During the Christmas season of 2007, a plucky bachelor approached me at a bar and invited me on a “holiday date”; who could say no to that? Although it was not the love match that would find me later in life, it was a night that always comes back to me around the holidays. We had a great time visiting Christmas trees around the city, watching a winter-themed light show at Columbus Circle, strolling past the window displays at Saks and Niemans, and toasting over hot buttered rums in Soho. It was never more apparent to me how much New York City is full of magical winter-time celebrations as Christmas approaches, and the growing number of Holiday Markets is upping the ante.
Taking a page from the traditional holiday markets in Eastern Europe, NYC’s (mostly) outdoor stalls at parks and locations around the City display sparkly treasures, from handmade ornaments to wintertime accessories to unique gifts and trinkets. Along with these seasonal specialties, you’ll also find your sense of wonder and excitement, and quite a number of tasty treats to keep your stamina up!
Union Square (14th Street at Broadway) http://unionsquarenyc.org/park/seasonal/295
Bryant Park (42nd at 6th Avenue) http://theholidayshopsatbryantpark.com/
Grand Central Station (42nd at Lexington Avenue) http://www.grandcentralterminal.com
Colombus Circle (59th Street at Broadway) http://urbanspacenyc.com/columbus-circle-holiday-market/
Brooklyn Flea (1 Hansen Place at Ashland Place, Brooklyn) http://www.brooklynflea.com
