It may be fall, but it can begin to feel like the holidays in New York City. One sign is the unveiling of the city’s holiday markets, which bring out regional vendors selling handcrafted wares and specialty items before the holiday season officially begins. Amid browsing for unique gift ideas, pick up something sweet or savory to fulfill your appetite on the spot (yes, there are often food stalls at these markets, too). There’s even a new one in 2022 coming right after Thanksgiving to Brooklyn Borough Hall that will highlight Brooklyn-owned businesses.
Get an early jump on your holiday gift shopping by heading to these 10 best holiday markets in New York City. Visit each fair’s website for business hours and other information.
10 Artists & Fleas at Chelsea Market
This marketplace of independent craft makers has a year-round location in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. Yet Artists & Fleas does make for a good place for browsing and buying amid the holiday season. Artists & Fleas at Chelsea Market is located directly beneath the High Line, a public park constructed from a defunct elevated rail line. Its tenants consist of more than 30 tastemakers, experience creators, designers, collectors, and curators selling their one-of-a-kind designs and goods. Its base near Chelsea Market enables shoppers to also visit this popular food hall that gets spruced up nicely with holiday decor. Plus, the building was once the factory for the cookie company, NABISCO. Artists & Fleas also has a spot in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, that is open on Saturdays and Sundays.
9 Holiday Market At The Oculus
At this shopping mall at the Westfield World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, find a small winter village featuring specialty shops with gifts, snacks, and souvenirs. Just a trek down here to take in the Oculus alone is something in itself, where its holiday decorations make for a great Instagram image. The dates of operation for the holiday market are November 26, 2022, through January 2, 2023.
8 The Holiday Market At BKM
On one weekend in mid-December 2022, this pop-up holiday market is happening inside the Brooklyn Museum’s glass pavilion lobby. The layout at the Holiday Market at BKM will include 35-plus hand-picked vendors and artisans. The dates are December 17 and 18, 2022.
7 Grand Central Holiday Fair
This world-famous train terminal welcomes to this annual holiday fair within its Vanderbilt Hall. The Grand Central Holiday Fair is said to be New York City’s longest-running indoor holiday fair; it also makes its return after a two-year hiatus. For the 2022 edition, 36 hand-selected artisan vendors will sell a diverse mix of gift-related items, including men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, original artwork, jewelry, holiday keepsakes and distinctive home décor, self-care products, and endless varieties of handcrafted goods. It is open from November 14 through December 24, 2022, and closed on Thanksgiving.
6 Columbus Circle Holiday Market
This pop-up holiday market is located on the southwest corner entrance of Central Park amid a lineup of red and white striped tents. A total of 130 vendors are said to be participating in this year’s Columbus Circle Holiday Market. Come across jewelry, the art of all kinds, skincare products, leather goods, and other one-of-a-kind finds, plus holiday treats. The dates are November 29 – December 24, 2022.
5 The Holiday Makers Show
With a location in Brooklyn at City Point, this mixed-retail market supports local businesses by promoting a platform based on social justice. Participating merchants at The Holiday Makers Show reflect that mission in that they consist of BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA+, and other often underrepresented groups. It runs Fridays through Sundays from November 25 through December 18.
4 Astoria Market
If you live in Queens or just overall appreciate what this borough has to offer, Astoria Market puts on a holiday market where you can find items produced by Queens-based businesses. This holiday market operates out of the Main Hall of the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden on only certain calendar dates. Yet the event brings together artists, bakers, and designers to put the spotlight on creativity and talent found in Queens. The dates are December 11 and 18, 2022.
3 Essential Bushwick Holiday Market
Within this Brooklyn neighborhood, the Essential Bushwick Holiday Market consists of two-weekend events with over 100 vendors selling local handmade goods, vintage finds, and art. According to their EventBrite page, unique vendors will be attending each market weekend, but they are based within the New York/New Jersey area. Admission is free, but there’s a suggested $20 donation. The market is held at a location on Willoughby Avenue. The dates are November 26 and December 10, 2022.
2 Union Square Holiday Market
Based within one area of Union Square Park, the 2022 edition of Union Square Holiday Market will feature 160 vendors consisting of local craftsmen, artists, and entrepreneurs. Their booths will be alongside each other within rows of stalls that browsers and buyers can stroll along and stop in front of. Find cooking ingredients, jewelry, toys and games, prints, fanciful soaps, candies, and other delights. Food stalls will also be on hand for buying a warm drink or a hands-friendly dish. Dates are November 17 through December 24, 2022.
1 Bank Of America Winter Village At Bryant Park
Located behind the Main Branch of the New York Public Library, the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is designed to resemble an open-air European market. However, the participating merchants are largely from NYC and beyond whose merchandise is on show and sale within “jewel box” looking kiosks. Collectively known as the “Winter Village Shop,” find holiday shops offering jewelry, apparel, decorative art, homewares, ornaments, and much more. What also makes this holiday market pretty cool is that it is surrounded by an ice skating rink. This 17,000-square-foot rink includes free admission and skating shows, but there is a charge for renting ice skates and bag checks. Or chill out at the adjacent The Lodge at Bryant Park, a seasonal pop-up bar and food hall. Reserve a rink skating time in advance through this weblink. The holiday shops are open now through Monday, January 2, 2023. The Rink and The Lodge will close up Sunday, March 5, 2023.