Christmas in New York: 4 markets to check out in Manhattan

Christmas in New York is really a magical time, you can not deny it. The lights, the music, the decoration in every corner … it’s another city! For those who love the date like me, it’s amazing! And there are several exclusive programs for this time of the year, such as Holiday Markets, special fairs that happen only in this period. Check out the major one and if you’re in the city, be sure to visit at least one.

Grand Central Holiday Fair – at Grand Central, it is one of the finest, longest-running indoor holiday fairs in New York City. Highly selective about the artists chosen to participate, planners spend the year looking for unique vendors with a focus on American-made and handmade products with locally-sourced materials or a socially-conscious business model. About 40 vendors will take over half of the historic Vanderbilt Hall for almost six weeks to sell artwork, clothing for all ages, men’s/women’s accessories, children’s clothing/toys and home goods. A range of products and price points guarantees that New Yorkers, commuters, and tourists alike can find interesting gift items for others as well as covet-worthy items for themselves. Since 1993, the Holiday Fair has been a must-shop destination during the holiday season. This year, the event began on November 14th and it goes until December 24th. Check out the details. 

Winter Village at Bryant Park – located in Bryant Park, is probably the most famous holiday market in the city and also the one that lasts the longest. There are 125 vendors, offering products such as accessories, clothing and decorative items, besides, of course, a lot of gastronomy – with delights such as churros, pizza and other street foods. Another highlight of Winter Village is the iceskating rink, with a huge structure – you can check out more details here. Also, the park area is very central and not too far from Times Square – and the New York Public Library is also behind the park. This year, the fair began on October 29 and runs until January 2. Check out more details here.

Union Square Holiday Market – you will find many differentiated products – from local producers, handmade, recycled, organically certified. There are many options for eating and drinking – from soup to hot chocolate – plus various winter accessories such as gloves and scarves, gourmet products, candles, soaps and lots of art. In addition, Union Square is a super busy area full of cool stores – a quick check on Google Maps and you’ll already see stores like Nordstrom Rack, Burlington, Baby’s R US and much more … This year, the fair started on November 17th and runs through December 24th. More information here.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market – organized by the same group that takes care of the Bryant Park market and Union Square market, Columbus Circle Holiday Market is in a very charming area of the city, at the entrance to Central Park, at 59th St, West Side. That is, you can enjoy the walk through the park and stop by to take a look at the vendors that also sell everything: accessories, clothing, decor items and of course plenty of food and drink! You can also take advantage of and check out The Shops at Columbus Circle, which is nearby. On the second floor, you will have an amazing view of the park! This year, the market began on November 29 and runs until December 24. More information here.

As you can notice, these markets are very similar, what really changes is their location. There is always something close for you to enjoy and include on your itinerary. If you are planning to come to the city during this period in the next years, just go to each website at the end of the year to check when they open, but generally they follow these dates. Oh, and also on the websites you can check the complete list of vendors.