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Tomorrow is December 1, so that means the countdown for nabbing the perfect holiday gifts for your friends and family is on! If you're wise and finished all of your holiday shopping during all the incredible Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, well, good for you!
RECOMMENDED: Christmas in NYC
For the rest of us, we rely heavily on some of the best holiday markets in NYC to snag awesome presents. We're certain that by now you're very familiar with the popular bazaars such as the Bryant Park Winter Village as well as Union Square and Columbus Circle's holiday markets. But what about the lesser-known but equally as cool markets popping up all over town? We've taken the liberty to round up the top 10 under-the-radar festive shopping destinations that are definitely worth your time. Check 'em out!
F.A.D. Holiday Market
This pop-up market's three-weekend residency showcases over 50 makers, two rotating food stations, craft workshops and festive activities like a holiday photo booth. Warm up with Samosa Shack's chai spiced cider with a side of Flat White Apron's cookies, macaroons and pastries, and you'll soon forget why you were so worried about getting all your holiday shopping done in the first place. Basement of St. Paul’s Church, 190 Court Street, Brooklyn; Sat Dec 3, Sun Dec 4 11am to 6pm; free.
AWESOMETOWN
The name aside, it’s safe to assume that this holiday market is, well, awesome. Head to the humongous backyard at The Well in Bushwick to shop gifts from underground artists such as Mike Diana, Steve Cerio and Jim Tozzi as well as jewelry designers like Scavenger Shop and vintage dealers like Vortex and Mermaid Lair. The cool part? The Well screens awesome flicks from the 1980s, so you can shop until you drop, and then sit back and relax while watching movies and sipping hot drink specials. The Well, 272 Meserole St, Brooklyn. Sat Dc 3, Sun Dec 4, Sat Dec 10, Sun Dec 11, Sat Dec 17, Sun Dec 18 1–8pm; free.
Holiday Market at 1 Hotel Central Park
Pick up gifts for the eco-conscious person in your life at this Ethikal An “All Good” Holiday pop-up shop in collaboration with Pop-up Flea. There will be various sustainable brands present, covering all the bases from fashion and lifestyle to home goods. 1 Hotel Central Park, 1414 Sixth Avenue. Sat Dec 10, Sun Dec 11.
3D Printed Holiday Market
Searching for a unique present for that special someone? How about goods made by hand and a machine? Fat Cat and Shapeways are hosting a 3D-printed holiday market, where you can grab fun gifts like 3D painted nails to dinosaur candle-holders and more. There will also be live music and treats while you shop. 224 W 4th St, second floor; Sun Dec 11 11am-5pm; free.
Hester Street Fair Holiday Market
Everyone knows about Hester Street Fair’s alfresco food-powered bazaar, but did you know the creators operate a holiday market at South Street Seaport? Shops goods from some of NYC’s best independent designers and artists through Christmas Eve. From Vivid bow ties, fun socks by Jimmy Lion and a postcard stand featuring adorable handmade Christmas cards, you can easily check off everyone on your nice list here. There’s also delicious sweets and packaged goods from Eat Chic Chocolates, Elements Truffle and more. 117 Beekman St, Daily 11am–8pm through Dec 24; free.
Bulletin Holiday Market
This recently opened alfresco bazaar was cool for the summer, but now that it’s actually cold outside, it’s moving indoors for a fully decorated holiday bonanza. Before you hunt for handcrafted goodies from a variety of local designers, get toasty with spiked hot cocoa. And once you’ve nabbed unique items for the whole fam, celebrate by taking a whirl on the dance floor and grooving to a DJ brought to you by party organizers Supply New York. 55 Wythe, Brooklyn; Sat Dec 3, Sun Dec 4, Sat Dec 10, Sun Dec 11 at 1pm; free.
BUST Holiday Craftacular
Feminist mag BUST is known for its DIY sensibility, so it’s no surprise that its giant craft extravaganza highlights some of the best hand-made goods out there. The $3 admission fee grants you access to hundreds of sellers peddling everything from vegan beauty products to restored vintage duds. Pop in to build your own flower crown, take and ugly Christmas sweater selfie, get a holiday manicure and more. The first 300 guests receive free swag. Brooklyn Expo Center; Sat Dec 10–Sun Dec 11 at 11am; $3.
Shwick Holiday Market
Screw packed malls; sift for presents in a cool Bushwick warehouse, where more than 40 vendors hawk their wares, and enjoy music from live DJs as you check off everyone on your list. Afterward, warm up with shots of whiskey or a glass of vino. And back by popular demand is a super-festive photo booth, where you and your pals can re-create those awkward family photos—and toast that you’re not actually, you know, with your fam. 395 Johnson Avenue, Sat Dec 3–Sun Dec 4 at 11am; free.
The Gone Bazaar: Xmas Edition
Drink and be merry while hunting for gifts at this Christmas market featuring—yep, you guessed it—more independent designers! This one’s a late-night bazaar, so we reckon you’ll be doing more boozing and dancing to acts such as DJ Kristin Gallegos and bands such as Tuff Sunshine and Tomorrow Sucks than actual shopping. The Good Room, 98 Meserole Avenue, Brooklyn; Wed Dec 7 7pm to 4m; free.
Grey Goose Holiday Market with Le Marché Bleu
Shake off your holiday stress at this market where Grey Goose cocktails will have you feeling loosened up. Le Marché Bleu is hosting this event and offers high-quality gifts for folks to purchase and bring to their next holiday party. You’ll find a medley of items perfect for the foodie in your life, including Belleville Brûlerie Espresso Beans, Fleur de Sel, Caspian Select Osetra Caviar and more. There will also be signature cocktails and decadent bar snacks to keep up with the Parisian luxury theme. 64 Wooster Street; Sat Dec 10, Sun Dec 11 11am–7pm; free.