Holiday Markets in New York City 2012

[UPDATED: NOVEMBER 13, 2012]

New York City is a flurry of holiday shopping this time of year. There are wonderful seasonal markets all over town selling crafts, unique boutique goods, food and more. These cool local spots aren't just in Manhattan either; there are several markets in the outer boroughs, too.

Unlike the craziness of Black Friday, these shopping experiences are perfect for children. A few places even offer activities like pictures with Santa and craft projects for the kiddies. Plus, you're often supporting local businesses and artisans. We love shopping local so much, we made it the focus of our Holiday Gift Guide.

Read on for our round-up of eleven New York City holiday markets. And if you're looking for even more crafty options around town, check out our post on NYC holiday craft fairs.

Outdoor Markets

Holiday Shops at Bryant Park – Midtown West
40th-42nd Streets between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
October 26-January 6: Monday-Friday 11am-8pm, Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 10am-6pm.
Browse jewelry, hats, accessories, clothing and more offbeat items like kitschy clocks, funky toys and locally-made art. There are lots of yummy treats to sample too, including hot chocolate, crepes and Belgian waffles. After you're done shopping, hit the free ice-skating rink or go for a spin on the carousel. Bonus: If you need to buy a gift after Christmas, this market remains open through the first week of January.

Union Square Holiday Market – Union Square
14th to 16th Streets between Union Square West and Union Square East
November 16-December 24: Monday-Friday 11am-8pm, Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 11am-7pm. Closes at 4pm on December 24.
Large, popular and located in a heavily-trafficked area near a fabulous playground, this annual market is run by UrbanSpace (which is also behind the Columbus Circle Holiday Market). Here you'll find over 100 vendors selling handmade toys, tons of jewelry, clothing, hats, funky housewares and holiday food.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market – Midtown West
59th Street and Central Park West
November 28-December 24: Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 10am-7pm. Closes at 4pm on December 24.
This elegant market features many of the same vendors as Union Square. You'll find lots of treasures including handmade puzzles, gingerbread houses and fabulous home accessories. Once you're finished shopping, hit nearby Heckscher Playground in Central Park.

Indoor Markets

Holiday Pop-Up: Artists & Fleas at Chelsea Market – Chelsea
88 Tenth Avenue at West 15th Street
September 19-December 31 10:30am-7pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The popular Brooklyn mainstay brings its artsy and vintage items to Manhattan for a fall and holiday pop-up event. You'll find over 30 designers and artists selling clothing, jewelry, home goods and more in a 4000-square-foot industrial space.

Grand Central Holiday Fair – Midtown East
Vanderbilt Hall, 42nd Street and Park Avenue
November 12-December 24: Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 11am-7pm. Closed Thanksgiving. Closes at 6pm on December 24.
Browse vendors selling unusual handmade and one-of-a-kind items inside the terminal. Afterward, check out the holiday train show at the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex. For other fun in the station, read our post about things to do in Grand Central.

Brooklyn Flea's Gifted Holiday Market – Fort Greene
Skylight One Hanson, 1 Hanson Place at Ashland Place
November 24-December 23: Saturdays & Sundays 10am-6pm.
The Gifted Holiday Market returns to the Flea for five weekends this holiday season. Over 100 vendors populate the site of the former Williamsburg Savings Bank, selling handmade, vintage and foodie gifts for everyone on your list.

Bread and Yoga Holiday Market – Inwood
Inwood Center Building, 5030 Broadway at 213th Street
December 8 & 15 10am-7pm, December 9 & 16 Noon-6pm
This northern Manhattan yoga studio presents their annual event featuring uptown vendors selling clothing, jewelry, artwork, spa products, toys, pottery and more.

Christmas Market in Astoria – Astoria
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden, 29-19 24th Avenue near 29th Street
December 15 &16 Noon-6pm, December 22 & 23 Noon-6pm
This popular fair is held in the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden's main hall. Look for handmade, baked and even vintage goodies. Manhattanites, take note: The organizers are running a special Midtown West edition of this market at St. Paul’s on Columbus Avenue on Saturday, December 15 from 11am-5:30pm.

Holiday Market at South Street Seaport – South Street Seaport
Due to damage sustained by Hurricane Sandy, the Seaport isn't hosting a holiday market this year.

We're still waiting to hear details about the following holiday markets. We'll update this post once we receive new information.

Harlem Holiday Market – Harlem
The Plaza at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building, 125th Street and Seventh Avenue
Dates to be determined
This tented uptown market will showcase 25 vendors offering handmade crafts, clothing, art and jewelry.

Holiday Food Fair and Bazaar – Bushwick
The Loom, 1087 Flushing Avenue at Cortelyou Road
Dates to be determined
The Bushwick Farmers' Market and The Loom collective artspace have teamed up for this fair, where you'll find artisanal foods and crafts, seasonal produce, baked goods, hot cider and handcrafted gifts.

Find other great gift spots in our NYC Shopping Local Gift Guide and lots of other seasonal fun in our Holiday Guide.