Exploring Festive Holiday Markets in New York City
New York City is always a vibrant, global adventure, with millions of travelers flocking to its iconic streets every year. From the breathtaking skyline of towering skyscrapers to the serene beauty of Central Park, the city is a feast for the senses. You can indulge in a five-star meal at a chef’s signature restaurant, grab a classic New York hot dog from a street cart, or experience world-renowned art, history, and culture at the city's many museums. There’s never a dull moment with Broadway shows, Radio City Music Hall performances, and, of course, shopping.
Oh, the shopping! From haute couture at designer boutiques to the endless wonders at Macy’s flagship store, New York is the ultimate shopping paradise. But during the holiday season, the city transforms into something truly magical!
New York City Skyline and Statue of Liberty by Oleg Albinsky
I had one day to explore a few of NYC’s iconic holiday markets, and I was determined to scour each pop-up shop and booth to find a collection of unique gifts and products to share with you. Here’s how my whirlwind day went.
The morning air had a crisp bite to it, typical of a December day in New York, hovering in the low 40s. But with the sun peeking through the buildings, there were moments of warmth as I strolled along bustling streets. The scent of fresh Christmas trees and wreaths for sale at corner stands filled the air, and everywhere I looked, people were bundled in scarves and coats, laughing and chatting as they dashed across streets, often in front of oncoming taxis! It was a complete contrast to the warmth of my desert home, but the holiday spirit here was electric.
NYC Holiday Market by Francois-Roux
Union Square was my first stop when they opened at 11am. The market features over 150 artisans and vendors selling locally and handmade jewelry, knitwear, stationery, toys, home décor, paintings, pottery, sculptures and more. And food. Especially food. Each of the holiday markets offer a variety of artisanal foods to enjoy onsite or to take home. At Union Square dozens of award-winning restaurants and food purveyors tempt shoppers with their homemade international delicacies.
My first booth discovery was Spices and Tease. Founded in Naples Italy four generations ago, Spices and Tease has been offering 1st grade spices and teas since 1933, from the best farms and small producers all over the world. They offer not only traditional Italian Blends and Herbes de Provence, but also Paprika Hungarian, Chiles Ancho, and Chinese 5 Spices. They carry 7 different varieties of teas, each with its own healing and flavor properties. Creative gift box assortments were in high demand!
One Million Roses was founded with a table in the streets of New York. Lucia Guzman started playing with wire more than a decade ago and now creates astounding custom wire artwork including 3-dimensional bouquets, framed art and whimsical sculptures that are truly original. One Million Roses
Folding Baskets caught my eye with their colorful, functional basketry crafted solely from chopsticks. The baskets can be conveniently folded until used, when they take on a contemporary, artistic look. The baskets are available in 3 sizes and a variety of chopstick colors. Filled or not, Folding Baskets is truly a conversation starter and beautiful addition to any home décor.
The Qi Blooming Tree stand is rooted in honoring Eastern holistic wisdom and nourishing the mind, body and spirit. Organically grown whole flowers are handpicked at their peak and laid out on a cotton mesh for drying. Then each flower is sealed to preserve nutrients and paired with complimentary teas and used as floral facial steams. The aromas were magnificent! Qi Blooming Tree
As I rounded the corner, I couldn’t help but smile at Silly Puppets! This stand featured a rainbow of handmade puppets including finger puppets, glove/hand puppets, full-body puppets, and even performance puppets with movable legs. Parents, grandparents, future puppeteers, and ventriloquists would LOVE these under their Christmas tree! Silly Puppets
Eataly
After leaving Union Square, I had to stop at one of my favorite culinary destinations. Eataly. The first Eataly opened in Torino in 2007. It now boasts over 40 locations throughout Italy and the world.
Inside Eataly there are food bars and markets, all merchandised as if you are in a farmers market in Sicily. One vignette features meat, another cheeses, fresh pastas, sauces, breads, oils and vinegars, sweets, wines and even an Italian coffee bar. Buon Natale!
Chelsea Market and Artists & Fleas
My next stop was Chelsea Market where each holiday they present an Artists & Fleas Holiday Market Pop Up with dozens of spaces filled with jewelry and crafts all made by New Yorkers. This is the market’s 10th year ringing in the holidays and an extension of the traditional Artists & Fleas creative crafts and wares.
I saw an array of vintage fashion, bath and beauty, knit accessories, jewelry and even cool designs worn by Taylor and Selena from Undone By Kate. Undone By Kate
By far, the most popular booth was Brooklyn Charm, which recently went viral on social media. Brooklyn Charm provides hundreds of unique chains and thousands of creative charms, for shoppers to assemble their own unique handmade piece of jewelry for themselves, friends and loved ones.
If you’ve visited Chelsea Market before, then you know that in addition to a variety of cute little shops, there are more restaurants and food offerings than you can imagine! Every type of international cuisine for every taste. Restaurants in Chelsea Market include La Devozione Pasta Bar and Pasta Shop, Cull & Pistol Oyster Bar, Lobster Place, offering a variety of fresh crustaceans, and Corkbuzz restaurant and wine bar.
