Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,
Jack Frost nipping at your nose.
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir,
And folks dressed up like Eskimos!
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Yayy, everyone, Christmas is around the corner so wish you all a very happy Holiday season! Jingle bells, Christmas trees, fairy lights, snow-covered streets, socks full of gifts, Christmas food and most importantly, holiday shopping – It is time to kickstart the celebrations! And, what could be a better place to enjoy these festivities than New York City? Decked up with delightful markets from Mid-November to Mid-January which sell everything from jewelry, clothing to arts and crafts, and so much more, NYC is the best place to fillip your holiday shopping! We present you with a lowdown of the best Christmas Markets in NYC for an unbelievable shopping experience. Can’t keep calm because it’s time to start Christmas Shopping!
1. Winter Village at Bryant Park – Magical Atmosphere with All-Inclusive Shopping
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
More than 150 shops, choicest eateries and an incredible atmosphere- what more can you ask for in a Christmas market! Unanimously considered to be one of the prettiest holiday markets in NYC, Winter Village at Bryant Park is a magical place. Beleaguered from hopping from mall-to-mall in search of the perfect holiday gifts? Give yourself a break and head to this fabulous Christmas market for a memorable shopping experience! This market has something for everyone - adults, kids and even pets! The best part about the Winter Village is that it surrounds a skating rink, and this means, free ice skating!
Dates: Oct 28–Jan 2
Hours: 11am–8pm
Location: Bryant Park, 40th to 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenue
What’s Cool: A pretty holiday market surrounding a huge skating rink offering one-of-a-kind items including winter clothing, sweaters, hats and mittens, handcrafted bags, jewelry, decorative goods, local food, and more.
2. Union Square Park Holiday Market – The Ultimate Alfresco Shopping Experience
Image Source: Mack Male/flickr.com
A European-style winter market has been a holiday market heaven for more than two decades. With countless vendors selling funky products inside the cheery red-and-white-striped tents, this is a perfect place to soak in the festive spirit. Some out-of-the-box gifting options like brew-your-own-beer kits and monogrammed stuffed animals sold at iconic red-white tents in this market make it quite a popular one among shoppers. This market is one of the most frequented markets by locals as well as tourists, thanks to the celebratory vibe, live music and lots of entertainment options. This Alfresco market also bequeaths you with the unique opportunity to dig into German delights, both sweet and savory treats.
Dates: November 16-December 24, 2017 (closed Thanksgiving Day Nov 23)
Hours: Monday–Friday 11am-8pm; Saturday 10am-8pm; Sunday 11am-7pm; closes at 4 pm December 24 market.
Location: Union Square at 14th Street.
What’s Cool: A market with a funky vibe with over 100 vendors selling quirky products like hand-blown glass housewares, handmade jewelry, Tibetan crafts, bags and accessories as well as delish sweet and savory treats or a hot apple cider!
3. Grand Central Holiday Fair - A Holistic Indoor Shopping Rendezvous
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
One of the very few indoor Christmas markets in the US, Grand Central Holiday Fair treats you to an all-inclusive shopping experience in NYC. Owing to its indoor location, this market is ideal for shoppers when the temperatures dip down and the wind turns icy. This market has a collection of mostly American-made products which have been produced by local artisans. From artwork and children’s toys, to home goods and accessories for men and women, this place offers you a one-stop solution for all your shopping woes. And, the best part is that they’re even open on Christmas Eve!
Dates: November 13-December 24, 2017; (closed Thanksgiving Day. Nov 23)
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm; Sunday 11am-7pm; Closes at 6 pm on December 24.
Location: Grand Central Terminal, Vanderbilt Hall (42nd St. and Park Ave.)
What’s Cool: A huge collection of holiday gifts including art, clothing, handbags, jewelry and accessories, hand-made candles, bath and body items and collectible toys.
4. Columbus Circle Holiday Market- An Eclectic Mix of Traditional and Quirky
Image Sore: Charley Lhasa/flickr.com
Located right outside the heart of midtown, the Columbus Circle Holiday Market houses an eclectic mix of traditional as well as off-beat products. Glittering aisles of art and jewelry, bustling stalls of handmade items and numerous kiosks selling delicious delicacies await tourists at this market. This market is not only perfect for shoppers but also perfect for foodies. You can hog on tasty treats which range, from a simple hot cocoa to the intricate ethnic cuisine! In addition to the archetypal holiday goods, this market is also a great place to shop for edible gift items like chocolates and truffles.
