Wandering the many booths dripping with Christmas lights, thinking of loved ones and which gift they’d like, while a myriad of tasty smells fill the air is a local holiday tradition.
Here are our favorite four:
The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park
Bryant Park is completely transformed right now with The Holiday Shops turning it into an old-fashioned European-style holiday market. Featuring more than 120 artisans and merchants from around the world, this free holiday fair offers high quality gifts. The market booths surround the seasonal free ice-skating pond.
Where: Bryant Park, 6th Ave. at 42nd St.
When: Daily through to Jan. 2, 2011
Hours: Mon-Fri, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Union Square Park Holiday Market
Union Square Park is a winter shopping wonderland right now, featuring more than 100 artisans and vendors. The Union Square holiday fair offers a wide array of goods, including art, jewelry, candles, pottery, and more. Warm yourself while shopping outdoors with hot cider, coffee and other treats. You’ll find the market in the south section of the park near 14th Street.
Where: Union Square Park at 14th St.
When: Daily through to Dec. 24, 2010
Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Columbus Circle Holiday Fair
Shopping for gifts in Central Park makes Christmas shopping a unique New York experience. The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is organized by the same people as the Union Square Holiday Market, and also features more than 100 vendors and a wide selection of unique and handmade gifts.
Where: Southwest entrance to Central Park at Central Park West and Central Park South
When: Daily through to Dec. 24, 2010
Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair
This one's a bit different from the others, definitely a little more high-end, the annual Holiday Fair is held in the magnificent 12,000 square-foot Vanderbilt Hall. Grand Central has hand-picked 76 vendors of curious, beautiful and exotic wares that are exclusive in the city – you won’t find them anywhere else. You’ll find things like Japanese art prints; imported African crafts; mosaic mirrors; hand-painted table linens; handmade men's, women's and children's clothing; and children's toys. The atmosphere is one-of-a-kind also, with the famous laser light show on the Grand Central Terminal ceiling going off every half hour.
Where: Grand Central Terminal, Vanderbilt Hall, 42nd St. and Park Ave.
When: Daily through to Dec. 24, 2010
Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
