New York Citys Best Winter Markets

Make your list and check it twice at New York City’s best winter markets, where incredible gift finds, food and drink, and holiday cheer are all on offer. Always a shopping mecca, New York ups its game come the cold months, ensuring shoppers a heavenly holiday season. From DIY destinations to long-running local institutions, here are the best places to get into the holiday (and shopping) spirit this winter.

Brooklyn Flea’s Winter Market

For the cool kids on your list, visit Brooklyn Flea’s Winter Market, New York’s hottest hub for holiday gifts. Brought to you by the same team behind Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg, this indoor bazaar brings together 100 vendors offering vintage clothing, antiques, and the best of handcrafted jewelry, greeting cards, and more. Tip: with 25 of your favorite Smorgasburg sellers on-site, Brooklyn Flea’s Winter Market makes holiday shopping in the city enjoyable—really.

Union Square Holiday Market

Market, Park

A worthy shopping destination any time of year, Union Square is unmissable come winter. Satisfy all of your stocking-stuffing needs (and any cravings for global cuisines) at the Union Square Holiday Market, where you’ll find hand-rolled incense, artisan-made stuffed animals, unique clothing, and more, all created by local artists. Also offering upscale provisions, including a warming station and children’s craft studio, this European-style market is a gift in itself.

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park

Park

The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is more than just a shopping destination; it’s an experience. Don skates at New York City’s only free-admission ice rink and indulge in old-fashioned winter snacks before exploring the Village’s 125-plus holiday shops. Handmade winter apparel, jewelry, unique gifts, and more are all on offer at this winter wonderland.

Renegade Craft Fair

Market

Created “for makers by makers,” Renegade Craft Fair will inspire you to up your gift-giving game this year. The hand-sewn quilts, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and unique ceramics at the “world’s largest showcase of independent craft and design” make for thoughtful presents. This winter will mark Renegade’s 13th year in Brooklyn, a milestone it’s celebrating over three full weekends this December.

Holiday Handmade Cavalcade

Count on indie authority Etsy to deliver one of the holiday season’s best DIY shopping destinations. At the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade, you’ll find everything from handmade hats to repurposed vintage kimonos, plus the creative makers behind your soon-to-be favorite brands. Tip: be sure to mark your calendars now—this market is open only for two weekends this December.

Manhattan: Corner of Broadway and Great Jones St, New York, NY, USA

Brooklyn: Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont St, Brooklyn, NY, USA

Grand Central Holiday Fair

Market

Since 1993, the Grand Central Holiday Fair has been the local’s pick for winter shopping in style. Settle in under the magnificent painted ceilings and towering Christmas tree at this New York City icon as you explore American and handmade clothing, artwork, and home goods from 40 different vendors.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

Market

Sorry, Central Park: come winter, and the Columbus Circle Holiday Market is the true attraction of Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Occupying the southwest corner of the famous New York park is this 15-year-old market, selling housewares, jewelry, and cold-weather classics, such as cocoa and gingerbread, to savor while you shop.

BUST Craftacular

Market

There’s nothing like a handmade gift to let someone know you care. At the “award-winning celebration of DIY culture” BUST Craftacular, you can leave gift-making to the professionals, who present handcrafted and vintage wares amidst DJ performances, cocktails, prizes, and more.

About the author

Julia Goicochea

Splitting her time between Miami and New York, Julia is a writer currently based in Brooklyn. She enjoys foreign films, 70s cookbooks, and bad detective novels.