the fair in late October to give vendors and visitors time to plan.

Commuters can plan visits around schedules

The fair's extended hours accommodate both commuters passing through during rush hour and visitors making special trips to experience the holiday atmosphere. Grand Central serves approximately 750,000 daily commuters, giving the fair significant exposure throughout its run. Moovit provides real-time updates for Metro-North Railroad trains serving Grand Central Terminal.