The holidays mean shopping, and NYC is sprouting European-style holiday markets everywhere, some already open and more opening next week.
Forget online shopping. Make your list, check it twice, and head for one of these markets to find one-of-a-kind items, many handmade by local NYC artisans, and others made elsewhere in New York State.
Jump start your holiday shopping here, and also at temporary pop-up holiday markets, which are mostly on weekends.
Our list is in order of the opening dates of these holiday markets, some of which are staying open through early January 2020.
Winter Village at Bryant Park
This popular European-style open-air market offers more than 150 holiday shops, where you’ll have no issue finding gifts for everyone on your list.
When you get hungry, visit The Lodge by Urbanspace, the Winter Village’s rinkside bar and food hall.
Besides an outdoor beer garden and holiday-themed cocktail bar, you’ll find pop-ups of several NYC restaurants, plus year-round locations for sweets favorite Wafels & Dinges.
- Already open, and open daily through Jan. 5th
- Monday – Friday: 11am-8pm, Saturday & Sunday: 10am-8pm
French Christmas Market
The first-ever genuine Alsace Christmas Market is open in Bowling Green Park,
The STRASBOURG-COLMAR-MULHOUSE features 30 authentic wooden chalets imported from Alsace, France, filled with unique handcrafted products and delicious culinary specialties of Alsace.
There also are family-friendly events for children including Santa’s House and the chance to take photos with an old-fashioned St. Nicholas, , locomotive with hot chestnuts, children’s choir and more.
- FREE, daily through Dec. 22
- Bowling Green Park, Lower Manhattan
Brooklyn Flea + Smorgasburg Winter Market
The Brooklyn Flea’s Williamsburg location is the only winter outpost of the popular bazaar, which moves inside for the winter.
Visit for vintage clothing, housewares, antiques, furniture, jewelry, art and crafts; Smorgasburg food vendors will be there as well.
- 25 Kent Ave., 8th fl., Williamsburg, Brooklyn
- Already open, weekends only through March 2020
Century 21
Century 21 is one of the iconic NYC shopping destinations reviewed in 100 Things to Do in NYC Before You Die, the new guidebook by NYC on the Cheap Editor Evelyn Kanter
- Already open at 50 West 34th St.
- Monday-Saturday, 9am-9pm; and Sunday, 10am-8pm; through January 11.
Grand Central Holiday Fair
One of the longest-running indoor holiday markets in NYC takes over Grand Central Terminal’s soaring Vanderbilt Hall once again, with a focus on vendors offering American-made and handmade products with locally sourced materials, and those using a socially conscious business model.
There are some 40 stalls selling artwork, clothing, accessories, toys, and home goods.
The location makes this market an easy shopping stop for commuters, and those looking to refuel can stop for a snack or meal at the Grand Central Market, Great Northern Food Hall or subterranean dining concourse.
- Open daily, November 18–December 24
Union Square Holiday Market
Another European-style outdoor holiday market, focusing on locally crafted gifts including home goods, gourmet food and drinks, winter accessories, artwork, and skin care products.
New this year is live music and a kids’ arts studio for family-friendly shopping breaks.
- Open daily, November 21–December 24
Grand Holiday Bazaar
One of NYC’s largest weekly flea and crafts markets year-round, with vendors both outside and inside, all 150 independent vendors at NYC Grand Bazaar focus on the holidays through the end of the year, with fashion items, collectibles, art, jewelry and decor, including antiques.
- Sundays only, November 25–December 30
- 100 W 77th St,
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
More than 100 vendors cluster on the plaza around the entrance to Central Park at Columbus Circle, offering a mix of art, jewelry, home goods and baked treats.
There’s even a market concierge to help you navigate the aisles and find the vendor selling just the thing you are hoping to find.
- November 28–December 24
TurnStyle Holiday Market
This underground retail and restaurant space is the year-round home to roughly 40 eateries, shops and kiosks, and for the holidays another 18 seasonal vendors join in.
Find selling clothing, gifts and housewares at temporary stalls including Inaya, Me Oui and New York Makers, which offer Made in New York State gifts such as handcrafted marshmallows, soy candles and Herkimer diamond necklaces.
- Columbus Circle Subway Station, Eighth Avenue between 57th and 58th Streets, Midtown West, Manhattan
- November 15–December 31
Queens County Farm Museum Holiday Market
Kickoff the winter season at the farm, with a rich assortment of Christmas trees, wreaths, poinsettias and unique holiday gifts. Our farm store is stocked with traditional games, toys and handmade stuffed animals for the lil’ farmer in every family. Small-batch Queens Farm herbal teas, wildflower honey and naturally-dyed yarn from our Cotswold sheep are available to make it a cozy and bright holiday!
- December 1-24, 10am to 5pm daily (closes 2pm on 12/24)
This list of Holiday Markets was published originally in 2016 and is updated annually.
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.