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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.  

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.

The first floor of this respected thrift shop is devoted to jewelry cases, vintage furniture, and such curios as an old cash register and used sewing machine (both in working order). Head to the clean basement room to scour the racks for coats, skirts and jeans, with general apparel priced between $30 and $50 and vintage numbers from $150 to $800; or plop down on a cushioned bench to try on the shoes, organized on red bookshelves. The well-edited stock is in impeccable condition and sourced solely by donation—Cure donates all its proceeds to the Diabetes Research Institute. Check back twice a year for the shop’s whatever-you-can-fit-in-this-bag-that-costs-just-$15 sales.  

Boasting 18 miles of books, the Strand has a mammoth collection of more than 2 million discount volumes, and the store is made all the more daunting by its chaotic, towering shelves and surly staff. Reviewer discounts are in the basement, while rare volumes lurk upstairs. If you spend enough time here you can find just about anything, from that out-of-print Victorian book on manners to the kitschiest of sci-fi pulp.

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.

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.

“Most people aren’t sure what it is,” says Andy Spade of his concept space with partner Anthony Sperduti. Easy-to-open display cases line the perimeter of the room, and under each table a drawer is labeled to indicate its contents—whips and love letters, parental guidance, found photographs and squished run-over gloves. It’s a mishmash of miscellany, and everything is for sale (including the wall in the back, which is available for advertising), with prices ranging from $1 to $75,000. Shoppers can also commission custom projects for things like trompe l’oeil faux-fireplace paintings and backdated trophies (kung fu champion of 1985!).

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).

Known for hawking gorgeous, glossy photo books, powerHouse Arena’s airy, gallery-like atmosphere also makes it a worthy stop for browsing beach-season reads. If you visit the store on the regular, you’ll hear guest authors (think Gary Indiana and Jenny Zhang) and see new, eclectic art exhibitions created by big-name brands and local stars.

We all know and love the High Line for its great views and perfect opportunity to sport some shades and sunbathe above Tenth Avenue. But below this elevated park are shops that offer everything from vegan skincare to trendy seasonal duds. Whether you’re searching for what to wear to the next festival, or looking for your next beach read, this shopping destination has some of the coolest boutiques around.RECOMMENDED: Full High Line in NYC guide

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.  

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.

Back in 1934, Louis Zabar, a Ukrainian immigrant, opened a smoked-fish shop with his wife, Lillian. Four generations later, and the Zabar's name is still going strong in the Upper West Side—so much so that the shop's marquee nearly overtakes the area of Broadway between 80th and 81st Streets. The two-story, 20,000 square-foot Zabar's of today functions as part deli, part cafe and part gourmet grocery store, all of it a mecca of prepared kosher foods. Inside, crowds gather around counters dedicated solely to smoked fish while lines form in the back, drawn by the fragrant smell of coffee beans roasted and packaged to order. The second floor is home to all manner of kitchenware, plus all the Zabar's gear that's sure to give some clout to your closet. But for the on-the-go New Yorker, the cafe on the corner still draws a crowd for its trademark bagels, made with malt barley flour according to a signature house recipe, as well as jammy hamantaschen, raisin and chocolate-stuffed rugelach and hefty potato knishes.  As you wait in the queue—there always is one—you can take a look back at Zabar's over the years as old-timey signage hangs above the counter and mismatched and slightly slanted frames on the walls bear reviews from long past. In the back corner, you can find pictures of Saul Zabar, who recently passed in 2025, doing what he loved: personally tasting and cupping each coffee bean that walked through the door.

This flower shop in the heart of the Flower District has many blooms to choose from at affordable prices. Some of the best sellers start at just $50, while some of the more expensive bouquets are still on the cheaper side at $70. This shop has different kinds of flowers for all different types of occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers and dates in NYC.

