Christmas markets in New York

Union Square Market

Christmas markets believed to have begun in Germany and surrounding areas, such as present-day Austria.  But you do not need to fly to Europe to  enjoy twinkling lights and charming vendor stalls- New York have it all!   
If the thought of holiday shopping—the lines, the crowds, the stress—dampens your seasonal spirit, it might be worth  visit New York Christmas markets.   New York Christmas markets  become must see destinations. If you are in a rush- it is even possible to visit several markets in one day!

 You can start with Union Square Holiday Market. It is one of    the most popular holiday markets in the city — and one of the largest. It attracts more than one million visitors every year!  More than 100 red-and-white booths fill Union Square Park.  Here you’ll find an array of handmade jewelry, gifts, warm and indulgent food and beverage, from Persian soup to rich hot chocolate.  Market organizers say many new upgrades have been made this year, including an area just for locally produced goods.
"We've added a new section to the market this year called UrbanSpace Provisions, which features all locally packaged and produced goods. Anything from pantry items, to kitchen ware to amazing stationary," said UrbanSpace Market Director Emily Soukas.



Market is open  now through December 24,  on  weekdays from 11am – 8pm, Saturday 10am – 8pm and Sunday 11am – 7pm.  

 UrbanSpace, that owns  Union Square Market,  opens completely new  The Garment District Holiday Market . It is  located along one of the most bustling avenues in New York City: on Broadway between 39th St and 41st St. The market features both local and international vendors in a central and easily accessible location.
 If the weather is not cooperating,  you can visit indoors  Holiday Fair at Grand Central Terminal.   Holiday Fair hosts 74 different booths, guaranteed to offer a variety of gifts for anyone you may be shopping for. The Holiday Fair takes place in Vanderbilt Hall  and  is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 7.

 It’s also a good opportunity to see the model train exhibit at the New York Transit Museum’s annex, which is free. The 34-foot-long model railroad layout is the star of the  annual Holiday Train Show at the New York Transit Museum's Gallery Annex and Store at Grand Central. The two level setup features eight to 10 trains running at any given time.
While you’re at Grand Central Terminal, make sure that you allow time to explore.  Having stood in Midtown Manhattan since 1871, Grand central  is one of the nations' most historical landmarks . You can read about the  Grand Central in my posts.

Holiday Train Show

 My favorite Christmas market is Winter Village at Bryant Park.  Dozens of craftsmen and women had been working  for two weeks in shifts to finish the project in time. As a result there are  about 130 booths and food kiosks and a skating rink with a beautiful Christmas tree.  

   There is also a Celsius, a two-story glass restaurant glass-enclosed restaurant facing the rink.  
Winter Village at Bryant Park  works through Jan. 2, weekdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Rink and The Lodge are open 8am-10pm daily through March 3, 2019

And the last one that I'd like to tell you about is Columbus Circle Holiday Market. It is located    at the southwest entrance of Central Park.  It is smaller than Union Square Market and Winter Village. It is a fun spot for those who work nearby  or   enjoy the nature of Central Park  to browse around various food and craft vendors during their lunch break or when they have some time.   Columbus Circle Holiday Market works  through to Dec. 24, on Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.