Winter has arrived, meaning it’s officially time for festive lights, ice skating, and of course, holiday markets in New York. You haven’t truly experienced the holiday season in the city without paying a visit to one of these festive hotspots of unique crafts, delicious food, and cheerful atmosphere. This year, there are markets located all over the city sure to fill you with spirit and warmth — and help you cross some gifts off your list. Here are our picks for the 12 best 2023 holiday markets in NYC.
The Best Holiday Markets in Manhattan
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Where: Columbus Circle & Central Park South
When: Nov. 28 to Dec. 31
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is a must-do if you’re stopping in Central Park to see the lights or skate at Wollman Rink. This is one of three Kewl Street (by Urbanspace) markets in Manhattan, which are always guaranteed to bring great vendors of jewelry, apparel, accessories, beauty and wellness goods, art, and food. Check out the full vendor list to get a feel for the offerings. Try everything from Belgian waffles from Wafels & Dinge to delicious dim sum from Dipping Dumplings.
Union Square Holiday Market
Where: 201 Park Avenue South
When: Nov. 16 to Dec. 24
Another Urbanspace offering, this NYC holiday market boasts over 150 vendors, offering everything from color-it-yourself Christmas stockings to Swedish dishcloths to mini terrariums. Food and drink are aplenty as well — grab a crepe and hot chocolate from United Chocolate Works or a mini pie from Winter Pie Shop. The park really looks entirely different at night with all the lights, bringing all the cozy vibes.
Winter Village at Bryant Park
Where: Bryant Park, between W. 40th and 42nd St and 5th Avenue and Avenue of the Americas
When: Oct. 27 to Jan. 2
For a slightly more upscale holiday market, visit the winter wonderland of Winter Village at Bryant Park. The centerpiece here is the 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink, which brings a distinctly holiday feel to the area, and is free for anyone — though there is a fee to rent skates. You can also rent your own cozy igloo, complete with a carafe of hot chocolate or cider.
The booths here in Bryant Park — also managed by Urbanspace — actually look like little houses, making the whole space truly feel like a little winter village in the middle of the city.
This is a good place to get unique gifts for anyone on your list who would appreciate something classy or different — like a decorative bowl made of recycled chopsticks. You can also find some pretty interesting foods to try here, like baked cheese and fried pickles.
Manhattan Homes Under $1M on StreetEasy Article continues below
Grand Central Holiday Fair
Where: Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Station
When: Nov. 13 to Dec. 24
If it’s cold outside, you can head inside and warm up at the Grand Central Holiday Fair. Grand Central Terminal is a magical place year-round, but during the holidays it’s home to a long-running holiday market full of goodies to uncover. This market may not be as big as the outdoor ones, with just 36 stalls, but it’s a quaint spot to visit. Shop for jewelry, crafts, decor, and more.
Grand Holiday Bazaar
Where: Grand Bazaar NYC, 100 West 77th St.
When: Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10, and 17
One hundred percent of Grand Bazaar NYC’s profits are donated to four local public schools. Its Grand Holiday Bazaar has merchants both indoors and outdoors and also offers a rotating selection of merchants each week. Every Sunday, you can shop from over 220 vendors selling candles, skincare, fashion, handbags, vintage accessories and collectibles, and rare antiques. There are many food vendors slinging several savory options as well.
Harlem Night Market
Where: La Marqueta, 1590 Park Ave.
When: Dec. 2, 9, and 16
The Harlem Night Market launched in 2019 as a call-back to the days of the 1950s and 60s when locals from Harlem, Upper Manhattan, and the Bronx did all their shopping at La Marqueta’s hundreds of vendors. Spanning three weekends each year, the Harlem Night Market celebrates community and culture by featuring local creators, musicians, DJs, and restaurants. This year, the Night Market runs from 4 to 8 p.m. on the first three Saturdays of December.
