The countdown to the holidays has begun and New York City is getting ready to host Christmas. People not only love visiting the Big Apple for the decorations, twinkling lights, and the tree at Rockefeller Center, but also for the holiday markets across the city.
If you love wandering in the brisk air with the bustle of the city and the smell of peppermint and pine cones in the air, here are a few of the most popular markets to get you in the holiday spirit.
1. Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Central Park is a staple visit when touring New York City and especially in the winter. It becomes even more special with the opening of the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. You’ll find aisles of art, clothing, jewelry, and home goods from local artisans and designers, as well as tasty treats from local chefs. More than 100 vendors set up shop to help you complete your Christmas list. They’re open from November 28 through December 24, just in time to really get in the holiday shopping spirit! It’s located on the southwest corner of Central Park at 8th Avenue and the corner of 59th Street.
2. Union Square Holiday Market
More than 160 booths will fill Union Square with the sights and sounds of the holidays for the annual Union Square Holiday Market. Vendors will feature everything from unique gifts by local craftsmen, artists, and entrepreneurs, to clothing items, soaps, candles, decor, and more. You can sip on hot chocolate and nibble on festive treats as you shop. The Union Square Holiday Market runs from November 18 through December 24 at Union Square at 14th Street.
3. Christmas Market At Bryant Park
The Christmas Market at Bryant Park is a European inspired, open-air market featuring artisans from New York City and around the world. More than 125 shops are located along Bryant Park’s allées, plazas, and terraces, creating a village feel. They’re housed in custom-designed “jewel box” kiosks, resembling boutiques. Expect to find exquisite gifts from jewelry, to decorations, local food, and local art. What’s also unique and special is you can go ice skating well into the night. The shops open on October 29 and run until January 2. Find them at Bryant Park at 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
4. The Market At Westfield World Trade Center
Located inside the Oculus at the World Trade Center, “The Market at Westfield World Trade Center” is whimsical, festive, and grand. Making your commute even more magical since it’s inside the transportation hub alongside One World Trade Center, the market leads you through a winter village with more than 20 specialty shops. You’ll find limited edition gifts, festive foods, and plenty of souvenirs. Festive decorations will include a clocktower, a chrome snowman, and a winter wonderland. The market will be open from November 26 through January 5.
Grand Central Holiday Fair
If you’d rather stay away from the cold, but still enjoy the spirit of the Christmas markets, the Grand Central Holiday Fair is for you. It’s one of the largest in the city boasting more than a million shoppers passing through each day. Located at Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central, you’ll find one-of-a-kind items from carefully selected vendors. It will be open from December 17 through December 24.
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