9 of Brooklyn’s Coolest Holiday Markets

December 3, 2019

There’s something comforting about an annual stroll through Bryant Park’s Winter Village, with hot apple cider (or hot chocolate) in hand, catching glimpses of ice skaters while catching up with an old friend. But after seeing the same NYC Christmas ornaments year after year and fighting your way through swarms of tourists, the magic can begin to dissipate. If you find yourself at a ho-hum holiday market chasing the high of a Scholastic Book Fair, these might hit the spot.

1. Fort Hamilton Holiday Market & Tree Lighting Spectacular

Photo by Michael Voroshnin

December 6, 2019

Shop from local artisans and artists, visit Santa, catch the annual tree lighting and indulge in some yummy foods at this exciting Bay Ridge event.

Fort Hamilton Holiday Market
404 Sterling Dr.
Brooklyn, NY 11252

2. Brooklyn Navy Yard Annual Holiday Market

December 7-8, 2019

Peruse Brooklyn-made home goods, clothing, skincare, food, wine and more. Then stop by the create-your-own gift section where you can take part in the DIY spirit by decorating cookies, engraving ornaments or screen printing your own bags and posters.

Brooklyn Navy Yard Annual Holiday Market @ The Yard
Admirals Row (corner of Flushing Ave. & Navy St.)
Brooklyn, NY 11205

3. BUST Holiday Craftacular

December 7-8, 2019

BUST magazine has provided us with the inside scoop on all things indie and feminist since 1993. And since 2005, they’ve put on one heck of a holiday craft fair. Shop over 150 women-owned companies and take part in over 40 workshops whether you’re partial to crafting, wellness, cooking or spirituality.

BUST Holiday Craftacular @ Industry City Factory Floor
220 36th St.
Brooklyn, NY 11232

4. Holiday Handmade Cavalcade

December 7-8, 2019

All the vendors here are part of the NY Handmade Collective (formerly the Etsy NY Street Team), a nonprofit made up of regional artisans. Purchase handcrafted goods from jewelry makers, illustrators, card makers and other talented vendors.

Holiday Handmade Cavalcade
128 Pierrepont St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201

5. Oddities Flea Market Holiday of Wonders

Photo by Eveline de Bruin

December 7-8, 2019

This unique experience, curated by osteologist/artist Ryan Matthew Cohn and his wife/executive producer Regina Marie Cohn, is for the curious, the collectors or anyone hunting for a macabre hidden treasure. Though you have to pay an entry fee, you’ll be supporting Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue who receives a portion of ticket sales.

Holiday of Wonders @ Villain
307 Kent Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11249

6. Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar

December 8 & 15, 2019

Now in its seventh year, this market showcases handmade goods, food, drinks and music during the first three Sundays of December (the first one happened on December 1). Bonus—they have a photo booth and kids’ crafts, so there’s fun for everyone.

Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar
501 Union St.
Brooklyn, NY 11215

7. Social Justice Holiday Market

December 14-15, 2019

Hosted by Mayday Space—a Bushwick organizing center and social hub who aims for a more just, equitable and democratic New York City—this market is the place to make a purchase that makes a difference. Support diverse local vendors who are POC, immigrant, low-income, local and/or will donate proceeds to a variety of worthy causes.

Social Justice Holiday Market @ Mayday Space
176 St. Nicholas Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11237

8. Sip Shop Eat

Photo by Jen Theodore

December 14-15, 2019

Take a cake decorating class, get a manicure and treat yourself to a tarot reading all while sipping on cocktails. Oh yeah, and there are plenty of vendors selling things too. This kid- and pup-friendly experience just has one catch—a small $6 entry fee.

Sip Shop Eat
554 Court St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231

9. Brooklyn Flea + Smorgasburg Winter Market

Saturdays & Sundays

One of the city’s hippest flea markets and it’s indoors. You can’t go wrong! You’ll find vintage clothing, jewelry and crafts from local artisans, antiques and more. After you’re done shopping, reward yourself with a bite from one of the many fabulous food vendors.

Brooklyn Flea + Smorgasburg
25 Kent Ave. (8th Floor)
Brooklyn, NY 11249

If you can’t make any of these dates, check out some of your local markets no matter which borough you’re in. We love to shop small and celebrate our community! And if you’ve got a talent for crafting, cooking or creating, don’t forget to look into being a vendor next time around.

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