New York City’s holiday markets take some of the stress out of shopping for those on your gift list. And in 2021 many of the City’s favorite shopping experiences are returning, affording shoppers even more variety—whether you’re looking for clothing, jewelry, toys or some one-of-a-kind craft. Bonus: most markets have food vendors, good for keeping your stamina level in line with your holiday spirit. Wherever you go, remember to follow commonsense safety guidelines.
Photo: Brittany Petronella
Holiday Shops at Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bryant Park, Midtown West, Manhattan
Through January 2, 2022
More than 170 custom-designed glass kiosks line Bryant Park this holiday season, giving these shops indoor-outdoor allure. The market attracts local and international artisans, who come to sell apparel, artwork, home goods, beauty products and toys as well as a selection of food. In the center of the park is a rink where you can ice-skate for free (skate rental runs $15–45, or you can bring your own).
Photo: Sam Hollenshead/Brooklyn Flea
Brooklyn Flea and Chelsea Flea
80 Pearl St., Brooklyn (Sundays only, November 7–December 19)
29 W. 25th St., Manhattan (weekends only year-round)
The popular Brooklyn Flea and Chelsea Flea bazaars continue their weekend schedules through the holiday season, and the usual vendors take a natural shift toward holiday and giftable items for sale—with a handful or so of holiday-only vendors popping up to sell their seasonal wares. Visit for vintage clothing, housewares, antiques, furniture, jewelry, art and crafts.
Make It Pop-In@Nordstrom
Nordstrom NYC Flagship, 225 W. 57th St., Manhattan
Through January 9, 2022
Olivia Kim, Nordstrom’s VP of creative projects and home, is at the helm of this carefully curated pop-up holiday shopping event. Gift options are varied and include home goods, games and entertainment, apparel, beauty, self-care and stocking stuffers, from brands such as Just Dutch, Lady Falcon Coffee Club, Dada, Sleepy Jones, Violet Clair and Susan Alexandra. Note that in addition to the in-person store pop-up, shopping for goodies will also be available online at Nordstrom.com/POP.
Photo: Brittany Petronella
Grand Central Holiday Fair
Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal, Manhattan
November 15–December 24
Grand Central Terminal’s annual holiday fair returns to in-person selling this year in its famed Vanderbilt Hall—convenient for commuters, shoppers wanting to peruse gifts indoors while keeping warm and those looking for something distinctive to gift or own. Past fairs have featured a carefully curated selection of vendors, including Grand Central Watch, Li-Lac Chocolates, Murray’s Cheese and L’Occitane, plus scores of others.
Union Square Holiday Market. Photo: Molly Flores
Union Square Holiday Market
Union Square Park, Union Square, Manhattan
November 18–December 24
After a year’s hiatus, one of the City’s most famous and beloved holiday markets returns for 2021. Over 160 local and national vendors come together at this alfresco event, selling items like leather goods, artisanal olive oil and skin-care products. As with other markets, there’s plenty of food on hand—including hot chocolate and apple cider available to keep you warm.
Courtesy, The Makers Show at City Point
The Makers Show at City Point
445 Albee Square West, Downtown Brooklyn
November 19–January 2, 2022 (Fridays–Sundays)
This market, curated by Da Spot NYC, features an array of small-business vendors—artists, jewelers, clothing designers and more—at City Point mall on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Over 40 vendors will be on hand each weekend, with different ones rotating in and out each time. The market emphasizes Black- and women-owned businesses, and all products are locally and ethically sourced. Additionally, Breezy Hill Orchard will be selling fresh-cut Christmas trees, wreaths and baked goods. More food options will be available from Dekalb Market located downstairs.
New York City Holiday Soy Candle. Courtesy, Scripted Fragrance
NY Handmade Collective: Etsy Market Holiday
Online only
November 20
The NY Handmade Collective joins forces with the Etsy Market for one day only this year to hold an online market. Last year, nearly 70 vendors peddled jewelry, clothing, housewares and kids’ stuff, and 2021 should see the same variety of makers and creative entrepreneurs. In addition to being able to access the market from anywhere in the world, shoppers will be able to browse many more goods than they would in person.
TurnStyle Holiday Market
Columbus Circle Subway Station, Eighth Avenue between 57th and 58th Streets, Midtown West, Manhattan
November 22–December 31
This underground retail and restaurant space is home to roughly 40 eateries, shops and kiosks. For the holidays a small group of seasonal vendors will join in, offering a selection of statewide maker-made gifts such as handcrafted treats, clothing, candles, jewelry and housewares.
Grand Holiday Bazaar
100 W. 77th St., Manhattan
November 28–December 19 (Sundays)
Visit Manhattan’s Upper West Side on Sundays this holiday season to find gifts from a rotating roster of independent merchants. More than 100 handpicked local artisans and dealers will be on hand offering holiday decorations, candles, skin care, handbags, furniture, jewelry, housewares—the list goes on. You’re sure to find gifts for all your loved ones (and perhaps yourself) at this large-scale event. Artisanal food vendors will help you keep up your energy for shopping.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market. Photo: Molly Flores
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Central Park West and West 59th Street (southwest entrance to Central Park), Midtown West/Upper West Side, Manhattan
November 29–December 24
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is delightful during the holiday season: with Christmas lights all aglow, the venue beautifies its section of Central Park. Tucked into the park’s southwest corner, the market is one of the City’s most elegant, lined with aisles of jewelry, accessories, artwork, home goods and food from local designers and artisans. Check off all the gifts on your list from one or more of the 100-plus vendors before you head into the park for a stroll.
Caribbeing Holiday Market Experience
LeFrak Center, Prospect Park, Brooklyn
December 2–31 (Wednesdays–Sundays only)
Flatbush-based cultural organization Caribbeing extends its promotion of all things Caribbean to Prospect Park’s LeFrak Center for the month of December. Vendors offer handmade goods, including jewelry, artwork, ornaments and spice mixes, that reflect their Caribbean heritage. To see and hear Caribbeing’s head, Shelley Worrell, talk about serving the community, check out this All in NYC: Portraits video.
Fort Hamilton Holiday Market
207 Sterling Dr., Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn
December 3
This one-night-only event, at the Fort Hamilton military base just south of Bay Ridge, features a tree-lighting ceremony, music, a holiday market and an appearance by Santa himself. Local craftspeople sell their creations, and there are food options as well. The event is free to enter but registration is required.
