The 10 Best Holiday Markets NYC Has To Offer!
A Guide To The 10 Best Holiday Markets NYC Has to Offer
“To many people holidays are not voyages of discovery, but a ritual of reassurance.” – Phillip Adams
Heading to the Big Apple for the Christmas holidays? It's time to make merry at the best holiday markets NYC has to offer! There’s truly something for everyone this holiday season in NYC, whether you enjoy experiencing the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes or the New York City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, viewing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, popping into a local dive for some NYC inspired holiday cocktails, taking a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park, dining at a Christmas decorated NYC restaurant, holiday window shopping along Fifth Avenue or, best of all, exploring one of the festive holiday markets that can be found throughout the five boroughs all season long!
In fact, you’ll get in the NYC holiday spirit very quickly as you explore the amazing array of seasonally inspired goods on display at New York City’s holiday-themed markets, where you can be sure to find just the right holiday gifts for everyone on your list. Nothing quite compares to spending the Christmas holidays in NYC and you will definitely want to add these New York City seasonal markets to your list to get a real feel of this magical time of year! Here are the 10 best holiday markets NYC has to offer:
1 | Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park | One of New York City’s most beloved annual holiday markets, the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is a European-inspired open-air market that boasts more than 170 custom-designed holiday kiosks and food vendors, as well as a 17,000-square-foot, free-admission ice-skating rink, The Lodge by Urbanspace (massive food hall and holiday-themed cocktail bar) and outdoor beer garden. In fact, according to USA Today, the Winter Village at Bryant Park is “perhaps the city’s best spot for a comprehensive one-stop holiday experience.” Known as “Manhattan’s Town Square” and nestled amid towering skyscrapers, Bryant Park is an immensely popular oasis of outdoor fun that lies adjacent to the New York Public Library, and smack in the center of all the midtown restaurants NYC has to offer, from a comfortably, accessible 'jumping-off' point in Midtown East. More than 12 million people visit Bryant Park annually, making it one of the world’s busiest public spaces.
WHERE: Between 5th and 6th Avenues & W. 40th Street and W. 42 Street, New York, NY 10018 | WHEN: October 31, 2019 – January 5, 2020
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2 | Union Square Holiday Market | If you’re searching for one-of-a-kind handmade gifts, look no farther than the internationally renowned Union Square Holiday Market at Union Square Park. Operated by Urbanspace, this bustling holiday bazaar features the inspired works of dozens of talented artists and craftspeople ranging from jewelry, candles and decorative wooden boxes to artwork, home goods and accessories. If you plan on visiting the Union Square Holiday Market on the weekend, make sure to arrive early to avoid the holiday crowds, and make sure to keep your smartphone charged as this area is rife with some of the best Instagram photo spots in all of Manhattan. Opened in 1839 and redesigned by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1872, the 6.51-acre Union Square Park has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.
WHERE: University Place & East 14th Street, New York, NY 10003 | WHEN: November 21 – December 24, 2019
3 | Grand Central Holiday Fair | When you're done hitting all the free NYC museums you and the little ones can handle, (and possibly all of the family-friendly escape rooms midtown Manhattan has to offer, if you're into that sort of thing), escape the winter chill and head inside the Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan for the lively Grand Central Holiday Fair, which takes place in Vanderbilt Hall and features the works of more than 40 talented artisans and craftspeople, as well as clothing, toys and home goods. The Holiday Fair has been a NYC holiday institution since 1993, so you don’t want to miss it! Built in 1913, Grand Central Terminal (AKA “Grand Central Station” or just “Grand Central”) serves approximately 67 million passengers annually and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.
WHERE: Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal, 89 E. 42nd Street at Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017 | WHEN: November 18 – December 24, 2019
4 | Columbus Circle Holiday Market | Ideally located at the entrance of Central Park in beautiful Columbus Circle, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and named after a monument of Christopher Columbus at its center, the Columbus Circle Holiday Market displays the works of gifted artisans and designers. Whether you’re looking for home goods, art, jewelry or great holiday eats, you’ll find it here at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market! After exploring the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, don’t miss the opportunity to explore landmark Central Park attractions such as The Ramble, Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields, Conservatory Garden, Wollman Ice Skating Rink, Bethesda Fountain, Central Park Zoo and others.
WHERE: Central Park West & 59th Street, New York, NY 10023 | WHEN: December 4-24, 2019
5 | Grand Holiday Bazaar | The only holiday market in NYC that takes place both indoors and outdoors, the Grand Holiday Bazaar features a rotating lineup of more than 150 artisans and independent merchants selling everything from handmade holiday decorations and one-of-a-kind gifts to fashion, vintage accessories, collectibles, furniture, delicious artisanal foods and much more. In addition, 100 percent of Grand Bazaar NYC’s profits are donated to four local public schools that benefit more than 2,000 children.
