[title]
Need a little extra motivation to start your holiday shopping? These holiday markets provide booze and tunes to keep your spirits (and blood-alcohol level) high. And in case you want some excellent gift ideas, here are our picks for the best holiday gifts for 2016.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in NYC
Brooklyn Night Bazaar
This new and improved market knows how to party. Not only can you check out live gigs by the likes of hardcore rousers Trash Talk and aughts indie-rockers Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, but every weekend, the Greenpoint haunt invites artists and designers to sell their merchandise in the main hall. We think edgy skull rings for men by Brooklyn Smithy, handmade wood-and-steel flasks engraved with poetry by Resolute Star and throwback fashions from Zingara Vintage make excellent presents. Warning: There’s a full bar right by the vendor tables, so if drunk shopping is your vice, you’ll do a bit of damage here. When you get in too deep, you can sober up with minigolf or karaoke, also on the premises. 150 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn (bkbazaar.com). Fri, Sat 7pm–2am; free, various prices for concerts.
Rock n’ Shop at the Paper Box
Spend your Sunday picking up cool merch from Random Ass Art (guess what they sell), stunning gold jewelry from Modern Opus plus grass-fed Lawless Jerky for your friends and family. Then jam out at a free concert in the back room. After chugging a few brews and listening to some live bands rock out, you won’t even care how much money you spent on your brother who gives you socks every Christmas (that jerk). 17 Meadow St, Brooklyn (rocknshop.nyc). Sun 10am–7pm; free.
Bulletin Holiday Market
This recently opened alfresco bazaar was cool for the summer, but now that it’s actually cold outside, it’s moving indoors for a fully decorated holiday bonanza. Before you hunt for handcrafted goodies from a variety of local designers, get toasty with spiked hot cocoa. And once you’ve nabbed unique items for the whole fam, celebrate by taking a whirl on the dance floor and grooving to a DJ brought to you by party organizers Supply New York. 55 Wythe, Brooklyn (shop-bulletin.com). Dec 3, 4, 10, 11 1-9pm; free.
Shwick Holiday Market
Screw packed malls; sift for presents in a cool Bushwick warehouse, where more than 40 vendors hawk their goods, and enjoy music from live DJs as you check off everyone on your list. Afterward, warm up with shots of whiskey or a glass of vino. And there should be a super-festive photo booth, in which you and your pals can re-create those awkward family photos—and rejoice that you’re not actually, you know, with your fam. 395 Johnson Ave, Brooklyn (shwick.us). Dec 3, 4 11am–7pm; free.
Ridgewood Market Holiday Night Bazaar
Shopping inside a German beer hall? God, it’s good to live in New York. Head to Queens and peruse a bevy of local merchants at this late-night shop, where you’ll find sassy housewares like a cactus plant in a vase that reads DON’T BE A PRICK, in addition to other gorgeous ceramics. Apart from the obvious beverage of choice (lots and lots of brews in steins), there are warm cocktails and savory grub to fuel your gift-hunting endeavors. Gottscheer Hall, 657 Fairview Ave, Queens (ridgewoodmarket.com). Dec 17 5–11pm; free.