Let's just pretend that, between New York's incredible shopping scene (including its sample sales) and the bajillions of websites vying for your attention, you do not have enough options when it comes to shopping for gifts this holiday season — and that's where the markets step in.
Whether they're offering accessories, art, jewelry, makeup, or something you couldn't even imagine, there's plenty of options that are popping up around the city over the next few weeks. And the best part about them? They actually put the fun back in gift buying, because you get to explore unknown treasures to find something that the receiver will appreciate more than a Starbucks gift card.
Aside from the major markets at Columbus Circle, Bryant Park, Grand Central, and Union Square that you're already aware of, we've rounded up some of the smaller ones that are currently running or coming up throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn (including our very own!). And towards the bottom, you'll find a list of brands that have popped up with their own storefronts for the season.
Keep checking back here, too — we'll be adding in more events as we hear of them.
Holiday Markets
Racked: LA in New York Holiday Market
What: For our first-ever pop-up shop, we tapped Racked LA editor Natalie Alcala to bring the best of her city over to use for one weekend only. Come by to check out women's apparel, jewelry, accessories, juices and more (and say hi to us, too!)
Where: 101 Wooster Street, Soho
When: Saturday, December 5th and Monday, December 6th. Daily 11am—6pm.
Courtesy of Goop
Goop Mrkt
What: Lifestyle brand Goop is tackling the holiday market scene with a month-long pop-up. Shop the exclusive Valentino x Goop collection, as well as other brands such as NLST, Carven, and Fleur de Mal, and check out its near-daily events going on in the "kitchen."
Where: 10 Columbus Circle, Midtown
When: Through Thursday, December 24th. Mon—Sat 10am—9pm, Sun 11am—7pm.
ID Pop Shop
What: Shop products from New York-based independent designers, including jewelry, skincare, stationery, and art. New products will become available as the weeks go by, so keep checking back to see what else is in stock.
Where: 446 West 14th Street, Meatpacking District
When: Tuesday, December 1st through Monday, December 21st. Mon—Sat 11am—8pm, Sun 11am—7pm.
Creeds Collective
What: Buy anything from $5 to $750 at this holiday market filled with men's and women's brands of accessories, beauty, home, food, and wellness. Shoppers can participate in activities such as an in-house barbershop and beauty lounge, and 100% of profits from the pop-up will be donated to charity.
Where: 72 Gansevoort Street, Meatpacking District
When: Friday, December 11th through Sunday, December 13th. Daily 10am—8pm.
via Fab
Fab Holiday Pop-In
What: Explore two floors packed with brands hand-picked by Fab, including LittleBits, Wool & The Gang, and Polaroid. Offerings range from clothing to jewelry to gadgets, and Fab will provide overnight shipping for any desired purchases for free.
Where: 118 Orchard Street, Lower East Side
When: Thursday, December 3rd through Sunday, December 6th. Daily 11am—8pm.
Ground Floor Gallery
What: The #newcollectorbk pop-up boasts more than 30 independent artists whose offerings are all under $100. Every pieces are small, original, and stocking stuffing-worthy.
Where: 343 5th Street, Gowanus
When: Through Sunday, December 20th. Thu—Fri 2pm—6pm, Sat 12pm—6pm, Sun 12pm—5pm.
Aurate
What: Shop the newest jewelry collection at an honest price and meet the brand's designers. Plus, for every piece of jewelry purchased, the store will donate a book to an underprivileged child.
Where: 109 Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg
When: Through Sunday, December 20th. Daily 12pm—8pm.
Kiosk's old store. Photo: Driely S.
Kiosk at Project No. 8
What: The beloved Kiosk is (temporarily) back Carefully selected clothes, accessories, and trinkets fill this Lower East Side staple. Shop items like gold and brown safety pins, hand-knit toy robins, and keytags for the uniquely hard-to-please friend in your life.
Where: 38 Orchard Street, Lower East Side
When: Now through Sunday, January 17th. Fri Nov 27th—Wed, December 23rd 12pm—8pm; Thu Dec 24th 12pm—3pm; Sat Dec 26th—Sun Jan 17th 12pm—7pm (Wed—Sun only).
Art Pop LES
What: Purchase something completely unique and handmade at this downtown pop-up. The fair is accepting and selling submissions on a rolling basis from the community and its local artists, with an emphasis on new and emerging creators.
Where: 365 Grand Street, Lower East Side
When: Friday, November 27th through Wednesday, December 23rd. Tue through Sun 3:30pm—7:30pm or by appointment.
Dusty Rose Vintage
What: This vintage clothing warehouse transforms into your holiday stop for hand-crafted gifts. Some of the unique brands featured include Minna, Alchemy Cosmetics, Mary Jane Lane, and Plant-In City.
