A Guide to Upper West Side Holiday Craft Fairs and Markets
By Carol Tannenhauser
Holiday craft fairs are happening now and for the next few weeks from one end of the neighborhood to the other.
At the southern tip is the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, running from December 4th – 24th; Monday – Friday 10am – 8pm, Saturday 10am – 8pm, Sunday 10am – 7pm.
“The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is internationally known as one of the most elegant and beautiful places for holiday shopping. Located at the entrance to Central Park, at 59th street and Central Park West, visitors lose themselves in glittering aisles of art, jewelry, home goods and delicious eats from local artisans and designers. Now in it’s 15th year, the market is the perfect place to do all your holiday shopping while soaking in the splendor of winter in New York City.” Eater recommends that people try the burek, a flaky phyllo dough pie at the Balkan Bites food stall too.
Further uptown at 5 West 63rd Street is the Artworks Holiday Crafts Fair at the West Side YMCA, running from Thursday December 12th to Saturday December 14th. See here for times.
“The event will showcase over 500 handmade, one-of-a-kind ceramic art pieces and hand crafted jewelry created by over 39 ArtWorks students, assistants, and teachers who study and work out of the Y’s ArtWorks Studio. Twenty percent of all proceeds go back into the program to fund ArtWorks Studio supplies.”
On West 77th Street and Columbus Avenue, you’ll find the Grand Holiday Bazaar, which opened on November 24th and will operate every Sunday through December 22nd.
“The only market that is indoors and outdoors and with rotating merchants…this is the Holiday Market to shop for the unique gifts that you can’t find elsewhere! Come shop from 150+ hand-picked independent local artisans and dealers. Find one-of-a-kind handmade holiday decoration and giftable items, candles, skincare, fashion, vintage accessories and collectibles, handmade jewelry and furniture, rare antique silver and glassware, and of course delicious artisanal chocolates and foods. 100% of Grand Bazaar NYC’s profits are donated to four local public schools benefiting over 2,000 children.” If you’re hungry, Eater says try the “DiRiso Risotto Balls, or sample an NYC couple’s take on the Japanese mixed rice dish Maze Gohan at Maze-Maze.”
Finally, crown your excursion with Crafts at the Cathedral, which will take place within the nave of the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine on Amsterdam Avenue between West 110th – 113th Streets, Friday, December 6: Noon – 8:00 p.m. Saturday, December 7: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sunday, December 8: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission: $10; Students and Seniors $8.
“The response to [last year’s] annual show was one of sheer delight. The Cathedral proved to be a magical venue for the show. As the sun played through the stained glass windows onto the massive granite columns, shoppers and tourists alike enjoyed the expanded show.” Click here to learn about the gifted artists who will be exhibiting at the 2019 show.
It’s nice to see so many forums for local artisans!
I would like to encourage WSR readers to visit the Bellero Designs booth at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market.
Astute WSR readers and long-time UWS residents may remember Susan’s lovely handmade headbands, hand loomed scarves, and vintage sari bags from the now defunct (and missed!) Crafts on Columbus behind the Natural History Museum. The good news is, you still can find her beautiful (old and new!) designs at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market.
P.S. I am not affiliated with the booth! I am just a happy and long-time customer.
One year, the Columbus Circle one had an amazing Santa. I really wish they would do that again.
Thank you for sharing.
Sadly disappointed at the very limited food offerings at the Columbus Circle market this year. Would enjoy getting there for a variety of foods like bao buns and raclette sandwiches, but walking through this year we found just a handful of stands, so much so that we looked around thinking there had to be more along another aisle, but no. Sure, it’s not like you can’t find food in NYC, it was just a nice addition to have that here while you shop.
probably costs too much for the vendor fee for a food business to make a decent profit.
Could have something to do with the fact that the holiday market is located directly above the new Turnstyle food hall, which has lots of similar offerings–ramen, dumplings, arepas, etc.
THE ART STUDENTS LEAGUE OF N,Y, IS ALSO HAVING ITS “ANNUAL HOLIDAY ART SALE” OF ORIGINAL ART, BY MANY TALENTED ARTISTS, FROM DECEMBER 10-22, IN THE PHYLLIS HARRIMAN MASON GALLERY.
215 WEST 57th STREET.
The crafts at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine are outstanding, elegant, nicely priced! Jewelry, fabrics, pottery are outstanding. I even bought some jam!
Don’t forget Hands Along the Nile holiday crafts sale!
https://www.handsalongthenile.org/events/nyc-egyptian-craft-sale/
Date: December 13th and December 14th
Time: 12 noon to 7 p.m.
Location: St. Mary & St. Mark Coptic Church (241 East 62nd Street, New York, NY 10065)