Looking for one-of-a-kind gifts sure to impress everyone on your list? One of NYC’s best holiday markets will hook you up with memorable gifts and stocking stuffers — plus seasonal eats while you shop.
Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bask in the European vibes of the Bank of America Winter Village in Bryant Park. Along the park’s tree-lined promenades, rows and rows of over 150 twinkling glass booths brim with handmade goods like quirky bowties and Himalayan shawls; once you’ve shopped, eat your way across the food market with warming hand-pulled noodles at Mian Kitchen and treats from edible cookie dough sensation DŌ. Not to mention free ice skating (if you bring your own skates), rinkside cocktails at Danny Meyer’s Public Fare and a towering Christmas tree. Oct. 28-Jan. 2, Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-8 p.m., skating through March 4, located between 40th and 42nd sts. & Fifth and Sixth aves., Midtown
Grand Central Holiday Fair
You don’t have to brave the crowds on Sixth Avenue (or the cold) for high-end gifts. The Grand Central Holiday Fair brings 40 artisans to Vanderbilt Hall selling everything from art to home goods, hand-crafted toys and fine clothing for men, women and children. The market has been going since 1993, with a focus on American-made goods and uniquely crafted items. Pick up a one-of-a-kind writing tool made from discarded materials at BG Artforms, or find handmade dolls at Hazel Village. Nov. 13-Dec. 24, Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., 89 E. 42nd St., Midtown
Union Square Holiday Market
Feel a world away from the gray, manic city as you wander among the festive candy cane-striped booths wrapped in holly at the Union Square Holiday Market, the largest seasonal market in the city. Look for the Artisan Pledge stickers to find U.S.-made organic, fair trade, recycled and handmade goods among the more than 150 vendors, an art studio for kids to design wrapping paper (and make cookies — never too early to learn multitasking) and a Little Brooklyn section for a taste of the borough. Nov. 16-Dec. 24, Union Square Park between 14th and 15th streets
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
The southwest corner of Central Park turns up the Christmas charm with the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. Find over 100 merchants like Ware of the Dog’s trendy gear for pooches and nerdy wall art from Pop Chart Lab. Need some gift-giving guidance? There’s a market concierge to help you find the perfect gift. There’s of course food vendors, like newcomer Duck Season for all your waterfowl needs from confit to pâté, and the new Citi Holiday Lounge to sip hot chocolate while warming your hard-working feet. Nov. 28-Dec. 24, Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Central Park West and 59th Street
Bust Craftacular
Feminist, inclusive, indie — Bust Craftacular is the holiday market 2017 needs. Revel in all things DIY and upcycled vintage by 150 independent makers from across the country, like retro housewares from Ceja Designs and Mary Gallagher Jewelry’s fascinating nature-inspired gems. Because this market is about inspiring creativity in you, too, there will be classes led by the Bust School for Creative Living, and when it’s time to treat yourself, craft cocktails and food from vendors like The Awkward Scone are ready to please. And just because, catch some of Brooklyn’s hottest female-fronted bands at a music festival going on both days from 4-7 p.m. Entry is free, music festival $5, classes $10-$75, Dec. 9-10, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Brooklyn Expo Center, 72 Noble St., Greenpoint, bust.com
Winter Flea + Smorgasburg
Summer’s essential outdoor market doesn’t go into hibernation for the winter. Smorgasburg, along with its vintage shopping sister Brooklyn Flea, head indoors to Sunset Park’s hot new hang Industry City. At Winter Flea + Smorgasburg, you’ll find vintage and handmade gifts from 50 vendors, plus 10 Smorg food booths cooking and baking the best of the season. There’s also a full bar, not to mention all the usual entertainment and pop-up art installations happening at Industry City. Open weekends from Nov. 25-26 through March 2018, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., 241 37th St., Brooklyn
Renegade Craft Fair
Bringing over 150 independent craftspeople and artists together for 13 years, Renegade Craft Fair is where you’ll find gorgeous handmade objects from trendy jewelry by Baubou to steampunk light fixtures by Illuminated Objects. Keep your shopping energy up with food by vendors like Cryo Cream (edible ice cream sculptures made using liquid nitrogen) and live music, all popping up at Industry City for three weekends. Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Industry City – Factory Floor, 274 36th St., Brooklyn
Jingle: A Holiday Pop-Up Shop
Last-minute shoppers, you’re always covered at Chelsea Market. Back for its 11th year, Chelsea Market’s Jingle Holiday Pop-Up fills a 6,000-square-foot gallery decorated as if you were shopping a series of holiday windows, this design-centric experience is filled with all Made in the USA goods from boutique retailers across the country curated by Jill Schwartz, who designs jewelry and home accessories under Elements Jill Schwartz. Mind the occasional sugar plum fairy who may flit through — performances pop up, too. Dec. 19-23, 75 Ninth Ave., Chelsea
