Need to do some holiday shopping but don’t want to get the same old same old? New Yorkers are especially lucky when it comes to finding unique gifts, thanks to the city’s bustling holiday markets. While some took a time out last year, these popular emporiums are back and ready to help you cross items off your list. Here’s where to head for one-of-a-kind presents with special NYC flair!
Holiday Shops at Bryant Park's Winter Village
Curated by Urbanspace (the people behind the Union Square and Columbus Circle Holiday Markets) this European-inspired open-air market at Bryant Park's Winter Village hosts artisans from New York City and around the world. It's a great (and festive) spot for finding unique gifts you can't get just anywhere. See a map of all the vendors here. And of course, you can take a spin on the ice, check out the tree, grab a bite and even do some curling a the Winter Village.
Mon. - Fri., 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Through Jan. 2
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
42 Street & Sixth Ave.
Midtown
Online: bryantpark.org
Union Square Holiday Market by UrbanSpace
One of the must-visits for any discerning holiday shopper, the outdoor Union Square Holiday Market hosts more than 160 vendors selling eclectic, unique and highly-giftable goods of all kinds. See a map and a full list of vendors here.
Daily, through Dec. 24
Mon.- Fri., 11 a.m.- 8 p.m; Sat. 10 a.m., Sun., 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Union Square
Online: urbanspacenyc.com
Columbus Circle Holiday Market by UrbanSpace
The people at UrbanSpace also provide a spot for holiday shopping uptown. Located in a particularly pleasing setting—the entrance to Central Park at Columbus Circle—this holiday market hosts a curated collection of vendors selling jewelry, crafts, art, food and more. See a map and list of vendors here.
Grand Holiday Bazaar
This popular Upper West Side market features a roster of rotating independent merchants that can’t be found anywhere else. Shop from more than 100 hand-picked independent local artisans and dealers selling candles, skincare, fashion, handbags, vintage accessories and collectibles, handmade jewelry and furniture and rare antique silver and glassware. Artisanal treats are also for sale to sustain you in your shopping. Note: you can feel especially good shopping here: all profits benefit the PTAs of four local public schools.
Dec. 12 & 19, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
100 W. 77th Street at Columbus Avenue
Upper West Side
Online: grandbazaarnyc.org
Artists & Fleas x Chelsea Market Holiday Pop-Up
Chelsea Market is collaborating with famed traveling marketplace Artists & Fleas to bring an outdoor market to Chelsea this holiday season. Shop nearly a dozen vendors with unique offerings ranging from vintage clothing to jewelry to leather goods. While you're there, take in the impressive light displays of the market, enjoy mini ballet performances and live music, and grab a bite to eat at cozy outdoor dining spots. Plus: free gift-wrapping starting December 19!
Thurs. - Sun., 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., throughout December
Chelsea Market
75 Ninth Ave.
212-652-2121
Online: chelseamarket.com
The Oculus Holiday Market
Looking for a holiday market downtown? Check out The Oculus Holiday Market, where in addition to lots of vendors you'll find roaming carolers, a "snow garden" for Instagram-worthy photos and evening light shows.
A new feature of The Holiday Market at the Oculus for 2021 is a partnership with Chashama, a New York City-based art non-profit Chashama working with makers of handcrafted items. Select vendors include Loaf & Butters with homemade baked goods, Art to Ware, a curated fashion pop-up, Scent by Heaven, a home-based artisanal candlemaker and Amulet Fairy, a crystal conscious Brooklyn-based company that provides a variety of healing and decorative crystals.
Through Jan. 2
Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Westfield World Trade Center
185 Greenwich St.
Financial District
212-284-9982
Online: www.westfield.com
Artists & Fleas Williamsburg
If you're looking for something tragically hip (or just want to shop amongst them) Artists & Fleas' flagship location in Williamsburg is the place to go. The former warehouse-turned-market is open for the holidays, featuring 45 vendors selling stylish and fresh goods such as beauty and self-care products, clothing, vintage items, art and design pieces and more.
Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
70 N. St.
Williamsburg
Online: artistsandfleas.com
FAD Market
FAD Market is a curated fashion, art, and design pop-up marketplace showcasing an expansive collection of small-batch goods from local makers and small businesses. Located across two locations within close proximity, the holiday market features up-and-coming brands, designers, and small businesses based in New York City. Browse handcrafted apparel, home goods, stationery, artisanal food, accessories and more. Bonus: you can bring your dog! (Proof of vaccination and facemasks required.)
FAD Market also hosts curated events and workshops for shoppers. Sit for portraits with photographer Kristopher Johnson, hand-make untraditional holiday wreaths with Taryn Urushido, learn the art of glass beadmaking with Urban Glass, and personalize their gifts with block printing with Better Than Jam.
Dec.11 &12, 18 & 19, 11am - 6pm
FAD Market: Holiday Pop-up
The Invisible Dog Art Center
51 Bergen St.
Cobble Hill
917-775-4636
Online: fadmarket.co
St. Paul’s Church
190 Court St.
Queens Craft Brigade
This holiday market brings together the best makers of Queens for an emporium featuring artwork, food, jewelry, fashion, crafts, and more. Bring a canned good or two: donations are being collected for the Astoria food pantry.
Sat., Dec. 11 & Sat., Dec. 18, Noon- 5 p.m.
Katch Astoria
31-35-41st St.
Astoria
Online: queenscraftbrigade.com
MakerSpace NYC Holiday Market at Maker Park
The Staten Island location of MakerSpace NYC is holding an outdoor holiday market featuring handcrafted and handmade items by artists, artisans and makers, as well as vintage goods. MakerPark Radio will be providing music, and refreshments will be in hand to help keep you warm.
Dec. 5, 11 & 12, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
450 Front St.
Staten Island
Online: makerspace.nyc
Brooklyn Flea in DUMBO
There's lots to do in DUMBO this holiday season, and that includes shopping at what has been called one of the best markets in the world, Brooklyn Flea.
Find the Brooklyn Flea holiday market in the Dumbo Archway and in the Pearl Street Triangle on Sundays through December 19 from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. There are over 40 vintage and handmade vendors participating, plus live holiday music from 11:30am to 1:30pm. Warm up and fuel up with festive hot beverages and snacks from Superfine and Archway Cafe.
Sun. Dec. 12 & 19, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Dumbo Archway and in the Pearl Street Triangle
Online: brooklynflea.com
—Mimi O’Connor
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