New York shopping: Critics' picks

The best holiday markets are right here in NYC—full of both the holiday spirit and the most unique gifts out there. While fancy Christmas window displays may entice you, NYC's holiday markets often include ice skating, twinkling lights, great food vendors, and fun holiday activities. Shopping for the perfect gift doesn’t have to be stressful; make it fun at these holiday markets, from the Urbanspace Union Square Holiday Market to the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park and more. We'll continue updating this guide throughout the holiday season, so stay tuned for new additions. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in New York Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

This sprawling culinary destination celebrates the food and wine of Italy’s 20 regions, with its market full of fresh pasta handmade while you watch a “pasta show,” hard-to-find specialties of salumi and formaggi, sustainable meat and seafood and bread made with a lievito madre sourced from Piemonte. If you’re looking for the perfect wine to pair with your meal, Eataly Vino’s two floors of Italian wine are just steps from the market. For those who want to learn even more, Eataly offers cooking classes that teach you how to make specialties like lasagna alla bolognese and limoncello tiramisu, as well as wine dinners with experts who will guide you through the history and traditions of the regions.  If shopping tends to work up your appetite, head to one of the 13 restaurants, bars, cafés, and counters throughout the 48,000-square-foot space. Sit down for a meal of Neapolitan pizza and a bottle of bold Chianti at La Pizza & La Pasta, or the catch of the day paired with a Grillo sourced from microclimates along the Italian coast at Il Pesce. For dessert, get a scoop of housemade gelato and babà al rum or bignès at La Pasticceria.

After graduating from NYU in 2006, Milwaukee native Kate Goldwater opened this funky shop, featuring a curated selection of vintage and thrift clothing ($5–$25) and accessories ($3–$30) that are easy on the eyes and the wallet. Most pieces inside are $30 or less and her finds are perfectly on-trend, which means you’ll find plenty of ’80s and ’90s pieces right now.  

The former home of the National Biscuit Company is a hot spot for foodies and shopping addicts alike. Primarily known for its wide-range of eateries, Chelsea Market is hands-down one of New York’s most notable food halls boasting more than 55 vendors (including Los Tacos No 1, Amy's Bread, and Miznon).  Whether you’ve got a hankering for a steaming-hot cup of seafood bisque, perfectly aged cheese or a strong and smooth shot of espresso, Chelsea Market has you covered. Aside from finger-lickin’ fare and sweet merchandise, the attraction offers historical charms such as the market’s iconic fountain, which was crafted using discarded drill bits and exposed pipe from the former Nabisco factory.

The iconic open-air Chelsea flea, brought back from the dead by the team behind  Smorgasburg and Brooklyn Flea, showcases 40 veteran vendors selling mostly historic collectibles. If you love eclectic costume jewelry, quirky furniture, midcentury art and ceramics, records, antiques and art, and more, you’ll spend hours combing for treasure here. Plus, you'll now be able to grab a rewarding snack on the way out from various Smorgasburg food vendors that will soon be revealed. 

There’s something for everyone, from label-loving fashionistas to discerning foodies, at this waterfront shopping and dining mecca in Battery Park City. In addition to housing corporate offices, Brookfield Place has a myriad of luxury stores, including Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci and Tory Burch. If you’re hungry for delicious cuisine, you’ll find a variety of options for every budget, whether you’re seeking a fancy sit-down dinner or a quick bite on the go. Meat eaters have plenty to chew on, including steakhouse staples Del Frisco’s and P.J. Clarke’s, mouthwatering BBQ from Mighty Quinn’s or Italian-inspired eats at Parm. Le District Marketplace serves up French fare, while Dig, Chopt Salads and Black Seed Bagel offer less expensive options you can nosh on between your window shopping.

As big fans of this treasure trove of modern and vintage finds, we’re ecstatic that Brooklyn mainstay Beacon’s Closet (which has stores in Williamsburg and Park Slope) opened up shop in Manhattan. The simple space is adorned with three large chandeliers crafted from buttons by engineer Doug Newton and features one wall covered in dark, floral wallpaper. Although it’s half the size of the nearly 5,000-square-foot Williamsburg location, the Manhattan storefront boasts plentiful racks packed with retired closet duds consigned by locals, many of whom are trendy college kids from nearby schools. You’ll likely come across designer goods such as a Christian Dior cropped blazer ($25) or a Marc Jacobs men’s corduroy jacket ($30), although castaways from chains like H&M and Charlotte Russe are also in the mix. The store is abundant in one-of-a-kind accessories, including funky United Nude orange-and-red checkered booties ($50), but also stocks simpler shoes such as guys’ Gourmet red suede sneakers ($18). Drop by and exchange your own gently worn, in-season clothes for 35 percent of the resale value in cash, or 55 percent of store credit for your next purchase.

You’ll be transported to Paris once you step inside this opulent bath-and-body shop. Rich burgundy carpets, gilded wallpaper, a gloriously huge chandelier and a mahogany desk that serves as the checkout area set the stage for the luxurious fragrances ($50–$300), candles ($20–$400), lotions, and soaps from brands like Diptyque and Annick Goutal. Curiosity cabinets house many of the store’s exclusives—the West Village outpost is the only location in the country to sell several items, including candles by Les Secrets Ladurée Paris.  

