It can be hard getting into the Christmas spirit while you’re living in Brooklyn. We don’t really have space for a tree, and given the lack of control of the heat inside our apartments, it is probably ill-advised. Carolers don’t come to our walk-ups. The closest we get to mistletoe are roaming plastic bags stuck in barren trees and they don’t exactly evoke a desire for a passionate interaction beneath. Our stockings are usually not hung from the chimney with care but instead strewn about the floor of our rooms, along with everything else from last night, and the night before, and the night before that.
So how will we get into the Christmas spirit? By touring around to all of the amazing, festive holiday markets in this city, all bundled up and perusing unique treasures while sipping mulled wine and painlessly crossing off everyone on our list.
See below for my guide to all the best holiday markets in the city and get out there and be fucking merry. Tis the season.
Holiday Handmade Cavalcade Brooklyn
All the care and thought of a DIY gift but D’d by another Y. Because you might have thought you had time to learn to macrame this season, but you don’t. (you don’t.) Over 50 mega crafty little elves will be peddling their unique goods. It’s from the people that brought you Etsy, so you know it will be damn good. One weekend only, so get there.
What not to miss
Approachable, ethereal paintings from ResetReality, the beautiful and rebellious jewelry of Topolski, oriental ornamental wears from Haru NY.
How not to miss it
One weekend only, Dec. 16-17th at Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont St.
handmadecavalcade.com
Union Square Holiday Market
Admittedly this is my favorite market in the city. I used to have an office job and the only good thing about it was I my desk was right by a window that overlooked union square. I loved seeing the market come together, a circular maze of booths and vendors and holiday magic. Get lost here for a while. Get churros and chocolate. Get gifts. Feel good. Get into the spirit.
What not to miss
Astrid Schumacher for the ethereal soul-shaker on your list, Line Posters for the urban nomad in your life, and Arancini Bros for you, just for you. Share with no one.
How not to miss it
M-F 11-9pm
Sat 10-9pm
Sun 11am-8pm
Grand Central Holiday Fair
I like doing really touristy stuff around the holidays in New York, and a visit to Gran Central to see the miniature train scene is always on the list. Go check it out and see the stunning Christmas tree and shop over 40 booths of goods, foods, and gifts. Plus grab a few oysters at Grand Central Oyster Bar and do that cool whisper trick in that secret corner (message me for details).
What not to miss
The Blue Hound for rugged and refined jewelry for men and women, Spratters and Jayne for your best and coziest defenses against winter, and Woodstock Mobiles to enhance your hanging menagerie.
How not to miss it
89 E 42nd St.
M–F 10AM–8PM
Sat 10AM–7PM
Sun 11AM–6PM
Brooklyn Winter Flea + Holiday Market in Industry City
It’s your favorite flea market + food festival under one huge industrial roof in industry city. Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg combine for the Winter Flea with over 75 vendors plus 25 smorg faves and so many vintage finds to dig through, plan on spending a few hours here. Plus they have a few bars serving holiday cocktails, beer, and mulled wine, so all of that deliberating over the perfect gift will melt away. Plus, make a reservation to take a tour and taking at ICD Distillery and smooth out your holiday shopping stresses.
What not to miss
oikobo jewelry, quick brown fox letterpress, the always funky dan’s parents’ house, NYC postcards + maps for funky gift tags, oh and all of the food vendors.
How not to miss it
241 37th St.
Now through Christmas Eve, sat +sun, 10am-6pm.
Winter Village at Bryant Park.
Bryant park transforms into a magical winter village over the holidays, with charming crystal-like glass booths, a pretty fucking competitively-sized Christmas tree and a skating rink that is (but perhaps shouldn’t be) opened to everyone, for free, plus the price of skate rental if needed. If you can’t get into the spirit here then you’re name is scrooge and your heart is small. Real small. Plan to spend a few hours here, perusing and consuming and gliding about merrily. You’ll be in good company and I guarantee good spirits too.
What not to miss
Season standouts: Soap and Paper Factory for refreshingly affordable sundries, Avigail Adam for delicate ature-inspired jewelry and beadwork with a story to tell and pass on, and MrMarker Golf Gifts for likely one or two or all of the men in your life. And obviously the ice-skating rink and christmas joy just dripping from the trees, which is just for you darling.
How not to miss it
41 W 40th St.b/w Fifth and Sixth ave.
through jan. 2
m-f 11am-8pm
sat-sun, 10am-8pm
Renegade Craft Fair, Industry City
This is the last weekend which means that all of you renegades who still haven’t started your shopping have a chance. Come browse over 100 handmade and gifts and talk to the makers behind the crafts and understand how much love went in to each piece. Then tell the story on Christmas morning and fucking win the holidays this year.
What not to miss
Le Petit Elefant for the most charming paintings, Brooklyn Beach Rocks for handmade ceramic jewelry inspired by just what it sounds like, Sylvah Park for anotha leatha thing, and Mahisi for bags with a story.
How not to miss it
274 36th st
Dec. 16-17th 11am-6pm
Times Square Holiday Market
Dude you know what, I’m ok with this. I think it’s time we all forgive Times Square and come back to it. Revisit it, with new eyes and a clear heart. And what better time than the holidays? None. Yeah, that wasn’t rhetorical. They’ve transformed all of that aggressive neon and holagen flashing light into a kitschy winter wonderland that not even tourists would trust but I’m serious, that’s what makes it cool. Just go.
What not to miss
That creepy, greasy elmo guy who isn’t in a booth but he is requesting money for his services. Somehow. A life-Sized Gingerbread Scene created by the Culinary Students of America, which of course begs the question, what size exactly is “life” in a gingerbread world? The Naked Dancing Cowboy (maybe.), handmade jewelry, Waffles and Dinges.
How not to miss it
Open daily through December 22nd from 11am-9pm. It’s in Times Square. If you don’t know where that is, just arrive in New York and look for the light.
Happy gifting, Brooklyn.
<3L.
Leave a Reply