This gluten-free guide is your ultimate resource
for navigating New York City’s holiday markets.
It’s the time of year where New York City turns into a festive winter wonderland. The holiday decorations are all over the storefront windows and office buildings. The holiday markets are bustling with activity and open for business.
The three most popular holiday markets are the Bryant Park Winter Village, The Columbus Circle Holiday Market, and the Union Square Holiday Market. Some of the seasonal vendors are at all three markets, but not always. Each holiday market has it’s own unique feel and it is worth visiting all of them to get yourself in a festive mode.
This gluten-free guide to the holiday markets is meant to be a general overview of possible gluten-free options. Keep in mind that many of these kiosks are super tiny so the food is prepped in shared kitchens. It is always best to ask questions about the gluten-free options at each vendor.
Gluten-Free Guide to New York City Holiday Markets
Bryant Park Winter Village
Bryant Park was just named the best Christmas market in the world for 2023 by Planet Cruise. Located between 40th and 42nd Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues and right behind the New York Public Library Schwarzman Building, this market is centrally located in Manhattan just a few short blocks from Times Square.
Map of the Bryant Park Holiday Market
Activities
- SHOPPING! Shops open daily through January 2nd.
- Ice skating and lessons
- Cozy Igloos
- Bumper cars on ice
- Curling Cafe
- Holiday Shops
- Santa’s Corner
- Carousel
Gluten-Free Options
Baked Cheese Haus – Raclette potato booth only!
Booth #N56
A gluten-free booth that serves only melted cheese on top of potatoes. What could be better?
Enfes NYC
Booth #S11
Gluten-free options include cauliflower bowls, lamb bowls, and gyro bowls. The hummus, dolma, and babaganoush sides are also gluten-free.
German Bratwurst
Booth #S22
All sausages are gluten-free without the bun. All sauces are gluten-free too. Fries should be in a dedicated fryer, but please confirm when you visit.
Home Frite
Booth #S17
Another fan favorite from Smorgasburg, Home Frite has ONE dedicated gluten-free french fry fryer. Be sure to confirm when you order. All sauces are gluten-free. They also sell a liquid s’mores drink that can be made gluten-free without the graham cracker.
Koukli “Saucy” Greek
Booth #R2
All skewers, salads, and fries are gluten-free. Make sure to request your skewer without pita bread.
The Laksa Shop
Booth #S29
The vegetarian curry laksa soup is gluten-free and vegan. Tamari is used for seasoning instead of regular soy sauce. The laksa is typically served with rice noodles or egg noodles so be sure to request rice noodles and tell the staff you are gluten-free.
Max Brenner Chocolates
Booth #R4
Important Note: I am only posting this as an FYI because not everyone reading this blog has celiac disease!
Max Brenner Chocolate are produced in a manufacturing facility that also produces items containing peanuts, tree nuts, soy, milk, sesame, eggs, wheat and/or gluten. They recommend that individuals with sensitivities to any of these allergens do not consume their products.
No Chewing Allowed
Booth #E36
The company says that the Salted Toffee and Pistachio Macaron truffles contain gluten. All other truffle flavors may contain traces of gluten. Proceed with caution.
Palenque Empanadas
Booth #N61
Important Note: While this booth claims to be entirely gluten-free, I would proceed with caution. At their Union Square market last year, they were serving regular hot dog buns on a menu they said was totally GF and their staff seemed rather clueless when I asked my normal questions. I was just as confused as they were. I would ask A LOT of questions before eating here.
Pickle Me Pete
Booth #W23
All fresh pickles are gluten-free. The fried pickles are NOT safe.
United Chocolate Works
Booth #W22
Important to note that while many of the chocolates are no gluten ingredients, the chocolates are made in a shared facility.
Whoopie Company
Booth #S19
Gluten-free options available but I have no received any additional information about being made in a shared kitchen. I would ask the owner when you arrive.
Union Square Holiday Market
Located at the south end of Union Square Park, this market is all about the shopping. The artisan shops are fun to browse and find one-of-a-kind gifts for your friends and family.
To be honest, the gluten-free options are limited at this market. If you are looking for a fun and festive gluten-free meal after visiting the Union Square holiday market, head over to Rosa Mexicano on 18th Street. Or you can walk down 14th Street to Modern Bread and Bagel in Chelsea.
Interactive Map of Union Square Holiday Market
Gluten-Free Options
Palenque Empanadas
Booth #G7
Important Note: While this booth claims to be entirely gluten-free, I would proceed with caution. At their Union Square market last year, they were serving regular hot dog buns on a menu they said was totally GF and their staff seemed rather clueless when I asked my normal questions. I was just as confused as they were. I would ask A LOT of questions before eating here.
The Boiis Co.
Booth #G1
From the company website: “Our Tofu Mochi Bites and The Boiis Co™ Basque Mochi Cheesecake are all gluten free. Please note that we do offer toppings and drizzles (for Tofu Mochi Bites) , but these aren’t gluten free. We’ve recently added our Vegan and Gluten Free Ube Mochi Filled Cookies.”
United Chocolate Works
Booth #H2
Important to note that while many of the chocolates are no gluten ingredients, the chocolates are made in a shared facility.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
This is definitely the smallest of the three holiday markets with the least gluten-free options. Visit this market for high-end artisan gifts. This market is located on the southwest side of Central Park.
Smallest market, smallest number of options. I highly recommend walking slightly downtown to Senza Gluten by Jemiko (dedicated gluten-free) or uptown to Pappardella (gluten-free menu) after doing some shopping here.
Interactive Map of Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Gluten-Free Options
D’Abruzzo NYC
Booth #F9
A favorite of mine from Smorgasburg, this booth serves meat skewers roasted with olive oil and sea salt.
No Chewing Allowed
Booth #E36
The company says that the Salted Toffee and Pistachio Macaron truffles contain gluten. All other truffle flavors may contain traces of gluten. Proceed with caution.
Are you looking for even more customized recommendations for visiting New York City this holiday season? Let me help you build your dream trip! Contact me via Thatch and use code HOLIDAY2023 for 15% off all services and guides.
Thanks for this great information! In the midst of the crowds it’s really hard to ask those questions and get good information!
Thanks Beth. You are so right, in the midst of the crowds, it is hard to ask the right questions. Happy holidays!
Thank you Erin! This is so helpful and informative.
Your acts of kindness and generosity of spirit are deeply appreciated.
Thank you so much Marianne. Happy holidays!
How good of you to list gluten free location options. Happy Holidays! Erica