WHERE: 100 West 77th Street, New York, NY 10024 | WHEN: Every Sunday through November 24, 2019
6 | Holiday Handmade Cavalcade | First started in 2008, the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade has grown so much over the years that it will feature locations in both Manhattan and Brooklyn for 2019. View and purchase an eclectic selection of holiday goods from members from the NY Handmade Collective (a nonprofit group of more than 200 independent artists and craftspeople) such as home goods, artwork, jewelry, handbags, apparel, accessories, soaps and more at the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade. Unlike most of the other NYC holiday markets, the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade will take place at two locations: Brooklyn Historical Society (December 7-8, 2019) and Chelsea Market in Manhattan (December 9-15, 2019).
WHERE: Brooklyn Historical Society in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201 and Chelsea Market in Manhattan, New York, NY 10011 | WHEN: December 7-8, 2019
7 | Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar | Billed as “The Best of Brooklyn Under One Roof” and presented by Cut & Crafted (formerly Brooklyn Makers), the Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar features fun for the entire family such as fine handmade crafts, amazing food, craft activities, DJ, photo booth, kid-friendly winter activities and more. The Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar takes place on Sundays throughout December 2019.
WHERE: 501 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215 | WHEN: December 1, 8 & 15, 2019
8 | Brooklyn Flea & Smorgasburg Winter Market | Founded in 2008, Brooklyn Flea operates flea markets every weekend of the year and has evolved into one of the most popular attractions in New York City. In fact, The New York Times has called Brooklyn Flea “one of the great urban experiences in New York.” The Brooklyn Flea & Smorgasburg Winter Market is a special holiday market orchestrated by Brooklyn Flea that offers approximately 60 vendors for your holiday shopping pleasure selling everything from vintage clothing and furniture to jewelry, toys, collectibles and much more, as well as great artisanal foods.
WHERE: 8th Floor, 25 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249 | WHEN: Every Saturday & Sunday through March 2020
9 | Astoria Market | Based out of the Main Hall of the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden in Astoria, the bustling Astoria Market features a wide array of handmade, vintage and baked goods to brighten your holiday cheer. No matter what type of gifts you’re looking for – clothing, art, antiques, jewelry, food, toys, scarves, handbags, stationery, gift baskets and more – you’ll find it here at the Astoria Market over the holidays.
WHERE: Bohemian Hall, 2919 24th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102 | WHEN: December 1, 8 & 15, 2019
10 | Deck the Stalls Holiday Market | The scenic Seaport District of Lower Manhattan is home to the lively Deck the Halls Holiday Market, a multicultural market “celebrating the best of New York City’s public markets” that features a great selection of holiday gifts and locally made food, along with multicultural performances (including traditional Chinese dance by the New York Chinese Freemasons Athletic Club), live music, nearby NYC karaoke bars, Manhattan wine bars, and craft beer. Unlike most of the other holiday markets in NYC, Deck the Stalls, which is hosted by NYCEDC Public Markets, takes place on one day in December only, so be sure to mark your calendar so you don’t miss it!
WHERE: Fulton Stall Market, 91 South Street, New York, NY 10038 | WHEN: December 8, 2019
BONUS | The Oddities Flea Market Holiday of Wonders | If your holiday gift-giving tastes run to the truly bizarre (and somewhat macabre!), you won’t want to miss the Oddities Flea Market Holiday of Wonders, which will feature “medical history ephemera, anatomical curiosities, natural history items, osteological specimens, taxidermy, obscure home décor, jewelry, one-of-a-kind dark art,” among other unique artifacts. General admission and exclusive pre-sale VIP tickets to The Oddities Flea Market Holiday of Wonders are currently for sale online via Atlas Obscura.
WHERE: Villain, 307 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249 | WHEN: December 7-8, 2019
In The Market For A Market Map? Tis the Season For Finding Your Way!
Check out this handy holiday map to all the Christmas and holiday markets listed above so you can hit them up in the best order by walkin distance, or zig zag across Manhattan after a post-eggnog nooner with your BFFs for a festive an afternoon break! Check out our holiday market map below:
Experience All the Magic of a Fun-Filled Winter Visit to New York City!
Whether you wish to explore the insanely popular NYC holiday markets listed above, sample some of the top holiday drinks NYC has to offer or dine at one of the best decorated Christmas restaurants in the Big Apple, your NYC winter vacation getaway will surely be one for the ages! Make sure to keep reading our informative travel blog for great tips on seasonal travel to NYC, as well as other fun or WEIRD things to do in New York City and the most up-to-date New York City hotel deals.
At Westgate Resorts, when you Check-In, there’s a LOT to Check-Out! Your New York City vacation awaits! Explore our New York City hotel today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690.
* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the locations/markets featured in this article. Menus, services and products listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective market for the most up-to-date offerings.
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Other tagged pages of interest: midtown east hotels, things to do near Grand Central Station, NYC nightlife, holiday bars in NYC, karaoke NYC, wine bars midtown NYC, rooftop bars NYC, hotels, staycation
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