The Best Holiday Markets in NYC 2020: For Kids and Families

Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? Look no further because NYC offers only the best of the best when it comes to fashion, home goods, art, food and more. This year may look different than the rest; however, some of the city’s most iconic holiday markets are still open for business and have adjusted procedures to enforce social distancing so that families can shop safely and enjoy the holiday cheer outside of the house. You can purchase everything from home-made to name-brand at these holiday markets in NYC!

Psst…Need to buy new winter clothing for the kids? Check out 10 Warmest Winter Coats for Kids in 2020

The Best Holiday Markets in NYC This Year:

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park

New York, NY 10018

Bryant Park is known for being one of the best parks in NYC, and its magical Winter Village is back! You’ll find about 60 kiosks around the park containing local crafts, jewelry, food, gifts from all over the world and more. The park has reconfigured the number and layout of the shops, which allow for spacious walkways to avoid congestion. Additionally, visitor numbers are monitored and hand-washing stations are available throughout the park. You won’t find anything as unique as the artwork and cuisine that is sold in Bryant Park’s Winter Village!

Hours: Mon.-Fri. : 11 am – 8 pm; Sat. & Sun. : 10 am – 8 pm

Grand Central Holiday Fair

89 E 42nd St

Grand Central’s Holiday Fair is the ultimate holiday New York City experience. Artwork, clothing, accessories, home goods, toys and more can be found in Vanderbilt Hall from Nov. 16 to Dec. 24. Although smaller than normal, this shopping spree will still be ever-so-productive with all of the holiday cheer. Grand Central has implemented focus on handcrafted American-made products, frequent cleaning, and a climate-controlled space for customers to feel comfortable while shopping, and it is even hosting a Virtual Holiday Fair that will be open 24/7 completely online!

Hours: Vary according to vendor

Brooklyn Navy Yard Holiday Market

Admirals Row 1 Flushing Ave. (located at the corner of Flushing Ave. and Navy St.)

Brooklyn’s own Navy Yard Holiday Market offers Brooklyn-exclusive goods with over 40 vendors ranging from food, wine, clothing, accessories, wellness and skincare! There is even going to be a create-your-own gift section that will feature cookie decorating, ornament engraving and screen-printing bags and prints. Some COVID-19 protocols include hand sanitizing stations, routined bathroom cleanings and PPE available for purchase. The historical market will be open from Dec. 7-8, along with the virtual market that will run until Jan. 3!

Hours: 12 pm – 6 pm

Turnstyle Underground Market

8th Avenue (between 57 st. & 58 st.)

Shop your way through the subway! This super-edgy underground market is very on-brand for NYC, and we are loving it. You’ll find 39 kiosks consisting of the tastiest macaroons, eateries, hair cutteries, jewelry and more. The best part? No metro card required! Grab your mask and head for this unique market in Columbus Circle. You can be the one to decide if everything really does taste better underground!

Hours: Vary according to vendor

Closed Markets This Year:

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

Union Square Holiday Market

Astoria Market

Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg Winter Market

Holiday Handmade Calvacade

LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park Brooklyn

Industry City Holiday Market by Wanted Design

All markets follow New York State COVID-19 regulations and require face coverings when shopping.

Asphalt Green

Asphalt Green&rsquo;s high-quality sports programs start at 4 months old. Two beautiful facilities in vibrant Manhattan neighborhoods provide the optimal space for children to learn the fundamentals, play for leisure, or compete at the highest level. As the leading sports and fitness facility in Manhattan, Asphalt Green&rsquo;s never-before- seen training methods focus on improving your mental and physical game. Whether participating in swim, soccer, flag football, martial arts, basketball, baseball, tennis, or volleyball, coaches instill values that set athletes up for success in life and bring out their full potential in sports.

Explore MetroWest Boston

<h1>Turn Whining into Winning in MetroWest Boston</h1> From beer gardens to corn mazes, state parks to beautiful art, MetroWest Boston is a great destination for a weekend trip! Enjoy <a href="https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/get-outside/?imgoing-place=hopkinton-state-park-61a91acef30b531a665ab64d">Hopkinton State Park</a>&rsquo;s gorgeous foliage while kayaking on the lake or hiking, mountain biking, or snowshoeing on the amazing trails. In the evening, catch a play, musical, concert, art exhibition, dance performance, or immersive theatrical event at <a href="https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/culture/?imgoing-place=hopkinton-center-for-the-arts-63c03d7e0d792d753263b4d1">Hopkinton Center for the Arts</a>. Get a great night&rsquo;s sleep at one of the region&rsquo;s hotels, such as <a href="https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/where-to-stay/?imgoing-place=the-verve-hotel-boston-natick-tapestry-collection-by-hilton-61aa4790f30b531a666119e4">The VERVE</a>, with its fun and funky pop art d&eacute;cor, or <a href="https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/where-to-stay/?imgoing-place=aloft-framingham-6216279ccc891d1d0862c8c2">Aloft</a> with their pool tables and lobby games. In the morning, visit the <a href="https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/culture/?imgoing-place=danforth-art-school-61a8e11cf30b531a66592d90">Danforth Art Museum</a>, a jewel box housing 3,500+ artworks from three centuries, including groundbreaking sculptures depicting the African and African American experience by Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller. Cross the street to the <a href="https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/culture/?imgoing-place=framingham-history-center-61a8e11cf30b531a66592d92">Framingham History Center</a> to explore their new multilingual exhibit that traces the city&rsquo;s immigration story, from those fleeing the 1690s Salem Witch trials, to the Irish and Italian influx in the 1800-1900s, to the current migration of Brazilians. &ldquo;Framingham&rsquo;s Collective Journeys&rdquo; includes oral histories, interactives, and artifacts. No visit to Framingham is complete without stopping at legendary <a href="https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/eat/?imgoing-place=jacks-abby-craft-lagers-61a8e11cf30b531a66592da0">Jack&rsquo;s Abby Craft Lagers</a>, one of 17 breweries in MetroWest, where you can enjoy a flight with a schnitzel sandwich or their famous Framinghamburger. Afterwards, spend a few hours at <a href="https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/activities/?imgoing-place=level99-64a8389c51f92a351a6a3f06">Level99</a> testing each other with 50+ mental and physical escape rooms and challenges. The next day, tour the <a href="https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/where-to-stay/?imgoing-place=longfellows-wayside-inn-61aa7aa3f30b531a66621f57">Wayside Inn</a>. The oldest inn in America&rsquo;s 100-acre property includes the Old Barn, now a farm stand with displays of antique farming tools, the historic Grist Mill, and beautiful grounds containing the Longfellow Memorial Garden, the Redstone Schoolhouse from the poem &ldquo;Mary Had a Little Lamb&rdquo;, the Martha-Mary Chapel, and Josephine's Pond for fishing. Stay for a delicious gourmet meal in their historic dining room. Spend the afternoon at the <a href="https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/culture/?imgoing-place=american-heritage-museum-61a92852f30b531a665b17bf">American Heritage Museum</a>. Start your tour in the depths of a WWI trench listening to a nurse&rsquo;s first-hand account from the Western Front while bombs explode above you and the floor begins to shake. This extraordinary museum features one-of-a-kind historic aircraft, tanks, cars and rare relics from the Revolutionary War to today, in immersive exhibits and living history events. Afterwards, wander the charming shops and boutiques of downtown Hudson. <h3>MetroWest Boston offers these and many other attractions, activities and events for the whole family!</h3>

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;