What do you buy for the person who has everything? Holiday markets are sprouting up across New York, where local art, specialty crafts, and food and drink make the gift-giving season a breeze. Here are the markets to hit before the season's over! Photo credit: Marta Zielinska
Originally published 11/16/2018 | Updated 12/04/2024
Union Square Holiday Market (New York City)
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Connect with over 180+ local artisans over their crafts and stories at Union Square, a go-to spot for New Yorkers and travelers alike, where a plethora of vendors set up shop for the holidays. Open until December 24th, recent additions like Little Brooklyn, Urbanspace Provisions, a kid's craft studio, live music, and a warming station make this market a destination in and of itself. Manhattan; weekdays 11am-9pm, Saturday 10am-9pm, and Sunday 10am-8pm through December 23, 2024. Closes at 4pm on December 24.
Bryant Park Holiday Market (NYC)
Credit: Marta Zielinska
Shop from the best artisans from New York City and around the world along Bryant Park’s allées, plazas, and terraces. Stroll through shops’ custom-designed, "jewel box" kiosks where you’re sure to find a gift for everyone. Before you head on your merry way be sure to check out the park’s ice skating rink or grab a hot cocoa to go. Manhattan; Monday-Friday 11am - 8pm and Saturday-Sunday 10am-8pm through January 5, 2025.
Bethel Woods Holiday Market Pop Up (Catskills)
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Bethel Woods’ Peace, Love, and Lights festival gets even better when you visit the holiday market on Saturdays in December. There will be live music, festive and delicious treats, and more than 75 local artisans and specialty food makers for holiday gifts, provisions and more. Bethel; December 7, 14,and 21, 2024 from 12pm-9pm.
Grand Central Holiday Fair (NYC)
Credit: Marta Zielinska
Celebrate six weeks of holiday magic and shopping small in Grand Central Terminal’s stunning Vanderbilt Hall. As you wander through the dazzling market you’ll find homemade bath products, knitwear, jewelry and art prints, gender-neutral accessories, ornaments, and homeware. New York City; Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm and Sunday 11am-6pm through December 24. Open 10am-6pm on December 24.
Troy Makers Market (Capital-Saratoga)
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Artists and craftsmen set up shop at Riverfront Park every Saturday, but the holidays give this market a special touch as it moves inside Troy Atrium from November until April. There’s no better gift than a handmade one and you’re sure to be captivated by impressive craftsmanship and ingenuity at this market. Choose from a vibrant array of homemade goods including intricate sun catchers, dazzling earrings, and hand-carved birdhouses. Troy; every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm. Indoor market from November-April, riverfront market from May - October.
Shaker Holiday Market (Capital-Saratoga)
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Dive into the holiday spirit at the Shaker Holiday Market. Stroll through Shaker’s historic 1848 Meeting House and take a look at regional artists selling all kinds of goodies like handmade pottery, jewelry, and artisan foods. Shaker; Tuesday - Sunday 10am-4pm, through December 15, 2024.
Buffalo's Holiday Market (Greater Niagara)
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You’re sure to find the perfect gift among the 400+ artisan vendors at the Buffalo Holiday Market. The annual holiday shopping festival lasts five weeks and features all kinds of goodies from unique decorations and gifts to fresh baked goods. If you need to refuel from all the shopping, rent a heated igloo and enjoy a warm hot chocolate or a mulled wine from the Winery of Ellicottville. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Santa! Buffalo; open various days through December 22, 2024.
Roc Holiday Village (Finger Lakes)
Credit: Tomas Flint
One-of-a-kind treats and treasures from local vendors await at the Roc Holiday Village. With artisans selling everything from maple syrup to sustainable dog toys to winter apparel, you’ll have no trouble crossing everything off your holiday shopping list. After completing your holiday shopping, explore the rest of the winter wonderland complete with free ice skating (the Roc Holiday rink is nominated for 2024 best ice rink in the US), cozy winter igloos, outdoor fire pits, and visits from Santa himself! Rochester; Wednesday - Sunday through December 29, 2024.
Huntington Holiday Spectacular (Long Island)
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Now through January 2, experience the magic of the holidays in Huntington Village! The festive celebration will feature dazzling light displays, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and visits from Santa. The Huntington Holiday Spectacular also features a holiday market on Fridays and Sundays through December 29, so you’re sure to find a gift for everyone as you shop for unique gifts from talented artists, artisans, and small businesses from all over the state. Huntington; Holiday Spectacular November 30-January 2. Holiday market, December 6 - December 29, Fridays from 5pm-9pm and Sunday from 10am-5pm.
Grand Holiday Bazaar (NYC)
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With over 150 hand-picked local artisans and dealers, the Grand Holiday Bazaar is the only market with both indoor and outdoor spaces and rotating merchants, so every visit brings new shopportunities! You'll find handmade holiday decor, candles, skincare, fashion, vintage accessories, rare antique silver and glassware, plus delicious artisanal chocolates and foods. To add to the giving spirit, 100% of Grand Bazaar’s profits support four local public schools, benefiting over 2,000 children. Manhattan, December 8, 15, and 22, 10AM-5PM.
Rochester Holidays at the Market (Finger Lakes)
Horse-drawn carriage rides and visits with Santa are just some of the special treats you'll find at this festive market decked out with bright holiday lights. Browse dozens of vendors selling art, artisan crafts, holiday food delicacies, stocking stuffers, and more every year. Rochester; December 8 and December 15, from 8 am to 2 pm and December 19 from 6pm-9pm.
Buffalo's Queen City Pop Up Shop (Greater Niagara)
Main Street storefronts are transformed into pop-up shops where local artisans, crafters, and artists set up for holiday shopping. Indulge in downtown's art and craftsman scene where you'll find the unique, one-of-a-kind gifts you've been searching for including local wine and spirits, handmade clothing and accessories, delicious food, and more. Buffalo; through December 15, 2024.
Dutchess Handmade Pop Up (Hudson Valley)
60 local artisans gather at Arts Mid-Hudson for the Dutchess Handmade Pop Up. You’ll have no problem finding a unique gift for your loved ones as you peruse handmade jewelry, ceramics, paintings, home decor, and more. Poughkeepsie; Tuesday - Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-2pm until December 14, 2024.
Christkindlmarkt (Catskills)
Enjoy an indoor and outdoor Bavarian-style holiday market at the Christkindlmarkt in Delhi! Peruse local handmade gifts, crafts, and snacks from 30+ local farmers and artisans. There will also be festive food, music, and activities for all ages. Delhi; December 14, 2PM-7PM.
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