I don’t know about you, but being crammed person to person at the holiday markets in Union Square and Bryant Park kind of take the joy out of the experience. Turns out, a number of lesser-known (but still equally amazing) holiday markets exist in Bushwick, East Williamsburg and Ridgewood.
To get you into the holiday spirit, we’ve searched far and wide to find all the local markets for food, gifts, music, and more. Not only are you supporting local businesses, but you can actually shop without the feeling of being in rush-hour traffic on the subway. Now that’s a reason to celebrate!
Alt Space Holiday Market @ Alt Space, 41 Montrose Ave. (Dec. 4: 3-8 pm, Dec. 5-6: 1-6 pm)
Alt Space, the concept store and gallery from Alt Citizen, is holding a holiday market starting today. They’ll be selling a collection of clothing, vinyl, art prints, posters, and magazines.
Rock n’ Shop @ The Paper Box, 17 Meadow Street. (Saturdays, 10am-6pm; Sundays, 10 am-7 pm)
Okay, so it’s not a holiday market per se but the good folks at Rock n’ Shop have got all the fixins’ of a stellar indie market – food, live music, and tons of unique vendors. Don’t miss their free pancakes on Saturdays between 10 am and 2 pm.
Roberta’s Holiday Market @ Roberta’s, 261 Moore St. (Dec. 11, 6 pm-10 pm; Dec. 12, 12 pm-9 pm; Dec. 13, 12 pm-7 pm)
For the second year in a row, Roberta’s is hosting a holiday market in their backyard. Check out specialty items like vintage pieces, letterpress prints, and handmade jewelry, then take a break with food and cider under a heated tent.
Silent OH! Open House and Holiday Market @ Silent Barn, 603 Bushwick Ave. (Dec. 12, 12-6 pm and Dec. 19, 1-5 pm)
Silent Barn is rebounding from a devastating fire in Sep. in the best way possible. Visit their holiday market and snag art, zines, jewelry and more. They’re also having a secret gift exchange and canned food drive.
Acheron Holiday Bazaar @ The Acheron, 57 Waterbury St. (Dec. 12 and 13, 12 pm-5 pm)
Known for hosting heavy metal and punk bands in East Williamsburg, The Acheron is hosting their own non-denominational holiday market with an emphasis on (duh) music. Rifle through records, drink some alcohol, and think of how happy you are without being asked twenty questions by your family members.
Vegan Holiday Shop Up @ Pine Box Rock Shop, 12 Grattan St. (Dec. 12 and 19, 12 pm-6 pm 21+)
Your fave vegan hangout Pine Box Rock Shop is hosting one again an all-vegan pop-up market, holiday edition. Grab a cocktail during happy hour while feasting on vegan treats and perusing merchandise.
Holiday Market @ Flowers For All Occasions, 1114 Dekalb Ave. (Dec. 12 and 13, 1 pm to 11 pm. De. 19 and 20, 1 pm -11 pm)
Flowers For All Occasions is hosting this year’s Secret Project Robot holiday market in their gallery space, with arts and crafts, jewlery, comics, handmade clothes and food and drink.
Ridgewood Market Brunch Holiday Bazaar @ Gottscheer Hall, 657 Fairview Ave. (Dec. 13, 11 am-5 pm)
Ridgewood Market is putting a holiday spin at their regular gathering at Gottscheer Hall with over 40 independent and local artisan vendors. Combine that with booze and brunch, and you’ve got a near-perfect Sunday.
Catland Holiday Market @ Catland, 987 Flushing Ave. (Dec. 19, 1 pm-7 pm)
Mulled wine, astrology readings AND local vendors? We’re so there. Head to Catland to snag some totally unique gifts for that taxidermist or crystal lover in your life.
SHWICK Holiday Market @ House of Yes, 2 Wyckoff Ave. (Dec. 20, 11 am- 6 pm)
Visit the market’s new location in the House of Yes! with 50 new and returning vendors. They’re accepting applications for vendors until Dec. 7, so don’t miss out!
And two a little further afield…