Manhattan Rentals Under $3K on StreetEasy Article continues below
The Best Holiday Markets in Brooklyn
DUMBO FAD Market Holiday Pop-Up
Where: Empire Stores, 55 Water St., Brooklyn
When: Nov. 27 to Dec. 22
One of two FAD Market Holiday Pop-ups (FAD stands for Fashion Art Design), this holiday market features local artisans, designers and creative small businesses seven days a week. On Saturdays and Sundays, the pop-up features a rotating roster of 35+ vendors, while on weekdays, the pop-up runs a mini version with about 12 vendors.
The pop-up is located in the lobby of Empire Stores, home to Time Out Market, Cecconi’s, Dumbo House, and West Elm, meaning you can shop and eat all day without braving the cold. Its location in the heart of DUMBO also provides an excuse to explore the neighborhood!
Boerum Hill FAD Market Holiday Pop-Up
Where: The Invisible Dog Art Center, 51 Bergen St., Brooklyn
When: Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17
FAD Market’s Boerum Hill holiday pop-up is located in the Invisible Dog Art Center and showcases a rotating roster of over 50 makers, designers, and artisanal food brands the first three weekends of December. Shop from a selection of jewelry, apparel, bath and body care, tableware, handmade food items, and more. Visit the nearby New York Transit Museum while you’re in the neighborhood for another cold-weather-friendly activity!
Brooklyn Homes Under $1M on StreetEasy Article continues below
The Makers Show at City Point
Where: 445 Albee Square West, Brooklyn
When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 24 to Dec. 17
The Makers Show is a marketplace with a purpose; the group’s goals are to promote equity and community investment through local marketplaces, use sustainable materials, and amplify businesses owned by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, women, and other underrepresented groups. Their immersive and festive marketplaces come to Brooklyn several times a year, and their holiday market is not one to miss. The market at City Point features over 60 vendors selling everything from premium tennis clothes to handcrafted ceramics.
Wallabout Wonderland Holiday Market
Where: Brooklyn Navy Yard, Building 293, Enter at Clymer St. & Kent Ave.
When: Dec. 2 and 3, noon to 5 p.m.
The sixth annual Wallabout Wonderland will be set in a new venue at Brooklyn Navy Yard this year, but like previous versions, it will offer plenty of family-friendly activities. A Kids Zone hosted by Brooklyn Bridge Parents will feature cookie decorating, card making, Lego adventures, a balloon house, and book giveaways.
Local DJs will provide the soundtrack to your shopping and exploring, which can include a massage pampering session at the Self Care Oasis or a delicious cup of hot cocoa at the Wallabout Lounge. You can really finish every part of your holiday shopping at this event thanks to its onsite shipping and wrapping station! Plus, a Creators’ Row allows customers to design unique, one-of-a-kind gifts.
Admission is free, but tickets should be reserved in advance.
Brooklyn Rentals Under $3K on StreetEasy Article continues below
The Best Holiday Markets in Queens
Astoria Market
Where: Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden, 29-19 24th Ave., Astoria
When: Dec. 10 and 17
Located in the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden, Astoria Market in Queens started small but is growing every year. Visit for a more homey feel, and enjoy local crafts, vintage items, and more in an intimate and friendly indoor setting. Local bakeries bring their goods to this market, and they’re all worth a try if you have a sweet tooth. As a wonderful bonus, Bohemian Hall and the Astoria Market both help fund children’s events and foreign language studies in the area, so your visit will be contributing to the community.
Queens Homes Under $850K on StreetEasy Article continues below
Queens Craft Brigade
Where: Katch Astoria, 31-19 Newtown Ave, Astoria
When: Dec. 9, noon to 5 p.m.
The Queens Craft Brigade aims to bring together the best makers from Queens for highly curated events showcasing artwork, food, crafts, fashion, and more. On Dec. 9, the group will hold its Holiday Market at Katch Astoria, a gastropub serving rotating craft brews. The Brigade’s Instagram will give you a good idea of the kinds of goods you can find here — think hand-knitted items, funky jewelry, and one-of-a-kind artwork.
