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. 11
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. 5
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. 28
Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-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 125 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. 28 through Dec. 30, and Dec. 5 through 7
Fridays, 2-8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11-5 p.m.
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 30 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
Open weekends through Dec. 21
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 Owl Holiday Markets
Nov. 29 and 30; Dec. 13 and 14
Saturdays, 4 p.m.–8 p.m.; Sundays, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
For an outdoor holiday market adventure packed with local crafters and artists, visit the Highland Park Owl Holiday Market. Open weekends through mid 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!
Holland Ridge Farms Winter Wonderland
Open through Jan. 4
Daily, 5-9 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 50,000 light-up tulips, food trucks, vendors, music, firepits and even a drone show on select nights. Meet Santa in his workshop on weekends and select weekdays leading up to Christmas.
New York City
Grand Holiday Bazaar
Sundays through Dec. 21
10 a.m.-5 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, this market supports local businesses by donating 100% of its profits to four of the neighborhood’s public schools.
Macy’s Holiday Square
For the second year, Urbanspace has teamed up with Macy’s Herald Square for a festive holiday market across two unique locations. Explore more than 30 vendors on the lower level of the iconic Macy’s Herald Square flagship store, open daily through Dec. 30. Keep the holiday spirit going at the open-air market in Herald Square Plaza on Broadway between 32nd and 36th Streets, open from Dec. 3 through Jan. 3.
Winter Village at Bryant Park
Open daily through Jan. 4
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. to midnight.
Don’t miss one of NYC’s most lively holiday markets, filled with ice skating, rink-side dining, artisan provisions and unique gifts from around the world.
Rhode Island
DeBlois Gallery’s Holiday Invitational Arts & Artisans Gift Marketplace
Open through Dec. 21
Wednesday through Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
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 Holiday Sundays
Dec. 7, 14, 21
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
You’ll have to visit this market more than once to check out the rotation of about 80 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.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
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