Dates: November 1, 2024 through January 3, 2025
Why we love it: Macy’s Herald Square, one of the largest department stores in the world, is finally getting in on the holiday market game this year with the opening of not one, but two seasonal shopping pop-ups. Inside the store will be Macy’s Holiday Square, a tightly curated selection of vendors on the Mezzanine Level selling seasonal decor and gifts like olivewood charcuterie boards and chocolate truffles. Meanwhile, following the Thanksgiving Day parade, the Herald Holiday Market will set up shop in the plaza outside, selling treats like gnocchi to go and artisanal products from vendors like puzzle makers Wacky Wonderworks.
The Makers Show at City Point
Location: Downtown Brooklyn
Dates: Select weekends in December
Why we love it: One of the best spots to shop local for holiday gifts is The Makers Show, a pop-up inside City Point, the multi-use commercial space in Downtown Brooklyn. Previous years have included a mix of everything from handmade pottery to sock designers and adorable giftables for pets. Other activations will include free holiday photos with Santa and festive balloon decorations; and don’t leave without sampling the food at the superb DeKalb Market Hall, a collection of 36 food vendors serving everything from arepas to handrolls to jerk chicken.
Urbanspace Union Square Holiday Market
Location: Union Square
Dates: November 14, 2024 through December 24, 2024
Why we love it: If you say “holiday market” to a New Yorker, chances are they’ll direct you to the bustling Union Square Holiday Market. With 185 vendors spread across concentric half-circles of booths, we’re not exaggerating when we say you can find the perfect present for everyone on your list at this sprawling pop-up. Some buzzy vendors to look out for this year? Pigeon be Pigeon’s bird-centric cartoons and drawings, Rubyzaar’s colorful scarves from Southeast Asia and East Africa, and make sure to save time to explore the many food purveyors for snacks like hot chocolate and mac and cheese. Pro tip: As the city’s most famous market, it can get quite crowded on nights and weekends, so try to opt for daytime weekday visits if possible.
