7 Must-Visit Holiday Markets in a City Near You

Throughout the Northeast, the tradition of European-style holiday markets lives on, bringing warmth, magic and festive creativity to the season.

Imagine sipping hot cocoa while browsing the creations of local artists and makers before snagging a few beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind gifts to bring home. It’s not a bad way to feel some holiday spirit, support your local economy and get your shopping done!

Many holiday markets include fun activities for families while others are the perfect venue for date night. Read on for our picks of the top holiday markets in the Northeast.

Massachusetts

CraftBoston Holiday Online
Nov. 11 – Jan. 8

Bring museum-quality art into your everyday life by browsing the works of more than 175 master artisans at the virtual CraftBoston Holiday Show. Choose from an incredible selection of traditional handmade crafts including jewelry, leather, clothing, furniture, ceramics, metal, glass, paper and wood.

You’ll also be able to learn how artists bring their work to life with live interviews and demos from their studios.

Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fair
Dec. 9-11, 16-18
33 Dunster St., Cambridge

During two weekends in December, you can peruse the goods of craftspeople from all across New England at the Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fair in Cambridge, Mass. This event promises a plethora of unique gift items, including jewelry, clothes, household items and more as well as a chance to connect with the people who make the gifts you want to give – or keep for yourself.

New York City

Union Square Holiday Market
Open daily through Dec. 24

For shoppers ready to brave the cold, New York’s internationally renowned Union Square Holiday Market is an absolute must-visit. This eclectic market features over 180 vendors and draws millions of visitors each year.

Shop eco-friendly accessories, jewelry, New York-themed items, beer-making kits, handblown glassware and everything in between. Then warm up with a hot cider and indulge with world-class food vendors that span the globe.

Winter Village at Bryant Park 
Open daily through Jan. 2

This is the outdoor market of your holiday movie dreams. Grab a hot chocolate or a snack from one of the many food vendors and get lost in shop after shop of local crafts and gifts from around the world. The markets surround an ice-skating rink and the glistening Bryant Park Christmas tree.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Nov. 29-Dec. 24

Head to the Columbus Circle Holiday Market at the entrance to Central Park to find aisles of art, jewelry, home goods and delicious food from local artisans and designers. After shopping at this outdoor market, warm up with some hot mulled wine or German beer at the bratwurst stand.

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Rhode Island

Providence Flea Holiday Markets
Sundays, Nov. 27 – Dec. 18
Farm Fresh Market Hall

Discover a trove of holiday treasures at Rhode Island’s Providence Flea Holiday Markets. You can browse the booths for vintage, antique, upcycled, recycled and handcrafted items. Whether you’re on the lookout for vintage prints for your home, mittens for the kids, a cute terrarium for your best friend or pickles for dad, you’re sure to find it among the market’s more than 250 vendors. When your shopping bags are full, head outside and sample mouthwatering eats from a roundup of local food trucks.

Holiday Arts Market
Dec. 9-10
Jamestown Arts Center

Discover high-quality, unique works made by local artists, designers and all kinds of crafty people. This juried market of vendors will feature a wide variety of giftable art, including jewelry, wood and glass work, paintings, pottery, clothing and more.

For savings on holiday gifts, visit AAA.com/Discounts.

What are your favorite local holiday markets? Share with us in the comments.