There’s nothing better than kicking off the season with a visit to a holiday market – or two!
These festive European-inspired events have become a seasonal tradition in cities across the country. From artisan-made treasures and treats to activities like ice skating and sipping on hot cocoa, you can stroll the stalls of local makers while taking in all the twinkling lights.
Whether you’re looking for indoor browsing or outdoor adventure, we’ve listed some of our favorite Northeast holiday markets here. Find what you’re looking for and get into the holiday spirit with handmade gifts and holiday cheer!
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Guilford Holiday Expo
Open through Jan. 5
Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.
Experience the holiday spirit at the Guilford Holiday Fest. This event is held at the Guilford Art Center, a charming spot for winter festivities where local vendors set up shop to sell crafts, food and unique gifts. The festival features live music, performances and activities for all ages. Find handmade ornaments, cozy winter wear and other holiday treasures as you sip hot cocoa and nibble on holiday treats.
Stonington Tree Lighting and Holiday Stroll
Stroll starts at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 6
For one magical night, Stonington’s annual Holiday Stroll transforms the town into a winter wonderland, attracting visitors from all over Connecticut. Wander down Water Street and find an array of charming stalls filled with handcrafted jewelry, festive decorations and homemade treats. The Stonington market is a must-visit holiday event where you can cozy up to the small-town charm.
Massachusetts
The Holiday Market at Snowport
Open through Dec. 29
Monday through Thursday, 3-8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Snowport transforms Boston’s Seaport into a winter wonderland filled with outdoor shopping, tasty treats, warm drinks and more. The outdoor market features more than 120 small businesses, and shoppers can find a range of holiday gifts, including art, clothing, jewelry, home decor, gourmet treats and handmade goods. After shopping, you can check out the outdoor dining area, brimming with comfort food.
Kilroy Square Holiday Market
Nov. 29 through Dec. 1, and Dec. 6 through 8
Stop by the Kilroy Square Holiday Market for some holiday cheer under a big tent. This festive holiday shopping experience in downtown Quincy, spanning two weekends, features more than 90 local vendors, delicious hot and cold cocktails, a beer garden and more. Outside the tent, you’ll find a rotation of food trucks under outdoor heaters, along with Christmas trees and wreaths for sale.
New Jersey
Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar
Weekends, Nov. 29 through Dec. 22
Fridays, 3-8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, noon-5 p.m.
Discover the magic of a German Weihnachtsmarkt paired with the local makers of Asbury Park. Experience live music, tasty treats, handmade gifts and plenty of holiday spirit at two different locations. Head to the website for each address.
Highland Park Night Owl Market
Nov. 16 and 30; Dec. 1, 14, 21 and 22
Saturdays, 4 p.m.–8 p.m.; Sundays, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
For an outdoor holiday market adventure packed with local crafters and artists, visit the Highland Park Night Owl Market. Open weekends through late December, you won’t want to miss this cheery maker-market filled with food, trees for sale, a gingerbread house contest, live music and caroling. You may even catch Santa on the weekends!
Holland Ridge Farms Winter Wonderland
Nov. 30 through Dec. 30
5-10 p.m.
For a unique holiday experience, visit Holland Ridge Farms! Pick your own winter tulips as you stroll through the stunning grounds. The wonderland boasts over 30,000 light-up tulips, food trucks, vendors, music, firepits and even an ice-skating rink!
New York City
Grand Holiday Bazaar
Sundays, Nov. 24 through Dec. 22
10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
As one of NYC’s oldest local markets, Grand Bazaar goes all out for the holiday season with a large variety of vendors and gifts. Packed with photography, jewelry, furniture, beauty products, antiques and tasty eats from more than 150 local merchants, this market supports local businesses by donating 100% of its profits to four of the neighborhood’s public schools.
Macy’s Holiday Square
Open through Jan. 3
For the first time, Urbanspace is collaborating with the Macy’s Herald Square flagship store to create a huge new holiday market that will include over 150 vendors across two distinct spaces! The new destination, known as Macy’s Holiday Square, will host a wide selection of vendors on the mezzanine level of the iconic Macy’s flagship, plus specialty holiday vendors across every floor of the department store, so you can shop for holiday trinkets and goodies at any point during your stroll.
Winter Village at Bryant Park
Open daily through Jan. 5
Shops are open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; the rink is open daily, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. and until midnight most weekends and much of December.
Don’t miss one of NYC’s most lively holiday markets, filled with ice skating, shopping and rink-side dining. Warm up in a Cozy Igloo for festive food and drinks, get active at the Curling Cafe or shop local crafts, artisan provisions and unique gifts from around the world.
Rhode Island
DeBlois Gallery’s Holiday Invitational Arts & Artisans Gift Marketplace
Open through Dec. 22
This gallery turned holiday market features affordable artwork and artisanal gifts perfect for the holiday season. Find stocking stuffers, ornaments, jewelry, whimsies, wearable art, pottery and holiday cards. The schedule varies, so we recommend checking the website for specific hours.
Providence Flea
Friday Nights, Nov. 29 through Dec. 20, and Sundays, Dec. 1 through 22
Friday nights, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
You’ll have to visit this market more than once to check out the rotation of about 250 vendors! You can shop for everything from ornaments and wreaths to vintage vinyl and candles. Sip craft cocktails and beer and enjoy the fresh dishes served by onsite food trucks. Parking and admission are free.
For savings on holiday gifts, visit AAA.com/Discounts.
What is your favorite holiday market? Tell us in the comments.
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