Updated October 28, 2015

Shopping is a favorite holiday pastime in New York City for locals and tourists alike. With countless shops and markets, it’s easy to understand why. Read about some of the holiday markets and fairs going on this season to help you make the most of Christmastime in the city. Whether you just choose one or visit them all (like I did!), you’re sure to have a wonderful time.

Tip: To miss the crowds, try going early on a weekday, as the markets are more crowded on the weekends and during afternoons and evenings.

Winter Village at Bryant Park

Winter Village at Bryant Park is undoubtedly one of my favorite holiday markets. While there are fewer vendors than at other markets (about 125), the booths are larger, fancier, and more spread out. The vendors also seem of a higher caliber, with unique gifts not found anywhere else.

While a few of the markets can feel like a large maze with everyone cramped together, Winter Village at Bryant Park feels more open and spacious. There are many tables and chairs spread throughout the park for sitting, dining, and relaxing. There’s even a couple of restaurants to choose from, and of course, tons of food vendors.

Another aspect that makes this market different is the free admission ice skating rink–the only one in New York City. Either bring your own skates or rent skates for $15 ($19 during peak season). It’s usually less crowded than the rink at Rockefeller Plaza, and the giant Christmas tree and surrounding cityscape make it just as Christmasy. While the market is only open until January 3, 2016, the skating rink will be open until March 6.

This market gets my vote. If you can only go to one holiday market this Christmas in New York, don’t miss Winter Village at Bryant Park.

Winter Village at Bryant Park – Holiday Shops & Skating Rink
Sixth Ave and 42nd Street
Website

Holiday Shops
October 30th through January 3rd
Open Weekdays from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Open Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Open Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

Skating Rink
October 30th through March 6th
Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

Favorite Booths:

• Jessica DeCarlo Jewelry – A collection of original metalsmithed rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
• Artisans of New York – This shop features glass ornaments, art pieces, and jewelry by a collection of glass artists.
• Mistura Timepieces – These unique sunglasses and watches are made from woods such as teak, ebony, and bamboo. Some of the watches have delicately pressed flower petals on the watch face, while other designs are more edgy and masculine.
• Smart Glass Art – Kathleen Plate designs stunning glass jewelry pieces from recycled wine and beer bottles. She’s also created tumblers from wine bottles that are embellished with a gold Manhattan subway map; a great gift for only $15!
• BrooklynMadeStore – Purchase cool NYC-inspired art at this popular booth.
• Wrecords by Monkey – Here you can find awesome punk jewelry and home-decor items (such as clocks and wall art pieces) that are made from recycled vinyl records.
• Woops! Macarons & Cookies – This bakery serves up delicious macarons, whether you’re looking for a gift or a little snack. They even have alfajores de maicena, cookies put together with dulce de leche (like an Argentinian macaron).
• La Sonrisa Empanadas – Perfect for a little snack, this booth has a variety of empanadas from Classic Beef to Coconut Curry Chicken; only $3.75 each. (Also at the Union Square Holiday Market and Columbus Circle Holiday Market.)
• No Chewing Allowed! – Sample delicious, melt-in-your-mouth truffles and warm up with tasty cups of hot chocolate at this booth. (Also at the Union Square Holiday Market and Columbus Circle Holiday Market.)
• Two Tablespoons – Organic, vegan, and gluten-free fare, choose between a warm bowl of chile (such as chickpea, spinach, and coconut) or a loaded smashed potato (such as quinoa, kale, and cranberries).
• Organically yours, Miss Tea – Looseleaf teas, infusions, teapots, gift sets, and more are available at this shop.
• Max Brenner Chocolate – Famous for its chocolate pizzas, chocolate fondue, hot chocolate, and well, all things chocolate, don’t miss this restaurant’s booth for a taste of the good stuff. Plus, chocolate always makes for a good holiday gift.

Grand Central Holiday Fair

The Grand Central Holiday Fair is another classic favorite. Located inside Grand Central Terminal’s stunning Vanderbilt Hall, this is one of the fanciest holiday fairs in New York City. It is also a great way to escape the cold, as the entire terminal is toasty warm. While there are fewer booths at this fair (about 75), the quality of the merchandise is top-notch. From candles and gift items to jewelry and women’s hats, this is a great place to do some holiday shopping.