While the giant signs that adorn this department store with the label of “The World’s Largest Store” are not true anymore, there’s no doubt that the flagship Macy’s is massive (with a big history to boot). For over a century, New Yorkers and visitors from the world over have been visiting Macy’s at its iconic location at 34th Street and Broadway. Though originally founded as a dry goods emporium in the 19th century, today shoppers flock to the store's 2.2 million square feet—which takes up a whole city block—to buy clothes, accessories and home goods.As one of the few major brick-and-mortar shops specializing in mid-priced fashion left in New York in this age of online retail and luxury brand–palooza, Macy’s carries a large amount of designer names you recognize that won’t cost you premium prices—especially during the deeply discounted sales offered periodically throughout the year. The 63,000-square-foot shoe department is the biggest on the planet and carries everything from dress shoes and delicate stilettos to work boots and slippers. Last-minute gift shoppers might be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options of perfumes, ties, scarves, watches and more, but great deals await those with patience.   Pro-tip: Look for the cool wooden escalators, which feel like stepping back in time.

Creator David Klasfeld founded OCC in the kitchen of his Lower East Side apartment in 2004. The makeup artist has since expanded his 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics line from just two shades of lip balm to an extensive assortment of bang-for-your-buck beauty products. The animal-friendly brand has bid Klasfeld’s kitchen adieu and set up shop in a downtown flagship, filled with exposed brick, antique metal and reclaimed wood. Browse more than 30 shades of nail polish ($10) in clear, translucent and opaque varieties, and nearly 40 loose eye-shadow powders ($14). You’ll also find soft, flexible makeup brushes ($18–$28) and bottles of the label’s tinted moisturizers ($28), but we especially fancy OCC’s Lip Tars ($83), which glide on like a gloss but have the matte finish and saturated pigmentation of a lipstick. Get glam for a night on the town by taking advantage of OCC’s makeup-application services ($75–$125).

Dig and ye shall find: The booty at this crazy-packed vintage store includes 1960s–1990s options for both guys and girls, plus a considerable costume jewelry and funky housewares selection. Not only is it chock full of great finds but it's really fun to look at. We went on a recent Saturday and found so much amid its racks, including a barely used sleek Michael Kors purse for $50 and a pair of never-worn, black velvet combat boots for $25. Even cooler, I found out that they take donations and you get 25% off your next purchase. Time Out Tip: The store spans two floors at 496 Driggs Avenue and 197 North 9th Street, so plan accordingly and bring some friends (and reusable bags) for a hunt to remember.

Russ & Daughters has been serving top lox, herring, fish eggs, sweets and, of course, bagels, since 1914. It has since expanded, adding, in more recent years, a sit-down cafe nearby, and a large retail factory in Brooklyn. 

This NYC thrift shop has opened another location, which meshes perfectly with the Village aesthetic by offering on-trend, funky finds. The store features both vintage and new apparel, shoes, accessories and home goods, and it's organized with spaced-out, clearly labeled racks. The women’s section is filled with prom dresses, lingerie, blazers, designer bags and tops. On a recent visit, we discovered Salvatore Ferragamo loafers with silver buckles ($25), Kate Spade red kitten heels ($30) and thin rusty-gold bangles with Egyptian-like patterns ($4 each). While the gents’ section is smaller than the ladies’, there are designer duds to be had. Snag William Rast jeans ($25), J.Press tan lace-up loafers ($30) and a Jos. A. Bank beige houndstooth blazer ($25). The housewares selection has kitschy blue cat-shaped salt and pepper shakers ($3 each) and standard Keurig coffeemakers ($75). Roll through the streets of New York on your new Razor scooter ($30) or lie in bed writing your innermost thoughts in a Twilight journal featuring photos of the characters on the cover (four for $10). Before you head out the door, grab the Backstreet Boys’ "We’ve Got It Going On" CD single ($4), a Lucky Brand iPad case ($25) or the Office DVD board game ($8).

When owner Gaia DiLoreto left the corporate world in October 2009, she fell headfirst into Brooklyn’s red-hot restaurant scene, enrolling in a restaurant management course at the Institute of Culinary Education and refining her palate on local specialties. Soon after, she focused on opening a single destination that provides an array of New York–made culinary and shopping picks. The modern-day general store has a hodgepodge of offerings, including pickles, soaps, honey, T-shirts, jewelry, paper goods and books by Brooklyn authors. Stock your cabinets with Take Me Homeware embossed ceramic plates ($22–$50), fill your jewelry box with linguaNigra hammered-gold-coin earrings ($50–$115) and necklaces ($70–$150), and load your closet with KimmChi cotton graphic T-shirts ($28). DiLoreto says the only things she’s not featuring are high fashion and prepared foods—yet.

There’s a market on practically every block, but Fei Long—located on the upper end of Brooklyn’s Chinatown—is the best one-stop shop. On weekends, customers from all over the borough flock to the expansive supermarket, stocking up on produce and meat as well as snacks. Refrigerators stock frozen goods, including steamed buns, fish balls and ice-cream mochi. Need to refuel? There’s a food court showcasing regional specialties like Cantonese roasted meats and Shanghainese dumplings.

