12 Festive Christmas Markets in NYC for All Your Holiday Trappings

Returning for its 20th consecutive year, this open-air annual holiday market has it all: local crafts, artisan provisions and exquisite gifts from around the world. In addition to the always-picturesque ice rink (the only admission-free ice skating rink in NYC) and holiday shops, be sure to stop by The Lodge by Prime Video, a covered pop-up food hall, bar and beer garden featuring top-notch vendors like S’mores N’More, El Pambazo Shop, Stout NYC and more.

40th to 42nd Streets (between Fifth and Sixth aves.); wintervillage.org. Holiday shops open now through January 2; the rink and The Lodge by Prime Video will be open until March 6.

This downtown staple’s winding rows of stalls never fail to make us feel like we’re in some cozy Nordic town in a Hans Christian Andersen tale. With over 150 vendors serving global cuisines, original art, handcrafted accessories and more, this year’s market also sheds a special spotlight on budding entrepreneurs curated by social media influencer Nico Heller, New York’s “unofficial talent scout.” Once you’ve picked up a handmade leather wallet for your dad and an NYC subway puzzle for your niece, treat yourself to a Belgian waffle with the works from Wafels & Dinges.

14th to 15th Streets (at Union Square W.); urbanspacenyc.com. Open now until December 24; Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Enjoy Sundays in December at uptown staple Grand Bazaar NYC’s seasonal version of its year-round flea, with a roster of more than 130 rotating local vendors, many of whom can’t be found anywhere else. Browse antiques, upcycled light fixtures and vintage jewelry, along with Jessy’s delectable Nutty Cups and Japanese grain bowls from Maze-Maze. Plus, 100 percent of the bazaar’s profits are donated to four local NYC public schools, benefiting over 2,000 children.

100 W. 77th St.; grandbazaarnyc.org. Every Sunday through December 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What do you do after taking a snowy Central Park stroll or before catching The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center? We suggest popping into this dazzling uptown holiday market at the entrance of Central Park. Along with plenty of gift-worthy wares displayed in charming European-style kiosks surrounding the U.S.S. Maine National Monument, you’ll find cold-weather snacks like s’mores churros and molten raclette sandwiches. Yum.

59th St. at Central Park West.; urbanspacenyc.com. Open now through December 24.

With two locations in Brooklyn’s BoCoCa neighborhood (Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens), the holiday marketplace pop-ups are known for their curated fashion, art and design. Close enough to each other to stop into both, the pop-ups host a rotation of over 100 of the region’s most talented makers, designers and entrepreneurs, offering gifts from handcrafted jewelry, apparel and stationery to bath and body care, tableware, home furnishings and artisanal food. Additionally, enjoy holiday activities like a pop-up portrait studio, free live caricatures, personalized block-printing, ceramic and crochet ornament workshops, a gift-wrapping station and more.

51 Bergen Street, Brooklyn & 190 Court Street, Brooklyn; fadmarket.co. December 11-12 and 18-19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

City Point Brooklyn is bursting with holiday spirit this winter with local craftsmen, artisans and entrepreneurs filling the city’s largest mixed-use space selling their treats and treasures. With an emphasis on social justice, sustainability, local businesses and businesses owned by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, women and other underrepresented groups, The Makers Show is the definition of shopping with purpose. Get merry with wreaths, home goods and more eco-fashion than you can shake a stick at this weekend.

445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn; themakersshow.com. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 19, plus December 20-23 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Featuring only makers from and around the borough of Queens—the most diverse county in the U.S.—the independent Queens Craft Brigade Holiday Market is officially open for the holiday season. Local artisans include Paige’s Candle Co., Kiln Jewelry, Golden Lab Bookshop, Glendale Woodcrafting, Hellgate Farm and Domingo Carrasco Fine Art, just to name a few. Proof of vaccination is required and while the event is free for all ages, food or cash donations for the Astoria Food Pantry are welcomed.

31-19 Newtown Avenue, Astoria, Queens; queenscraftbrigade.com. December 11 & 18 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

While the market isn’t holiday-specific this year, it’s still a must-visit spot for all your shopping needs. In the Makers Guild, Industry City’s immersive shopping destination, shoppers can witness the process and buy artisans’ creations, from home furnishings and accessories to jewelry and handbags. For a little more of the winter wonderland spirit, step outside and skate the day (or night, it’s open until 8 p.m.) away at the Industry City Ice Rink.

51 35^th Street, 2^nd Floor, Brooklyn; industrycity.com. Every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Though the pop-in isn’t unique to New York (there are 23 pop-ins throughout the country), this holiday market located just feet from Central Park at the Nordstrom NYC Flagship is for those serious about their shopping. Shop top-selling wish list items for the whole family from the hottest brands, like Anecdote Candles, Verloop Accessories, Nosh NYC and Yellow Owl Workshop, with an emphasis on new and exclusive products and designers. Trust us—whatever’s on their list, the pop-ins will have it.

225 W 57th St., nordstrom.com/pop. Open now through January 9 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.