After visiting the holiday fair, don’t forget to visit the numerous shops in Grand Central Terminal. There’s also a large food court for an easy and quick lunch.

Grand Central Holiday Fair
89 E 42nd St
Vanderbilt Hall
Website
November 16th through December 24th
Open Mondays to Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Open Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Open Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Open Christmas Eve from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Exceptions: Christmas Eve 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. & Closed Thanksgiving

Favorite Booths:

• Dotty Giraffe – The artwork sold at this booth is sure to make you smile, as the primary subjects are toys, photographed while playing games, getting into messes, eating snacks, and doing silly things. These pieces are perfect for nurseries, playrooms, and bathrooms and are reasonably priced.
• R. Nichols – With scented candles such as the READ Candle (aged paper, ink, and leather), the NEW YORK Candle (cologne, ivy, rain, and tobacco), and the GLOW Candle (burning embers and crackling fire), these unique candles make wonderful gifts. I confess that I’m a bit obsessed with them!
• craftspring – These lovely felt ornaments are handmade by artisans in Kyrgyzstan. The whimsical collection of ornaments range from $12-$24 each.
• Rifle + Radford – This New York/Austin based jewelry studio creates beautifully handcrafted necklaces, earrings, and rings using stones such as druzies, labradorite, and turquoise.
• Jon Wye – Based out of Washington D.C., this shop sells t-shirts, hoodies, belts, wallets, and accessories featuring original, bold designs.
• cate & levi – This Toronto based business creates the cutest collection of puppets and toys. Each one is made from repurposed materials (such as wool from old sweaters) and is truly one-of-a-kind.

Union Square Holiday Market

The holiday market in Union Square is among the largest in New York City, with nearly 200 booths, and is a favorite place to shop for tourists and locals alike. Stop by to look at the some of the city’s best selection of art, jewelry, home décor, clothing, and winter accessories. You’ll be certain to find a wide variety of Christmas gifts, from ornaments, cards, and bath soaps to puzzles, games, and puppets. Be sure to take a break from shopping to taste some of the terrific food and drinks available, such as soup bowls, crépes, and specialty hot chocolate.

Union Square Holiday Market
14th St and Union Square West/Broadway
Website
November 19th through December 24th
Open Weekdays from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Open Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Open Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving

Favorite Booths:

• Brooklyn Brew Shop – Give the gift of learning a new craft with Beer and Hard Cider Kit Gift Sets.
• Nirvanna Design Inc. – These comfy felt-lined, hand-knit wool hats and gloves are beautifully made, and help support the Nepalese women who made them.
• Edie Art – Find whimsical art and cards featuring children, balloons, animals, and NYC at Edie Art’s booth.
• Kristiana Pärn Art & Stationery – Each piece of Kristiana’s art is made on wood panels and features animals, hot-air balloons, and bright colors.
• kudu-lah – Featuring monster-like critters, kudu-lah’s art is set in New York and inspired by New Yorkers. (Also at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market.)
• We See Stars -Erica Savard creates unique jewelry pieces using bronze, vintage beads, and natural stones.
• Stuffed Artisan Cannolis – Fresh and flavorful little cannolis are the perfect snack while shopping at the market.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

Organized by the same company, the Columbus Circle Holiday Market and Union Square Holiday Market are very similar. If you visit both, you’ll notice the same white and red booths, similar maze-like layouts, and even some of the same vendors. However, the market at Columbus Circle is not quite as big, is usually not as crowded, and is conveniently located in front of Central Park, perfect for visitors trying to see and do everything in New York.

