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 best holiday markets in NYC.
The Best Holiday Markets in Manhattan
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Where: Columbus Circle
When: Dec. 3 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. Brought to you by Urbanspace, you’re likely to find great vendors of jewelry, apparel, accessories, beauty and wellness goods, art, and food. Check out the map and full vendor list to get a feel for the offerings.
Union Square Holiday Market
Where: Union Square
When: Nov. 14 to Dec. 23
Another Urbanspace offering, this NYC holiday market boasts nearly 200 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
When: Oct. 25 to Jan. 5
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, or play a game of iceless curling at the Curling Café.
The vendor booths, 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. Find unique gifts for anyone on your list who’d appreciate something classy or different — like a decorative bowl made of recycled chopsticks. You can also find some pretty interesting foods to try, like baked cheese and fried pickles.
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Grand Central Holiday Fair
Where: Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal
When: Nov. 11 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 sometimes less is more. Shop for jewelry, crafts, decor, and more.
Grand Holiday Bazaar
Where: 100 W 77th St.
When: Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22
Visit the Grand Holiday Bazaar every Sunday in December prior to Christmas, where you can shop from over 220 vendors selling candles, skincare, fashion, handbags, vintage accessories and collectibles, and rare antiques. The rotating selection of merchants are situated both indoors and outdoors, and there are many food vendors slinging savory options as well. What’s more, Grand Bazaar NYC donates 100% of its profits to the Parent Associations of four local public schools servicing over 2,000 children.
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The Best Holiday Markets in Brooklyn
FAD Market Holiday Pop-Up
Where: The Invisible Dog Art Center (Boerum Hill), St. Paul (Cobble Hill), Empire Stores (DUMBO)
When: Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22
The FAD Market Holiday Pop-Up (FAD stands for Fashion Art Design) features local artisans, designers, food brands, and creative small businesses for three weekends in December. Shop for jewelry, apparel, bath and body care, home decor, handmade food items, and more from a rotating roster of over 50 vendors.
This year, the pop-up is taking place in three Brooklyn neighborhoods: Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, and DUMBO. Choose one, or hit up all of them via a quick walk or subway ride on the F train.
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The Makers Show at City Point
Where: City Point, 445 Albee Square West, Brooklyn
When: Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 30 to Dec. 22
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 Makers Show 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
When: Dec. 7-8
The seventh annual Wallabout Wonderland will once again be at Brooklyn Navy Yard this year, with plenty of family-friendly activities. The Family Corner, courtesy of Brooklyn Bridge Parents, will feature cookie decorating, holiday card making, Lego adventures, and free book giveaways.
Enter the Chill Zone & Food Court to indulge in Caribbean flavors, soul food, and more to the sound of your favorite holiday tunes. At Maker’s Row you can concoct your own signature scent at the perfume-making station, craft your own Christmas cocktails, and put the finishing touch on all your gifts at the on-site shipping and wrapping station!
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The Best Holiday Markets in Queens
Astoria Market
Where: Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden, 29-19 24th Ave, Astoria
When: Dec. 8 and 15
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 Astoria Market both help fund children’s events and foreign language studies in the area, so your visit will be contributing to the community.
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Queens Craft Brigade
Where: Katch Astoria, 31-19 Newtown Ave, Astoria
When: Dec. 14
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 December 14, the group will hold its annual 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.
