For Those Who Deserve More Than a Lump of Coal

If you can believe it, the holidays are once again upon us. And for those of you (like me) who spent way too much time buying themselves presents and haven't yet gotten to anyone on your list…it's helpful to know that there are several holiday markets open around the city that give you a chance to get all your gifts in one place.

The first, and perhaps most famous, is the Union Square Holiday Market. Once a year the little square turns into a maze of red and white striped booths that are so adorable and festive that you can't help but feel that giddy Christmas spirit. The stands are open from 10 am to 8 pm and will remain there until December 24th so if you're really slacking you can get all your shopping in the night before! There are over 100 boutiques which offer shoppers unique gift ideas, including imported and handmade holiday ornaments and decorations, antique prints, fine art, toys for the kids, gourmet foods and baked goods, handcrafted jewelry and leather, golf accessories, candles, bath oils, cashmere, French linens, pet accessories, and clothing and accessories for all ages. Especially noteworthy are the hat stands, which have tons of precious little hats to help your gift recipients stay warm.

This particular market also has a sister market (both run by Urban Management) at Columbus Circle , right by the Time Warner buildings which have a ton of amazing shops (like Sephora , Jospeh Abboud, J Crew, Coach, and Williams Sonoma ). The stands will be vaguely similar to the ones at Union Square, but you never know when you might find a ton of variety!
/>Another holiday shopping staple in NYC is the Holiday Market at Grand Central . Every year Grand Central, one of the most stunning buildings in the city, gets all gussied up for the holidays and even has a holiday kaleidoscope light show on the ceiling of the main hall. Grand Central has gathered 74 vendors of unusual, beautiful and exotic goods that cannot be found elsewhere in the city. Browse among unique gifts like hand-painted table linens; handmade men's, women's and children's clothing; imported African crafts; mosaic mirrors, children's toys; and Japanese art prints. The market is open from 10 am to 8 pm M-S, 10 am to 7 pm on Sunday, and closes on December 29th, just in case you want to get some New Years presents as well! The light shows run every half hour from 11 am to 9 pm, every day…so make sure you stick around to see it (especially if you have kids!)

Union Square can be reached via the 4, 5, 6, N, R, Q, W, and L trains (14th St., Union Sq. stop); Columbus Circle can be reached via the A, B, C, D, and 1 trains (59th St., Columbus Circle stop); and Grand Central can be reached via the 4, 5, 6, 7, and Shuttle trains (42nd St., Grand Central stop).

Tags:   columbus circle holiday market, grand central holiday market, holiday market, nyc, union square holiday market

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Posted on 12/5/2008 ( Permanent Link )
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