New York City knows how to do Christmas right, and New York City Christmas Markets are no exception! We recently (December 2016) took a short trip there to see Hamilton, but because it was holiday season, we decided to spent a good amount of time checking out three Christmas markets.
Grand Central Holiday Fair
Located inside Grand Central Terminal, this is a perfect spot for those passing through this majestic edifice or for dodging bad weather. Occupying Vanderbilt Hall (between 42nd Street and Main Concourse), this market had only a relatively small number of vendors, focusing mainly on upscale apparels and small home decor. What the it lacked in size, it made up in elegance, both in its setting and its product offerings. Though the market does not have any food vendor, a food kiosk is right across the way. You can also head down to food court or the famed Oyster Bar, both located in the lower concourse. For its website, please click here.
Winter Village at Bryant Park
Not far away from Grant Central Terminal is Bryant Park, right behind New York Public Library’s flagship building. A charming garden in a forest of high rises, this park is a great spot for a winter market. On the day of our visit, early morning snow and freezing temperature added to the ambiance (though slushy snow and patchy ice made walking a bit precarious).
Besides art, clothing, jewelry, and home decor, this market also had food stalls. A carousel offered little visitors a welcomed distraction, and a skating rink in the center added to the festive atmosphere (admission to skating rink is free if you bring your own skates). A market with something for everyone, no wonder it was packed with both locals and tourists. Click here for the market’s website.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Located at the southwest corner of Central Park, this is a small and intimate market. Surrounding USS Maine Monument, the stalls offered delightful art, apparels, home goods, and jewelry, all made by artisans. Columbus Circle and its surrounding shops were all decked out with their Christmas best, and Lincoln Center was only a short stroll away, making this market a great stop for a merry stroll through holiday New York. See its website here.
Getting there
Subway is the best way to get around NYC. To get to Grand Central, take subway lines 4, 5, 6, 7, or S to Grand Central – 42nd St station. For Bryant Park, you can take lines B, D, F, M to 42nd – Bryant Park station, or line 7 to 5th Ave – Bryant Park station. Lines 1, A, B, C, and D, will all take you to 59th St – Columbus Circle station.
Of course, you can always hail a cab, or get out your Uber or Lyft app!