What's the easiest way to shop locally in Brooklyn, find dozens of minority- and women-owned businesses, eat like a foodie, and knock out your entire holiday shopping list all in one go?
By participating in the Brooklyn Navy Yard's Wallabout Wonderland Holiday Market of course!
The Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation’s seventh annual holiday pop-up will return as one of the borough’s largest holiday markets, featuring over 200 local vendors that offer a mix of clothing and accessories, home décor, health and beauty products, food and beverages and more.
“The Wallabout Wonderland Market has become a beloved tradition that we’ve proudly hosted for the past six years,” said Lindsay Greene, president and chief executive officer of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. “It has grown into a cornerstone of our community, highlighting the creativity and spirit of local artisans and entrepreneurs, especially MWBE start-ups. As we continue to foster innovation and collaboration at the Yard, it’s a privilege to celebrate the season with our neighbors and welcome returning and new visitors to the market.”
The Wallabout Wonderland holiday market will feature an array of family-friendly activities and unique experiences for visitors of all ages. Guests can explore the Next Generation youth vendor section, which showcases young entrepreneurs on their small business journeys. The Family Corner, presented by Brooklyn Bridge Parents, will offer complimentary cookie decorating, holiday card making, LEGO adventures, and book giveaways, while supplies last.
The Yard is partnering once again with The Lay Out, a Brooklyn-based community organization that promotes minority- and women-owned businesses. New partners in 2024 include Brooklyn Bridge Parents, Brooklyn Storehouse and AYO Labs, am M/WBE beauty and wellness incubator and incoming Yard tenant.
“The Lay Out's 'BuyBLK. ByBLK.' small-business initiative is so excited to partner with Brooklyn Navy Yard's Wallabout Wonderland again as they continuously provide opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs in Brooklyn,” said Emily Anadu, founder and chief executive officer of The Lay Out. “Our partnership began in 2022 with 30 of our Black-owned businesses being included in the market, and this year we are proud to provide 100 of these businesses the opportunity to get in front of holiday shoppers, making it NYC's largest selection of Black-owned businesses at one holiday market.”
Professional family portraits will be available starting at $25 for those looking to create personalized holiday cards. Paired with festive music, culinary options in the Chill Zone & Food Court will include Caribbean, soul food, seafood and more. In Maker’s Row, attendees can participate in hands on gift crafting, signature scent creation and cocktail-making sessions.
“As one of Brooklyn’s newest event venues, we’re excited to partner with community organizations and leverage our space and network to provide a platform for culture in all its forms to grow and evolve. It’s at the core of who we are and what we do,” said the team at Brooklyn Storehouse.
Additionally, the Sports & Wellness Center will host inclusive yoga sessions with healthy refreshments, while the Hair and Beauty Lounge—featuring Brooklyn Natural Hair Fest—will offer products to enhance beauty routines for the holiday season.
“As AYO Labs continues to scale, it is our absolute pleasure to partner with the Brooklyn Navy Yard in supporting its seventh annual holiday market,” said Francilia Wilkins Rahim, president and chief executive officer of R.F. Wilkins Consultants and AYO Labs. “It’s through community-oriented events like this that we are able to reach diverse health and beauty brands while providing access to our state-of-the-art manufacturing capacities and giving consumers a sneak peek into leading industry trends.”
The holiday market takes place on Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8, from 12:00pm to 5:00pm at the Brooklyn Storehouse (Building 293), at the intersection of Assembly Road and Gee Avenue. Visitors can enter through the Clymer Street gate or through Building 77 at 141 Flushing Ave.
Parking is available for $15, and the Yard is offering free shuttle bus service to and from the market from the intersection of Fulton Street and Lafayette Avenue beginning at 11:45am on Saturday and Sunday. Buses will run every 15 minutes until the end of the event.
The event is open to the public and is free of charge. Visitors are encouraged to RSVP here.
