Holiday shopping on the Upper West Side offers an alternative to Fifth Avenue department stores and Manhattan's larger holiday villages. December brings independent makers to Grand Bazaar NYC, fine craft to the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, and plenty of reasons to browse the neighborhood's bookstores and specialty food shops.
For visitors staying at Hotel Belleclaire at Broadway and West 77th Street, several of these stops are concentrated around the West 70s and low 80s, making shopping easy to combine with a museum visit, Central Park, or an evening performance. Here are the markets and neighborhood shops worth knowing for December 2026.
Start at Grand Bazaar NYC
At 100 West 77th Street at Columbus Avenue, Grand Bazaar NYC is the neighborhood's year-round market for independent artists, makers, vintage dealers, and specialty food vendors. December brings several themed markets with a stronger focus on holiday gifts.
The Art and Decor Bazaar on December 6 features original artwork, ceramics, textiles, lighting, and handcrafted pieces for the home. On December 13 and 20, the Holiday Bazaar expands the selection to jewelry, art, vintage finds, holiday décor, specialty foods, and gifts from local makers. The December 20 market, the final Sunday before Christmas, is scheduled to bring together more than 200 vendors.
All three Sunday markets run from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
For travelers looking for a Christmas market on the Upper West Side, Grand Bazaar offers a different experience from the larger holiday villages elsewhere in Manhattan. The emphasis is on independent vendors and changing inventory, so it is particularly good for shoppers who want to browse rather than arrive with a specific retailer in mind.
Grand Bazaar also currently lists Special Holiday Markets for December 12 and 19. Check the official calendar before visiting, as seasonal schedules can change.
Shop Fine Craft at the Cathedral
For handmade pieces and fine craft, Crafts at the Cathedral returns to the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine from December 4-6, 2026.
The juried show brings together approximately 75 artists and craftspeople working in ceramics, jewelry, drawing, apothecary goods, artisanal food, and other categories. Each participating artist is present to sell their work, giving shoppers an opportunity to learn more about the pieces they are buying.
The setting is part of the appeal. The show takes place inside the Cathedral at 1047 Amsterdam Avenue at West 112th Street, making it worthwhile even for travelers who do not typically seek out craft fairs.
Hours are 9:30am-7:00pm Friday, December 4; 9:30am-6:00pm Saturday, December 5; and noon-5:00pm Sunday, December 6. Admission is ticketed.
If your trip overlaps with both markets, think of them as different experiences rather than stops to fit into the same afternoon. Grand Bazaar offers a wider mix of gifts, vintage pieces, food, and local makers; Crafts at the Cathedral is the better choice when fine craft is the priority.
Bring Home a Taste of the Upper West Side
Some of the neighborhood's most recognizable gifts are edible, and several longtime food businesses are clustered around Broadway in the West 70s and 80s.
Zabar's, at Broadway and West 80th Street, has been an Upper West Side institution since 1934. Coffee, cheese, smoked fish, chocolates, baked goods, and other specialties make it an easy place to assemble a New York food gift. Upstairs, the housewares department is worth browsing for cookware and kitchen gifts.
A few blocks south, the original Levain Bakery opened on West 74th Street in 1995. Its oversized cookies are an easy option for something to bring home or take to a holiday gathering.
Guests at Hotel Belleclaire can also stop at Mille-Feuille, the family-owned French bakery inside the hotel. Open daily from 7:00am to 6:00pm, it is useful for picking up pastries before heading out for the day or bringing something to a holiday dinner elsewhere in the city.
Browse the Neighborhood's Bookstores
The Upper West Side remains particularly good territory for buying books in person.
For rare and used books, Westsider Rare & Used Books at 2246 Broadway is the standout nearby stop. The longtime neighborhood shop carries fiction, history, theater, architecture, children's books, and plenty that rewards browsing.
The Strand on Columbus Avenue offers new, used, and rare titles along with literary gifts. Farther south, travelers attending a ballet, opera, or concert at Lincoln Center can stop at the Juilliard Store for sheet music, performing-arts books, and gifts related to music, dance, and drama.
Together, these shops make books an especially easy category to incorporate into a broader day in the neighborhood rather than a separate shopping excursion.
Make a Morning of It Around West 77th Street
A December Sunday is an easy time to combine several of these places without turning the day into a shopping marathon.
Start with coffee and a pastry at Mille-Feuille before Grand Bazaar opens at 10:00am. After browsing the market at West 77th Street and Columbus Avenue, continue north along Columbus Avenue toward the neighborhood's shops and the Strand.
From there, cross over to Broadway for Westsider Rare & Used Books and Zabar's. The route naturally brings you back toward West 77th Street, where guests at Hotel Belleclaire can leave their purchases before heading to the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, dinner, or an evening performance.
If Crafts at the Cathedral is the priority, make that the focus of a separate trip uptown rather than trying to cover both markets in one day.
Experience the Columbus Circle Markets
Just a short stroll from Hotel Belleclaire, the Columbus Circle Markets offer a vibrant setting for holiday shopping, blending an urban chic atmosphere with the festive spirit of the season. Located at the southwest corner of Central Park, these markets are known for their charming artisanal booths, showcasing a diverse array of unique gifts and culinary delights.
Throughout December, the Columbus Circle Markets transform the area into a winter wonderland, featuring a selection of handmade crafts, gourmet foods, and seasonal decorations that capture the essence of New York City during the holidays. From beautifully crafted ornaments to one-of-a-kind jewelry, visitors can find the perfect treasures to take home as mementos of their trip.
The market is particularly noted for its food vendors, offering everything from gourmet hot chocolate to artisanal cheeses and baked goods. This makes it an excellent stop for families looking to indulge in delicious treats while exploring the festive stalls. Don't miss the opportunity to savor delicious bites as you browse, creating a delightful experience for both adults and children alike.
Open daily, the Columbus Circle Markets run from late November through the end of December, providing ample opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the holiday shopping experience. The markets are conveniently located near other attractions, making it easy to incorporate a visit into a day of exploration.
As you enjoy the Columbus Circle Markets, take a moment to appreciate the stunning views of the surrounding architecture, providing a picturesque backdrop to your holiday shopping adventure. This perfect blend of shopping, dining, and festive atmosphere is a must-visit during your stay at Hotel Belleclaire.
Enjoy the markets from December 1 - 31.
A Few Tips Before You Shop Holiday Markets
Plan around the markets first because their December dates are limited; the bookstores and food shops offer much more flexibility.
If you find a large piece of art, ceramics, or another fragile gift, ask whether the vendor can ship it rather than carrying it around Manhattan. And because holiday hours and outdoor-market schedules can change, check directly with markets and stores shortly before visiting.
Celebrate the season in style. Book your stay now.