Dreading the crush at the Union Square Holiday Market? These indie alternatives will be right up your alley/down your chimney.
Greenpointers holiday market.
Morbid Anatomy Holiday Flea Market
Sunday, December 11 at The Bell House, 12-6 pm
What says “Happy Holidays” better than gifts of taxidermy, osteology, and diaphonized specimens? The Morbid Anatomy Holiday Market will feature vendors with the best vintage and one-of-a-kind gifts for that Wednesday Addams on your list. This time around, there’ll be medicinal curiosities from Ryan Matthew Cohn, odd antiques from Evan Michelson, Mexican folk art and vintage jewelry from Daisy Tainton, natural history specimens from Wilder Duncan, handcrafted printed goods and wet specimens from Mark Moritat Splatter, ceramics and vintage books from Elizabeth New, diaphonized specimens from Adam Hutter, and more.
BUST Craftacular
Saturday and Sunday, December 10-11 at Brooklyn Expo Center, 11 am-7 pm, $3
The 11th-annual “all-day shopping party” features a plethora of the best of Brooklyn’s indie crafters, brought to you by the folks at BUST Magazine. At the Craftacular, you can enjoy craft cocktails, free workshops, and a weekend full of “rad lady DJs.” Get your tickets in advance to skip the line.
The Bulletin Holiday Market
Saturday and Sunday, December 10-11 at The William Vale Hotel, 1-9 pm
Bulletin, who offered beer pong with your shopping over the summer, is partnering with The William Vale for a “highly curated holiday market” with some of New York’s best indie artists. With their mission to “help small but mighty brands sell their work IRL,” you can expect plenty of local designers and handcrafted items, a full bar, and local DJs. Did I mention that William Vale has a 360-degree rooftop bar? Enough said. Don’t forget to RSVP (it’s required)!
Greenpointers Holiday Tropical Market
Sunday, December 11 at Greenpoint Loft, 1-7 pm
If you’re already longing for warm weather before the snow even hits, well, you’re in for a long winter… But yes, there is a holiday market for you. Amidst a combination of holiday cheer and a tropical flair, you can sip Americanos by Cafe Grumpy, a mojito, a seasonal brew from Greenpoint Beer & Ale, or Hungarian mulled wine by Crimson and Clove spices and Palinkerie. Take photos against a mural of “festive holiday tropical vibes” by Colleen Blackard, and get pampered with face painting by Human@Ease, henna tattoos by Miss V, nail art by Peenk, and bang trims by Bull in the Heather. For those who aren’t too distracted to actually get some shopping done, there’ll be over 50 vendors and local artisans.
Hester Street Fair presents The Holiday Market at the Seaport District
Open Daily Through December 24 at 117 Beekman St., 11 am-8 pm
Head down to the historic Seaport District and shop local with New York independent designers, artists, and entrepreneurs. You’ll find wacky patterned socks from Jimmy Lion, fashion-forward kicks by Triesti, and the most unique children’s books you’ll ever see by Home Grown Books. On weekends, the Hester Street Fair will feature a food and music series in the outdoor courtyard. If you need a break from shopping, stop by the Taylor Swift Experience or the newly opened iPic Theater.