Must-Shop Holiday Markets to Visit This Season for Unique Gifts

Holiday season means it’s time to check everyone off your gift list—and instead of turning to big-box stores or online shopping, why not make it an experience? Holiday markets across Related cities offer unique, artisanal gifts along with seasonal treats, live music, and festive décor that make shopping feel magical. 

New York City: Union Square Holiday Market

Open through December 24, Union Square Holiday Market features over 150 vendors with an emphasis on small businesses and independent artisans who provide unique gifts, goods, and treats. Shoppers can expect a mix of perennial favorites and new vendors, such as Swedish dishcloths from Three Bluebirds, socially-conscious fragrances from Raw Spirit, and gemstones and pearls from K2 Pearls. Whatever you’re shopping for, you’ll find it nestled in the market’s festively lit and warmly heated, wooden structures, which mimic a European Christmas market. 

One of the market’s biggest draws is the ample opportunities to eat as you shop (or take home to enjoy later or gift to others). Tuck into s’mores hot chocolate with toasted marshmallows (Rubyzaar Baked), Belgian waffles, and gingerbread cookies, or go for something savory with German pretzels from German Delights, coco bread sandwiches with Jamaican fillings from Coco Bred, and Asian street food. Just don’t miss the visitor-favorite bruleed sweet potato with coconut honey caramel. Admission to the market is free. 

Chicago: Christkindlmarket Chicago at Daley Plaza 

Christkindlmarket Chicago at Daley Plaza has been bringing a taste of German-style holiday shopping to the Windy City since it first opened in 1996. The event spotlights a mix of international and local vendors, and boosts your holiday shopping with live entertainment and fun food and beverage options, like imported mulled wine from Germany (glühwein). 

Admission to the market is free, but there are a few ticketed events, such as the exclusive Christkindlmarket Chicago Culture & Cheer Tours on select dates and Christkindlmarket Chicago Haus of Krampus on December 14. The market is open through December 24.

Boston: The Snowport Holiday Market

Open daily through December 28, The Snowport Holiday Market Presented by Constant Contact transforms Boston’s Seaport into a bustling holiday shopping experience with over 125 vendors. Snag gifts like apparel and accessories from Petunia Boston, art from The Blank Canvas Co., home decor from Alyssa Bazaar, and jewelry from Georgia Marie Designs. 

Elevate your shopping experience with stops to sample food or sip a drink at a custom cocktail bar, and take in live music and sparkling seasonal decor, including an adorable mistletoe arch. There’s also a Warming Tent by JetBlue if the weather outside is truly frightful. Kids and adults alike will want to visit The Crafting Corner by The LEGO Group, with crafts like snow globes and DIY ornaments, and hearts will be warmed by the Winter Wish Wall by Mass General Brigham Health Plan, where shoppers can share their holiday wishes. 

Los Angeles: The Holiday Village at Westfield Century City

Want to experience a holiday market without missing the convenience of a shopping mall? The Holiday Village at Westfield Century City boasts the best of both worlds by offering a seasonal collection (through December 28) of festive shops and activities in the middle of Westfield Century City. The Holiday Market offers unique gifts, such as curated dog treats from Bark Bodega, delicious Japanese sweets from J. Sweets, handbags and accessories from Min and Mon, and gemstone jewelry from Magic and Miracles. 

Once you’ve picked the perfect present, enjoy complimentary gift wrapping for up to two items by AFEELA from Sony Honda Mobility. Plus, meet Santa on select dates—there are even specific time slots reserved for bringing furry friends. Or, step into Blitzen’s Bar, a cozy après-ski chalet that overlooks The Holiday Village and offers seasonal drinks. There are live performances and—perhaps best of all—daily scheduled snowfalls! 

San Francisco: Union Square Winter Walk

Union Square Winter Walk Presented by JPMorgan Chase, returns with 12 days (December 13–24) of holiday shopping and celebrations. The event transforms two blocks of Stockton Street with food trucks, a holiday marketplace, live performances, visits from Santa, and seasonal cocktails like Karl’s Cozy Fog, Fisherman’s Warmth, and Rudolph’s Mule to sip as you go. 

Details on featured shops are still in the works, but visitors can expect fun extras like a Nintendo pop-up tent, which will include photo opportunities. Union Square will host other holiday events in addition to Winter Walk, including the Ornament Trail Presented by LendingClub from December 6–24, Launch of the Powell Street Sled on December 6, and Macy’s & San Francisco SPCA Holiday Windows through December 31, among other special holiday programming.

Washington, D.C.: DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle

Diverse Markets Management hosts DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle through December 23, located this year at 11 Dupont Circle NW, along New Hampshire Ave. Shop over 35 local artists, crafters, and small businesses. Items include watercolor art from Marcella Kriebel Art & Illustration, handcrafted clothing from LittleTibet Boutique, custom pottery from Sarah Nickel Ceramics, African-inspired handmade jewelry from Leyu Ambare, and more.

Indulge along the way with goodies from The Capital Candy Jar, Migue’s Mini Donuts, and Drizzle To Go. Bright, festive decor adds to the event’s allure, and there’s plenty of permanent shopping and restaurants in Dupont Circle if you’re still looking for more. 

West Palm Beach: Holiday Vendor Pop-Up Shop Event at a.Market on Olive

For one evening only (Thursday, December 18, 5-8 p.m.), a.market on Olive hosts its Holiday Vendor Pop-Up Shop Event, featuring handcrafted gifts and other unique finds. The event is the perfect way to celebrate the season, get some last-minute shopping done, and support small, local businesses. Admission is free, but registration is required.

The Related Life is written and produced by the Related Life Editorial Team. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest events, news, and announcements in your area, and tag us for a chance to be featured @therelatedlife and #therelatedlife.