Where: 251 Greenpoint Avenue, Greenpoint
When: Saturday, November 28th through Sunday, December 20th. Thu—Sat 12pm—7pm, Sun 12pm—6pm.
At last year's pop-up shop: Photo: Young & Able/Facebook
Young & Able
What: Shop 30 Brooklyn-based, women-owned business at this second annual pop-up. Vendors offer everything from jewelry, treats, and ceramics to crafting workshops open to the public.
Where: 2 Rivington Street, Nolita
When: Friday, December 4th through Sunday, January 3rd. Daily 12pm—7pm (closed Christmas Day).
Caravan Styling Studio at The Gregory
What: Emerging American designers are gathering at The Gregory hotel to sell accessories and jewelry that work perfectly as last-minute gifts. Everyone featured at the market not only designs their goods in the country, but produces them here, too.
Where: 42 West 35th Street, Midtown
When: Friday, December 4th and Saturday, December 5th. Fri 4pm—8pm, Sat 9am—6pm.
211 Mott
What: Beau & Ro joins five other tasteful and classy collections at the Mott Street holiday pop-up supporting female entrepreneurs. The brands have been carefully selected to compliment one another and make picking up a quick but high-quality gift a breeze.
Where: 211 Mott Street, Nolita
When: Friday, December 4th through Sunday, December 20th. Daily 11am—8pm.
Photo: Tictail/Facebook
Tictail
What: The website that plays host to independent artisan's e-shops from around the globe is once again returning to the Lower East Side to showcase some of its favorite products. And though pieces from places as far-flung as Japan and Scandinavia might be in the mix, expect to see a lot of designers based in both New York and the United States.
Where: 90 Orchard Street, Lower East Side
When: Thursday, December 4th through Wednesday, December 23rd. Daily 11am—8pm.
Smithsonian Native Art Market
What: Admission is free at this market offering handmade and one-of-a-kind original pieces. All designs come from native artist from North, South, and Central America, and range from $50 to $5,000. You can also get a head start on shopping here by attending the preview.
Where: 1 Bowling Green, Financial District
When: Saturday, December 5th and Sunday, December 6th. Daily 10am—5pm.
Wellness Wonderland
What: Lovers of natural beauty and merchandise will be spoiled for choice at this one-day-only pop-up that's hosted by Well + Good. Shop cosmetic and skincare brands like Osmia Organics and W3ll People, bedding from Parachute Home, and much more.
Where: 355 West 16th Street, Chelsea
When: Sunday, December 13th. 11am—6pm.
The Makeup Show Pop-Up Shop
What: Brands such as Make Up For Ever, Nars, and Inglot will be at this cosmetics-only pop-up, and will be offering their products with exclusive discounts from 20% to 40% off. Ticket-holders can also enjoy champagne and participate in workshops.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, Chelsea
When: Saturday, December 12th and Sunday, December 13th. Sat 11am—6pm, Sun 10am—5pm.
Urban Zen Marketplace
What: Peruse artisanal home goods, clothing, art, accessories, and objects of desire while giving back to a good cause. The Donna Karan-backed pop-up features brands like Brave Jewelry, Nomad, and Wag Wear, and ten percent of proceeds will towards the Urban Zen Foundation.
Where: 711 Greenwich Street, West Village
When: Through TBD. Mon—Fri 10am—6pm (Thu until 7pm) Sat 11am—6pm, Sun 12pm—5pm.
Single-Brand Pop-Up Shops
In addition to the dozens of market-style pop-ups around the city are brands that are striking out on their own. Some you may have heard of before, while others are brand new; and while some are already pretty established here (hello, American Eagle), others are striking out with their first US standalone retail presence (welcome, Hunter!), and all have put a holiday twist on what's on offer here. Everything's open daily except on the obviously holidays unless otherwise noted.
Hunter: 108 Wooster St, Soho (through mid-February)
Throne Watches: 170 Franklin St, Greenpoint (through December 31st)
Nautica: 134 Fifth Ave, Flatiron (through December 27th)
Dannijo: 68 Gansevoort St, Meatpacking District (through December 31st; open Thu—Sun only)
Lands' End: 650 Fifth Ave, Midtown (through January 31st)
The Eight Senses: 120 Wooster St, Soho (through December 28th)
Bandier: 150 E 72nd St, Upper East Side (through December 31st)
The Tie Bar: 411 Bleecker St, West Village (through December 31st)
Marissa Webb: 104 Grand St, Soho (through December 31st)
American Eagle: 62 W 42nd St, Midtown (through December 27th)
Herschel: 125 Orchard St, Lower East Side (through January 31st)
Vanessa Seward: 267 W 4th St, West Village (through December 8th)
Daniel Wellington: 355A Bowery, East Village (through December 20th)