Best Holiday Markets in NYC to Shop Small This Christmas Season

After a pandemic-induced hiatus, the Union Square Holiday Market is back for a 2021 run. Photo courtesy of Urbanspace
After a pandemic-induced hiatus, the Union Square Holiday Market is back for a 2021 run. Photo courtesy of Urbanspace
11/8/21 - By Judith Aquino

Grab a cup of hot cocoa and put on your most comfortable walking shoes, because holiday markets are back in NYC. With their sparkly decorations, festive music, unique gifts, and delicious treats, there’s no better way to kick off the holiday shopping season than to stroll through one of these Christmas markets in New York City. Plus, you’ll be supporting local businesses and artisans. Not sure where to start? Read on for a list of the best holiday markets in New York City, and find all our picks for seasonal fun in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC.

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Dumbo Holiday Flea – Dumbo, Brooklyn

80 Pearl Street at Front Street
Sundays through Sunday, December 19
From the founders of the Brooklyn Flea comes this weekly pop-up market in the heart of Dumbo. Peruse a diverse selection of funky, fun wares the Brooklyn Flea is known for, including clothing, collectibles, antiques, jewelry, and local pieces from artists and artisans. No two visits turn up the same treasures.

RELATED: 12 Must-Do Holiday Activities and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids in 2021

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park hosts a holiday market
The holiday shops are just a fraction of the fun at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. Photo by Angelito Jusay/courtesy the venue

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park – Midtown West

40th to 42nd Streets between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
Daily through January 2, 2022
Celebrating its 20th season, there’s plenty to see and do at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. Shop for gifts at its holiday market, which boasts handmade jewelry, accessories, clothing, locally-made art, toys, and more from more than 170 vendors. Refuel with hot chocolate, freshly baked cookies, Belgian waffles, and other yummy treats before burning it off on the city's only FREE admission ice skating rink. Kids can enjoy a spin on Le Carrousel—Bryant Park’s beloved carousel with 14 animals that revolve to French cabaret music.

Grand Holiday Bazaar – Upper West Side

100 West 77th Street at Columbus Avenue
Sundays November 28-December 19
Visit this indoor/outdoor flea market for one-of-a-kind handmade holiday decorations and gifts, including candles, skincare, vintage accessories, collectibles, and of course—artisanal treats and food.

RELATED: How To Find Free Toys for Kids this Christmas and Holiday Season

Columbus Circle's holiday market
Columbus Circle comes alive with holiday spirit when its holiday market pops up for the season. Photo courtesy of Urbanspace. 

Urbanspace Columbus Circle Holiday Market – Midtown West

59th Street and Central Park West
Monday, November 29-Friday, December 24
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is another quintessential Christmas market not to be missed. Located at the southwest corner of Central Park, holiday shoppers find unique ornaments, handmade toys, tasty desserts, and much more from over 100 merchants. Bonus: The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is near Heckscher Playground and the revamped Wollman Rink, which reopens on Sunday, November 14.

Urbanspace Union Square Holiday Market – Union Square

14th to 16th Streets between Union Square West and Union Square East
Thursday, November 18-Friday, December 24
Locals and visitors alike flock to the Union Square Holiday Market, which returns after a hiatus in 2020. More than 150 vendors showcase their wares, from original art to handcrafted accessories. Food vendors like New York Ukrainian favorite Veselka, Breezy Hill Orchard cider, and Piccolo Cafe have also returned. If the kids get antsy from shopping, swing by Evelyn’s Playground on the opposite end of Union Square Park and let out some of that energy.

Holiday Market at The Oculus – World Trade Center

Opens Friday, November 26
Step into a winter wonderland in the middle of the concrete jungle. The Holiday Market at the Oculus is adorned with plenty of twinkling lights and holiday cheer, plus a curated selection of season-long merchants and pop-up purveyors peddling their wares. Enjoy roaming carolers on select days while you shop.

Bonus: The Holiday Wrap-Up – Midtown East

Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall, 42nd Street and Park Avenue
Saturday, December 4, 11, 18, December 20-24
Though Grand Central Terminal's holiday market isn't returning until 2022, it is offering complimentary gift wrapping of holiday gifts purchased at the Shops at Grand Central. Each shopper can have up to five gifts wrapped in Grand Central-themed wrapping paper, featuring a print mirroring the terminal’s iconic constellation ceiling. To help carry gifts home, wrapped gifts will be placed in a complimentary, reusable Grand Central Terminal tote bag. Keep an eye on the Events page for more information. 

All photos courtesy of the venues.

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