Two popular stands that had very long lines for service, were Los Tacos and Very Fresh Noodles, where I enjoyed watching expert noodle chefs toss and roll their Noodle dough in the prep kitchen. Chote Miya was one of the most interesting restaurants/markets that I saw. It’s referred to as “Bombay’s Street Kitchen” and provides authentic Indian food such as kababs. roti and samosa made fresh every day. Chote Miya
And finally, a stop at Li-Lac Chocolates, Manhattan’s Oldest Chocolate House, is a must! Their creative designs for the holidays included champagne bottles, Christmas trees on a stick, and a scrumptious assortment of handmade, small batch chocolates for boxed Christmas gifts. Li-Lac Chocolates
We decided to go downstairs to Chelsea Local and visit Dickson’s Farmstand Meats Dickson's Farmstands for a custom charcuterie board and glass of wine. (Of course.) The salumi was cut fresh in front of us and offered along with a selection of cheeses from the nearby Saxelby Cheesemongers. Saxelby Cheese Next door to Saxelby, Heatonist offers natural, small-batch hot sauce tastings led by their sauce “sommeliers” for those who want to spice up their holidays!
Right next door, you can watch bakers preparing fresh dough for their delicious breads and baked goods at Alf Bakery. I also enjoyed watching fresh meatballs being rolled in the deli kitchen of buon Italia Imported Italian Food Shop. Bring your appetite to Chelsea Market – you won’t leave hungry!
Winter Wonderland at Bryant Park
Ice Skating at Bryant Park, NYC
Next, it was on to the grand dame of all holiday markets in NYC, Winter Village at Bryant Park. This European inspired market features hundreds of artisans from NYC and around the world, housed in custom-designed “jewel box” kiosks. In addition, the Winter Village features an ice skating rink that’s complimentary with skate rental. There are also Cozy Igloos available for rent adjacent to the rink with food and beverage service. In January, visitors will be able to bump, slide and spin on the ice when Bumper Cars on Ice returns to the park. For those seeking a little hot toddy and respite from the cold with heat lamps, there’s The Lodge is the Village’s rink side bar and food hall.
My first discovery was Natural Olivewood. This family-owned business handcrafts kitchenware from non-productive olive trees. Born and raised in Sfax, Tunisia, brothers Hatem and Walid Alimi learned the art of carving the trunks of olive trees as children. Their beautiful kitchen products and home décor boast the unique, distinctive swirling patterns of the trees’ twisted trunks. Natural Olivewood
Made From Coins offers truly one of a kind jewelry, featuring handmade bracelets and necklaces crafted from historic coins making them a collector’s item that lasts a lifetime and for generations to follow. This husband-and-wife team recycles old American coins, including silver dollars, Indian pennies, buffalo nickels, and liberty dimes, into wearable art. Such a stunning and memorable gift, each a tiny treasure of history. Made From Coins
My next stop was Artisans of New York, showcasing an eclectic mix of creative glass works, both small and large. Each piece is focused on capturing the spirit, energy and vibrance of NYC and created by a collection of talented glass artists. The stand featured blown glass, fused glass and molten glass pieces, that would be an ideal addition to every glass art collection, or as a stand-alone signature piece of functional and decorative art in every home. Artisans of New York
I almost walked past Melsy’s Illustrations stand and am so happy I didn’t! Melsy is a self-taught artist from Boston. She embarked on her journey as a creative in 2014, selling her artwork at small artists’ markets throughout Boston. After visiting NYC, she moved her artistic talents and business to the city. Her art illustrations are customized for women with different hair color and activities, which is then printed on cards, prints, towels, candles, pajamas, journals, ornaments and more, making them truly unique for each individual. Melsy's Illustrations
My final stop was at the Truffleist, where a delightful young man was promoting the vast array of truffled products for every culinary aficionado. The Truffleist creates artfully handcrafted truffle products in Long Island City, Queens. I do love truffle on french fries, and even popcorn. But this stand surpassed anything truffled in my imagination! Their collection includes truffle butters, oils, mustards, honey, salami, cheese, fondue and more. So good! Truffleist
The Lodge and Bar is the place to warm up during or after shopping at Bryant Park. It features two bars with food service and most importantly, under heat lamps! We sat at the Alcomy Bar and had a spiked hot chocolate with whipped cream and a mulled wine, both of which warmed our tummies to perfection!
End of Day
The winter sun sets about 4:30 in NYC. And it gets cold. As the icy winds swept through the streets, I reluctantly decided to skip Columbus Circle, Columbus Circle Holiday Market I chose a warm dinner and early bedtime to prep for embarkation on our cruise tomorrow. I’m still very happy with my full day of market shopping and meeting some wonderful, talented artists and makers. There’s always next year to explore more of this magical, sparkling city!
New York at Night
My day of holiday shopping in NYC has come to a close, however tomorrow I board NCL’s Getaway and cruise to the Caribbean. I can’t wait to see what unique, authentic, creative Things I find on this holiday voyage at sea!
Till then, keep cruisin’ through life, discovering your own special Things!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL & CHEERS!
