Shopping Small At NYC Holiday Markets
The holidays in NYC are filled with opportunities to check off everyone on your shopping list without stepping foot into any of the mainstream chain stores. We are all about supporting small businesses and local artists, and have rounded up five markets (yes, one for every borough), that pop up this time of year, selling everything from jewelry to clothing, arts to crafts, and plenty of seasonal snacks and beverages to nibble and sip on along the way.
Manhattan: Stay Warm While You Shop, Go To Grand Centrals Holiday Fair
If you do any commuting at all, chances are pretty good you’re going to pass through Grand Central Station at some point during your day, so it’s a fabulously central location for a holiday market. We also prefer this over, say, the Bryant Park, Columbus Circle, and Union Square Markets because it’s indoors, so there’s no need to stay bundled up in all your layers while shopping (plus, the four markets tend to have a great overlap of many of the vendors, so you won’t be missing out.) The 76 vendor stalls offer something for everyone, including handmade candles, bath and body items, unique toys for kiddos, clothing, jewelry, and holiday items. Make sure to stop by the Transit Museum Annex to check out their holiday train show!
WHEN: Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm; Sunday 11am-7pm; Closes at 6 pm on December 24.
WHERE: Grand Central Terminal, Vanderbilt Hall
Bronx: Looking for Holiday Entertainment? Attend the Bronx Museums Holiday Market Weekend
Take “shopping small” to the next level and consider supporting artists, artisans, bakers, brewers, and more that not only have their own businesses, but are locals from the Boogie-Down. The Bronx Museum Holiday Market will feature over 25 vendors, along with plenty of festive activities, including: photos with Ms. Santa and friends, face painting, hot cocoa and cider, art-making activities, and musical and dance performances, all for free.
WHEN: Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11, 11am-6pm
WHERE: The Bronx Museum of the Arts
Brooklyn: Find the Perfect Gem at the Brooklyn Flea Holiday Market.
If your shopping list includes anyone who loves vintage clothing and furniture, trendy antiques and treasures, and hip and funky jewelry, then Brooklyn Flea Holiday Market is an absolute must-do. I’ve found some of my most treasured apartment pieces here, and if you’re willing to haggle (and pay cash, of course), you can sometimes score a pretty great deal. The Flea Market moves indoors for the winter months and is located inside the landmarked Williamsburg Savings Bank Clocktower lobby in Fort Greene, a destination unto itself that is worth the trip.
WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays 10am-7pm until Christmas; 10am-6pm from Christmas-March
WHERE: One Hanson Place in Brooklyn
Queens: Food & Drink on Your Mind? Hello Astoria Market!
If you’re a bit more excited about nibbling on gingerbread and sipping cider than shopping, it could be worth your time to jump on the subway and head to Queens to check out the Astoria Market. Located inside the Main Hall of the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden, you’ll find a market filled with baked treats (hello, holiday entertaining!), handmade items, and vintage goods.
WHEN: Sundays in December (Dec 4, 11, 18) 12-6pm
WHERE: Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden
Staten Island: Sip Hot Cocoa on the Staten Island Ferry En Route to St. Georges Holiday Market
We love the idea of taking a boat ride to do some Christmas shopping (it really makes it an experience rather than just shopping, right?), and you can do just that when you go to St. George Holiday Market. Featuring fine art, gifts, jewelry, apparel, and decor, you can purchase in good faith knowing you are personally helping the arts community of Staten Island grow.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 14th-Friday, December 16th 11-8pm
WHERE: SI Arts Culture Lounge, inside St. George Ferry Terminal
What markets do you visit this time of year? Share with us on Facebook and Twitter!
Posted in Glenwood News, manhattan living, NYC Events |
