Every holiday season, New Yorkers (and tourists alike) can expect a few things: festive decorations, cold weather, hot chocolates, and diverse marketplaces. From artisan products to one-of-a-kind eats, these NYC holiday markets offer a plethora of unique finds that never fail to tempt holiday shoppers into spending a bit more than they would like to. Holiday markets have popped up in various locations throughout the city and we’ve put together some the biggest and most unique markets to browse this holiday season:
1. Union Square
The internationally renowned Union Square Holiday Market returns to New York City this year! Taking place in Union Square Park, the market features over 150 vendors — from eclectic gifts and handcrafted accessories to gourmet snacks and quirky puppets. The Union Square Holiday Market is the longest-running and largest holiday market in the city. You’ll find it at 14th St. and Broadway. The market is open daily from November 17 through December 24, 2022.
2. Grand Central Terminal
After two years down, the Grand Central Holiday Fair returned to the historic terminal last year. This year, the fair features more vendors than ever before. The Grand Central Holiday Fair is the longest-running indoor holiday fair in New York City. You’ll find the market inside Vanderbilt Hall, where 36 unique local vendors and small businesses are selling finely crafted goods made in New York and the United States. The Holiday Fair runs through December 24, open Monday through Saturday, 10:00am – 7:00pm,Sunday, 11:00am – 6:00pm and 10:00am – 6:00pm on Christmas Eve.
3. Columbus Circle Holiday Market
At 59th Street and Columbus Circle and Central Park West, you’ll find the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. A few local highlights from over 100 vendors at the market include Brooklyn Roasting Company, New York Puzzle Company, and NYcruets. You can see a map and the full vendor list here. This market runs through December 31st and is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
4. Bryant Park Winter Village
The holidays take over Bryant Park much like they take over Rockefeller Center every year. In addition to the giant tree and ice skating rink, the park adjacent to the New York Public Library’s 42nd Street branch features one of the largest. You can see a full list of vendors and a map of the open-air market here. This market stays open even after Christmas. You can shop at the Winter Village until January 2, 2023. The market is open Monday through Friday 11am to 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 8pm.
5. Astoria Market
Astoria Market brings together the best of Queens, from artists and bakers to designers and brewers. The market is based out of the Main Hall of the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden in Astoria. Managed by the Bohemian Citizens’ Benevolent Society of Astoria, Bohemian Hall is a non-profit organization that provides children’s events and foreign language studies to the community. In 2023, the Holiday Market will run on December 17th.
6. City Point
The Makers Show at City Point BKLYN is a market with a purpose. The New York-based company that runs the show roots its practices in social justice. The market promotes equity and community investment by highlighting local businesses owned by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, women, and other underrepresented groups.
The City Point immersive market at 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn, NY or 336 Flatbush Avenue runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through December 17th, as well as on December 20th through the 23rd from 11AM to 7PM. After you’ve worked up an appetite shopping, grab a bite at the Dekalb Market hall food vendors!
7. FAD Market
FAD Market (Fashion Art Design) is a traveling pop-up market that launched in 2016. The markets pop up across NYC all year round. This winter, FAD Market’s holiday pop-ups will take up residence at Empire Stores in Dumbo and The Invisible Dog Art Center in Boreum Hill. The market showcases one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts crafted by local artisans, designers, and creative small businesses. The Empire Stores pop-up is open every day from November 27 to December 22. The Boreum Hill pop-up can be browsed on December 16th and 17th from 11am to 6pm.
8. Give Back Market
The seventh annual Give Back Market will take over the Textile Arts Center’s Brooklyn Studio on December 16 and 17th from 12pm to 7pm. This market is a community-driven fundraising event dedicated to supporting textile artisans and Gowanus Mutual Aid. Visitors can shop for locally handmade textiles and take part in soft ornament and foil printing workshops.
9. Social Justice Market
The 6th annual Social Justice Holiday Market presented by Mayday Space will return to Bushwick on December 16th and 17th. The market will feature a broad, curated selection of high-quality items including upcycled clothes, handcrafted jewelry, posters celebrating protest movements, massage oils, house plants, herbal remedies, skincare products, and one-of-a-kind works of art. While you shop, you can sip on a festive drink and enjoy a snack from local vendors. There will also be activities for kids!
10. ICP Holiday Market
The International Center of Photography will host a pop-up market on December 16th from 11AM to 7PM inside the Lower East Side Gallery. The market will feature local vendors and artisans selling items like rare cameras and film, as well as non-photography-related gifts like handmade porcelain and tableware, plants, and vintage prints and zines.
Next, check out 5 Quirky Rockefeller Center Holiday Traditions and 7 Dazzling Holiday Window Displays