Dates: November 28-December 24, 2017
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am to 8pm; Sunday 10am-7pm; closes at 4pm on December 24.
Location: West 59th Street and Broadway
What’s Cool: A heavenly snack of hot cocoa and gingerbread, handmade items, art, jewelry, home goods from local artisans and snacks from vendors such as Hill Country Barbecue and La Sonrisa Empanadas.
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5. Astoria Market- A Perfect Amalgamation of Food, Drinks and Shopping
Image Source: Pixabay.com
A few weeks before Christmas, the Queens’ classic Bohemian Hall beer garden metamorphoses into an unrecognizably enchanting holiday market, the Astoria Market. An artisan market full of handmade items, vintage goods, and baked treats, strolling through the Astoria Market is one of the most fun things to do in NYC during Christmas. The lively ambiance, the mouthwatering smell of the scrumptious delicacies wafting through the air and the huge variety of items on sale makes this market one of the most enjoyable and interesting Christmas markets in NYC. The Astoria market is a perfect amalgamation of food, drinks and shopping – basically everything that makes holidays more fun!
Dates: Sundays in December – Dec 3, 10, 17
Hours: 12pm -6pm
Location: Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden, 29-19 24th Avenue between 29th and 31st Streets, Astoria, Queens
What’s Cool: Handmade items, vintage goods, delicious gluten-free baked goods and baked treats.
6. Renegade Craft Fair- A Complete Entertainment Destination
Image Source: Nate Burgos/flickr.com
The world’s largest curated exhibition of independent crafts, the Renegade Craft Fair features countless craft makers, artisanal food and drinks, and great music. Promising to make your gifting process easier, this market is the best place to pick up some quirky handmade handouts for your loved ones. This fair is held worldwide, across numerous cities and receives a great response every time from the patrons. This fascinating place full of vendors selling interesting products as well as featuring live entertainment treats you to a gala time!
Dates: December 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17
Hours: 11am -6pm
Location: 220 36th St, Brooklyn, in Industry City
What’s Cool: World’s largest curated exhibition of independent crafts, live music, food, and activities
7. Etsy Handmade Cavalcade- Customized, Creative Gifting Options
Image Source: joiseyshowaa/flickr.com
If you are anyone like me, the thought of buying a mass-produced gift which has no personal touch would make you cringe. On the other hand, the thought of a hand-made gift, customized according to the tastes of the one being gifted, is an appealing one. Wondering where to head to in order to buy such type of a creative handmade present? Etsy Handmade Cavalcade is the perfect option for you then! Boasting of a huge variety of unique handmade products ranging across the genres of jewelry, greeting cards, art, beauty products, clothing and baby gifts, this market is one must-visit holiday market in NYC!
Dates: Dec 8–10
Hours: 11am to 8pm
Location: Broadway and Great Jones St, Manhattan
What’s Cool: Creative handmade presents including jewelry, greeting cards, art, beauty products, clothing and baby gifts.
8. Brooklyn Flea Market – An Extensive Spread!
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Attractive art prints, delightful stationary, gorgeous jewelry, vintage clothing and crafts, trendy antiques, collectibles, hip furniture and housewares – shopping at the Brooklyn Flea Market in NYC is an experience like no other! Just like any other quintessential flea market, though a lot bigger in size, the products sold at this place are very reasonably priced and thus, easy on the pocket! So, head over to the Brooklyn Flea Market for a complete shopping experience that is fulfilling and yet, within your budget!
Dates: Open Year Round
Hours: SoHo Saturdays & Sundays 10am-6pm; DUMBO Sundays 10am-6pm
Location: Soho 6th Avenue bet. Grand & Watts Street and DUMBO at the Manhattan Bridge Archway (80 Pearl St.)
What’s Cool: vintage goods and crafts — among them watches, rugs, dresses, antique locks, bags, chairs, maps, jewelry, prints and tote bags, along with food artisans.
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Whether you are looking for an indoor or an outdoor shopping experience, whether you are a diehard shopaholic or someone who simply wants to enjoy the Christmas festivities, whether you are looking for a quintessential shopping experience or looking to pick up just a few eclectic souvenirs, NYC’s holiday markets have got you covered! All you need to do is to grab your shopping bags and rush to these wonderful places for a fabulous time! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Also Read About:
Flea Markets in Miami
Christmas Markets in Europe
Best US Cities to Bring in the New Year!
