‘Tis the season for holiday markets. These community oriented events are geared to support local businesses and artists instead of big box retailers.
Whether you want to snag unique handmade holiday gifts for your loved ones, or bask in the holiday spirit, here are seven festive markets to visit across the borough. All are free to attend.
Astoria Holiday Market
For two Sundays in December, the main hall of Astoria’s Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden will be transformed into a festive holiday market. This year’s eclectic vendors will be selling everything from artisan olive oil to ceramic pieces, and even bottled coquito to serve to your holiday guests.
Bohemian Hall also added some Czech and Slovak dishes to their already cozy winter menu that features handmade pierogies and giant pretzels. You’ll have the chance to grab one of their dozen draft beers or craft cocktails while you shop around.
Main Hall of Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, 29-19 24th Ave.
Sunday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 17 from 12- 6 p.m.
Queens Farm Holiday Market
Queens County Farm Museum in Floral Park, the longest running farm in the state, will have a continuous holiday market running from this weekend until Christmas Eve. You can purchase handmade scarves made with wool from the farm or honey from their on site apiary. Poinsettias, a holiday classic houseplant, along with Christmas trees and wreaths will be available to decorate your home for the season.
Queens County Farm Museum, 7350 Little Neck Pkwy
Friday, Nov. 24 – Sunday, Dec. 24 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closes at 2 p.m. on Dec. 24)
Sunnyside Artists & Crafters Fair
At the Queen of Angels Church on Skillman Ave. in Sunnyside, 33 artisans will be selling their handmade crafts for a pre holiday Artists and Crafters Fair. The event is sponsored by Sunnyside Artists, a nonprofit that shines light on the neighborhood’s creatives.
The event will also feature raffles and if you purchase something from Lowery Wines and Liquor, you will receive a free glass of wine.
Queen of Angels Parish Center, 44-04 Skillman Ave
Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Annual Holly Bazaar
One of the longest standing holiday markets on the list is the Holly Bazaar at the Bayside Christmas Fair that’s gearing up for its 81st season. Over a dozen different vendors will be selling fashion accessories, paper products, glassware and holiday cards. They’ll also have Christmas trees, wreaths, poinsettias and ornaments to spruce up your home.
Stop by the gingerbread cafe for snacks and hot cocoa before snagging a picture with Santa. Don’t forget to walk through the “Candy Cane Forest,” a new addition this year.
Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All Saints Episcopal Church, 214-35 40th Ave.
LIC-A Holiday Art Fair
If you ever thought about starting your own art collection, but thought it was too expensive or didn’t know where to start, consider checking out the second annual LIC-A Holiday Art Fair: Off The Wall ll. All the pieces on display are originals, many by local artists, and are under $600.
LIC-A Art Space, The Factory Suite 30-30 47th Ave.
Nov. 7 – Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wrap and Ribbon Holiday Market
Commonpoint Queens’ Wrap and Ribbon holiday market in Little Neck will feature over 50 local vendors this year to celebrate local small businesses. Vendors will be selling quality clothing, artisan food, self-care products and holiday keepsakes all made in New York with quality in mind.
The event will also feature two balloon walls for photo ops, animal shows and the chance to make your own crafts. And Flushing’s Grey Cafe will serve free coffee and tea from 11 a.m. to noon.
Sam Field Center, 58-20 Little Neck Parkway
Sunday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Queens Craft Brigade
Katch Astoria, a gastropub and brewery, will host Queens Craft Brigade for both Small Business Saturday and a holiday market the following weekend. The brigade brings together some of the borough’s best makers. They’ll be selling eccentric artwork, crafts and jewelry.
Katch’s menu features wings with over a dozen sauces to drench them in, along with a range of starters and smash burgers to pair with one of their 50 beers on tap.
Katch Astoria, 31-19 Newtown Ave.
Saturday, Nov. 25 and Saturday, Dec. 9 from 12 – 5 p.m.