Be sure to go to the Columbus Circle Holiday Market hungry, as there are many dining options. All the food vendors are located together, making it fun to compare the many choices. If you’re unable to choose just one spot to eat, try sampling a little from two or three. For example, you could make a meal of a Korean taco ($4), a Colombian arepa ($5), and some Chinese dumplings ($4). Then choose a seat at one of the many picnic tables and enjoy talking to the people around you.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market
West 59th Street, Eighth Avenue, & Broadway
Website
December 1st through December 24th
Open Mondays to Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Open Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving

Favorite Booths:

• India & Purry by Jessica Hollander – Jessica Hollander creates beautiful, nature-inspired pieces for the home, including throw pillows, tiles, notecards, and ornaments.
• With Roots Jewelry – Sharon Goldberg creates tiny terrarium jewelry pieces, including necklaces and earrings.
• Stern Design Works – With jewelry designs inspired by history and science (including microscopic specimen), husband and wife team Rebecca and Cameron have created a great selection of earrings, rings, and necklaces. (Also in Artists & Fleas in Chelsea Market.)
• Natchie Art – When you buy artwork from Natchie Art, you also receive a free download of the original song by Australian singer/songwriter Nadia Ackerman that the drawing represents.
• Centuries Clayworks – Hand-made miniature clay jars, jugs, and cups framed and ready to be hung in your kitchen.
• Hong Kong Street Cart – If you just need a little snack, try the chicken, pork, or spinach dumplings ($4) from Hong Kong Street Cart. They also serve pork belly ramen noodles, ramen and dumpling noodle soup, and dumpling soup. If you’re cold, warm up with a cup of hot ginger honey tea.
• Seoul Lee Korean BBQ – Stop by for some delicious Korean tacos ($4 each), burritos, bibimbap, and fried chicken wings.
• Palenque Colombian Food – Try some homemade arepas (toppings include chicken, beef, mushrooms, and more) with a side of yuca fries for a delicious, filling meal that won’t break the bank.

Chelsea Market

A visit to Chelsea Market is a must year-round. However, all the better at Christmastime when the building’s interior is adorned with lights and decorations and the shops and restaurants are all decked out in Christmas décor. Plus, with the numerous stores, pop-up shops, bakeries, & markets, you can find Christmas gifts for everyone on your list (especially the foodies and fashionistas).

This is also a great spot for lunch or dinner after you finish your shopping. Grab a budget-friendly pot-pie, feast on lobster and oysters, or enjoy some great farm-to-table home-cooking. Check out their website for all upcoming events and pop-up markets, including the Jingle Holiday Market.

Chelsea Market
75 9th Avenue (Between 15th and 16 Streets)
Website
Open Mondays to Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Open Sundays 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Favorite Shops:

• Anthropologie – This store is great for gifts, clothing, accessories, home décor, and just browsing for beautiful things.
• Artists & Fleas – Check out the 30 different vendors that have booths in this shop selling vintage or handmade art, jewelry, and clothing.
• Bar Suzette Créperie – This place has fantastic savory and sweet crépes. Try the pear, walnut & gorgonzola or apples & brie crépes. (Also at the Union Square Holiday Market and the Columbus Circle Holiday Market.)
• Dickson’s Farmstand Meats – Try their delicious rotisserie chicken with a couple side dishes for the perfect meal.
• Tuck Shop – The Tuck Shop serves individual sized meat pies from Australia. Try the chicken pot pie or Guinness steak & mushroom pie (only $6 per pie). They also have kale salads, hot side dishes, Aussie beers, and homemade sodas.

Morbid Anatomy Christmas Flea Market

Didn’t find the gift you were looking for at the more conventional holiday markets? Maybe you have a friend who’s more into anthropomorphic mice than Anthropologie? Try visiting the Christmas Flea Market at the Morbid Anatomy Museum where a unique collection of vendors are sure to have that perfectly creative and odd gift you’ve been looking for, whether it’s honey-comb inspired jewelry, quilted skull pillows, taxidermied chipmunks wearing Christmas sweaters, or preserved specimen in jars. Buy some specialty Krampus or Absinthe wrapping paper to make your gift complete. While you’re there, check out the current exhibition.

Even if you miss the fair, be sure to check out the permanent store and museum exhibition, and look online at their daily workshops, lectures, and social events. Consider the Christmas Special Anthropomorphic Mouse Taxidermy Class or Annual Krampus Costume Party for a little twist on classic-holiday fun.

Morbid Anatomy Christmas Flea Market
424A Third Ave (at 7th St) in Brooklyn
Website
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Open from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Admission: $1.00 (add $7.00 to see the Museum Exhibition)