This charming Chelsea bookstore offers a strong selection of books in literary fiction, translation, art, photography, film, poetry, music, history, biography, natural history, science, and current affairs. Plus, it features books for children and young adults. Regular readings, signings and discussions, some featuring well-known writers, are further good reasons to drop by. Even betters? All readings are free, with no reserved seating; seating is limited and offered first-come, first-served. Check the shop's website for upcoming events.

Lori Leven, owner of sister tattoo parlors New York Adorned (one located in the LES and the other in Williamsburg), has expanded her brand to include a new jewelry haven: Love, Adorned. The third spin-off chainlet houses a treasure trove of baubles, home goods and trinkets. Stark white walls, glass and wood display cases, and a warehouselike lofted ceiling play backdrop to the store’s offbeat mix of goods. Tunes from the likes of Ray Charles bellow through the speakers as you peruse offerings such as Collina Strada tough-girl leather harnesses that resemble chic shrunken vests ($400) and Lou Zeldis sterling-silver mountain rings with Afghan lapis stones ($140). A kitschy selection of Santa Fe Stoneworks patterned pocketknives ($90) and rainbow vintage ashtrays ($40–$80) spruce up a bulky wooden table, while super-pricey Lindsay Thornburg billowy, handmade cloaks ($960–$1,300) hang from the walls. Though splurges such as Jeeyun Ha dainty gold-chain necklaces accented with feathers ($380) are scene-stealers, cheap thrills like Alyssa Ettinger porcelain milk bottles ($40–$70) make us equally giddy.

Walking into this Flatiron spot feels as if you’ve just stumbled upon the best stall at the flea market. Worn-wood shelves support stack upon stack of assorted rainbow-colored dishes ($1–$17), mismatched vintage china ($5–$23), toile teapots ($15–$39) and other kitschy kitchenwares. The amazingly cheap price tags make it worth battling the often-pressing crowds to stock up on assorted flatware ($1–$6 each) and glassware, including oversize stemless martini glasses ($6), elegant champagne flutes ($8) and Italian-style painted wineglasses ($5). If you’re in need of a serious discount, plunder the sale section in the back for never-before-used castoffs from restaurant and hotel suppliers. But there are plenty of affordable, freshly minted kitchen goods too. Local-specific buys include platters printed with the Brooklyn skyline ($17–$25) and Floor Plan dinnerware (from $8 for a five-square-inch “studio” to $33 for a 12-by-16-inch “penthouse”).

Murray’s is basically the Willy Wonka’s candy store of cheese. The huge West Village shop is filled from floor to ceiling with everything you need for the perfect cheese plate, basket or late-night binge-eating session. The cheese case seems to stretch for miles and is filled with between 350 and 400 cheeses at any time. This goes from familiar clothbound cheddars to exclusive cheeses like the Annelies, an Alpine-style cheese that is cave-aged in the shop until it melts like a dream, and the Other Stephen, a funky beer-washed triple-cream cheese. Once you’ve worked with the friendly cheesemongers to find the best cheese and charcuterie, the rest of the shop has all the crackers, cheese tools (like knives, fondue pots and shirts with whey too many really-Gouda puns) beer and cider, honey and other condiments you need. There are also cheesemaking and wine-pairing classes, an in-house sandwich shop and restaurant called Murray’s Cheese Bar, as well as a location in Grand Central Market and another in Long Island City.

Artist and owner Russell Boyle opens a second location of his offbeat furniture and accessories shop (the first is in Clinton Hill). The store shares a 1,600-square-foot space with the Roebling Tea Room, and hawks midcentury-modern pieces and endless oddities sourced from all over the country. Ninety-five percent of RePop’s stock is recycled, and the warehouse is packed with curious finds, such as an antique corset dress form ($120), a vintage Automat sign ($250) and brass duck-head bookends ($65). You can also outfit your home with more pragmatic options, including a distressed-wood dresser featuring cast-iron hardware ($495), an adjustable table lamp ($240) and a wood-and-metal wine rack ($625). RePop also offers interior-design and home-rearrangement services ($60–$100 per hour) by appointment.