New York City's Unmissable Holiday Markets

If you’re looking for unique holiday gifts for your friends, family or co-workers, the New York City holiday markets are something not to be missed. Even with the chill in the air, the markets are a breeze to walk through and pick up some special items. There are a lot to choose from, and you’ll find one in nearly every nook and cranny of the city. Each market houses authentic artisans and merchants who make everything from handmade ceramics to jewelry to winter caps, as well as many other wonderful gifts. Here’s a list of them, so you can start shopping and crossing items off your list.

1. Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park

Library, Park

This European-inspired market is much more than a market – it’s also host to a popular ice-skating rink frequented by many New Yorkers. This seasonal market opens at an earlier date than many others and stays open until just after the New Year. The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park features more than 125 boutique-like shops that offer decorative goods, apparel, jewelry, local foods and more. Many of the shops will extend their hours as the holiday gets closer.

Open Monday to Friday from 11 AM to 8 PM, Saturday from 10 AM to 9 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM.

2. The Union Square Holiday Market

Market

The Union Square Holiday Market is a destination for many, and it gets very, very busy. Open until Christmas Eve, the market offers a variety of handcrafted jewelry, fine art, handmade gifts, toys for kids of all ages, local food and much more. The market has a downtown feel, and many of the goods reflect that artsy spirit. Artists are likely to engage with you about their products and tell you the story behind their creations.

Open on weekdays from 11 AM to 8 PM, Saturdays from 10 AM to 8 PM, and Sundays from 11 AM to 7 PM.

3. Columbus Circle Holiday Market

Market

Just below Central Park and across the street from the Time Warner Center, you’ll find Columbus Circle Holiday Market where you can pick up all your stocking fillers and some Hanukkah gifts from more than 100 vendors, including goodies like gingerbread houses, wooden puzzles and more, as well as some local culinary delights.

Open through Christmas Eve, Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM and on Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM.

4. Cathedral of Saint John the Divine

Building, Cathedral, Church, Park

Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, New York.

This year, the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine presents its annual market with goods from over 60 artisans. A judging committee, choosing both artists they know and those that are new, chooses each vendor carefully.

Open on December 4th (5 to 8 PM), 5th (10 AM to 8 PM), and 6th (11 AM to 5 PM).

Guests pay a $6 fee for a weekday and $7 for a weekend.

5. Queens Holiday Market

Shopping Mall, Market

The Queens Holiday Market at Atlas Park in Queens is an indoor market. This 25,000 square foot space sells gifts, foods and has space for children to play while you shop. Items include handcrafted jewelry, clothes, accessories, art, vintage clothing and furnishings, as well as sweets, beer and wine.

Open every Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM through December 20th.

6. The Winter Flea in Brooklyn

Market

Blizzard of 2015: Empty Grand Central Terminal

The Winter Flea is a combination of the Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg. This year it’s taking place in 50,000 square feet with over 200 vendors and 60 food booths. You’ll find collectibles, antiques and eclectic jewelry by local artisans and designers at the Flea, couple with delectables at Smorgasbug.

Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 6 PM (which includes an extra hour each evening for holiday shopping this season).

7. Grand Central Holiday Fair

Market

Grand Central Holiday Fair l Metropolitan Transit Authority Flickr

Open until Christmas Eve, the Grand Central Holiday Fair offers an easy, exciting holiday shopping experience, right in the center of the city’s biggest train station. You’ll find the market in Vanderbilt Hall where 74 artists, craftspeople and businesses offer an eclectic mix of art, clothing, handbags, jewelry, accessories, food, bath and body items, toys, holiday items and home goods.

Open weekdays from 10 AM to 8 PM, Saturdays from 10 AM to 7 PM, and Sundays from 11 AM to 7 PM.

8. Jolly Holly Fair

Market

In addition to selling gently-used items and treats like chocolate and coffee packages, the Jolly Holly Fair on Staten Island has a craft table and enjoys a visit from Mrs. Claus.

Sunday, December 6th at 10:45.