Suitsupply creates excellent custom suits at a reasonable price point. (Custom-made suits start at $773.) Of the five New York locations, you should absolutely make an effort to visit the Soho flagship location which features multiple floors (including a semi-private area for custom-suit consultations) and a stunning rooftop. On a recent visit, I sat down with one of the in-store style experts, Tristan, to create a custom suit. He led me through a process that was strikingly similar to the experience you would have for a considerably higher cost. First, we flipped through multiple fabric books to settle on the choice of fabric. There are an impressive amount of choices available, including over 700 sourced from Italian mills, that range from wool and cotton to alpaca, cashmere and silk. After describing the type of blue I was looking for, Tristan showed a collection of options and helped me narrow it down to a lovely shade in a lightweight fabric. After that, we went through a number of customizable options including type of button, pocket styles, type of waistband, style of lining, type of lapel and more. He also floated the idea of doing a three-piece suit which was a welcome piece of direction I wouldn’t have done if I was just choosing a suit on my own. After a round of extensive measurements, I left and returned a few weeks later for my final fitting. The finished suit had a fantastic fit. (It’s now one of my favorite suits I own.) The only adjustment needed was a...

Highly curated wares and contemporary brands make their way to this Soho vintage destination, whose creative director then culls looks for each season's collection. The prices reflect the caliber of design, with articles ranging from Victorian and punk classics to Gilded Age and enviable Chanel chains.

Set aside your Spotify playlists and scope out this homage to the once-lost art of vinyl. Academy Records’ Manhattan store in Chelsea carries a hearty supply of compact discs, but Greenpoint’s Annex focuses mostly on wax, offering everything from a self-titled Ginger Baker’s Air Force album from 1970 ($8) to newer sounds like Real Estate’s Days ($15). Shoppers lacking a record player can also pick up cheapie CDs from such bands as the Grateful Dead, while nostalgic audiophiles can take their time digging through discounted 45s (50¢–$2). The Annex also offers two listening stations for previewing older vinyl, and will buy your used records, provided they are in good condition (and not Broadway soundtracks).

Here’s where the magic happens: At Jacques Torres’s Hudson Street retail location, kids can peer through the glass wall to the chocolate factory’s floor, where cocoa and sugar are processed into chocolate. (Of course, you can buy it here, too.)

The specialty toy shop carries unusual, hard-to-find playthings, like a flat-car racing set. Also head here if you're looking for Madame Alexander dolls, Jellycat animals, Legos and other kid (and grown-up) classics.

If the thought of packing your belongings in a mundane suitcase gives you the shudders, then this cheery boutique is for you. Big Bag was once a West Village staple before it moved to its current location in 2009, and it’s since gained a following for its colorful, fashion-forward selection. Paisley wallpaper and glass globe light fixtures adorn the front of the store, where everyday purses and wallets from popular brands such as Rebecca Minkoff, MZ Wallace and Hobo International predominate. Jet-setters should beeline to the back, where they’ll find limited-edition Missoni for Bric’s medium trolleys ($830) splashed with the Italian label’s signature zigzag print and whimsical Orla Kiely car-print small trolley suitcases ($295), toiletry bags ($145) and large rolling duffels ($275). For overnight stays, opt for Hervé Chapelier signature nylon totes ($168) and Jack Gomme waterproof bags ($178) made from lightweight Japanese rain-jacket material. 

This East Village staple, which hawks antiques, rare taxidermy and freaky novelties, has moved down the block into a 450-square-foot space that was once a funeral home. The spot has the same dark and twisted feel as the previous location, with creaking wooden floors, old-school hanging globe lights, and enough strange and unusual artifacts to earn owners Mike Zohn and Evan Michelson a show on the Discovery Channel, aptly called Oddities. You’ll find jarred piranhas ($25) and trays of preserved butterflies and beetles ($250–$350). A large oak case from the turn of the 20th century houses one-of-a-kind costumes, such as a hooded black robe embroidered with a skull and crossbones ($150). Adorn yourself in macabre accessories, including brass skull rings ($60) from Renfield Novelty, Zohn and Michelson’s new jewelry line.

Kings County thrifters, rejoice: Brooklyn has another clothing exchange filled to the brim with slightly worn sartorial treasures. Northern California’s Crossroads—already a West Coast mainstay—has migrated East and packed its first NYC shop with affordable clothing ($5–$300), shoes ($15–$150) and accessories ($15–$350), not to mention some serious designer-label scores. Merchandise turns over fast, but scour the no-frills space and you’ll find some good deals, like ladies’ suede chunky platform Jeffrey Campbell boots ($100) and men’s YSL leather sneakers ($55). In the clothing department, you might stumble upon a guy’s sleek zippered G-Star jacket ($50) or a Marc by Marc Jacobs smock dress with leather detailing ($125). And if you’re in the market to splurge, keep your eyes peeled for fashion holy-grail items such as a quilted Chanel handbag with chain straps ($800). You can also unload your own gently worn items for 35% of the resale value in cash or 50% in store credit.