NYC: Five best Christmas markets 2013

It’s Christmas time in the Big Apple, which means shops are packed, sleigh bells ring from Central Park carriages, and inhabitants range from Santa to Scrooge.

With the holiday just around the corner, here are New York City’s 5 best Christmas markets:

Union Square Holiday Market

The annual Holiday Market from EventSpace has once again invaded New York City’s Union Square. Started in 1994 by British-born Eric Reynolds, these chic boutiques & food vendors average around 150 and draw in over 1 million visitors from the U.S. and abroad each year.

Union Square Holiday Market (South Union Square Park, centered between 5th Avenue and Broadway) concludes on December 24^th and runs weekdays from 11 AM to 8 PM, Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday 11 AM to 7 PM.

For further information visit here.

Artist & Fleas – Chelsea Market

Located in a pop-up shop across the East River, Brooklyn’s Artist & Flea market invites travellers and residents to Chelsea Market. With over 30 independent vendors, the market promises a new experience in alternative retail – as it has for the past 10 years in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Specialized items include jewelry, art, design, home décor and vintage clothing.

Artist & Fleas (Chelsea Market on 75 Ninth Ave/88 Tenth Ave) runs 10 AM – 7 PM daily.

For further information visit here.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

Columbus Circle’s Holiday Market is another creation by UrbanSpace. As the counterpart to the Union Square market, Columbus Circle carries similar items – the best creative artistry out of Brooklyn, a delicious array of international and domestic eats, and one-of-a-kind vintage and chic clothing. Unlike the sister market, though, the Columbus Circle Holiday Market is buffered by the majestic Central Park.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market (Central Park West at Central Park South) runs Monday – Saturday 10AM – 8PM and Sunday 10AM – 7PM.

For further information visit here.

Bryant Park Winter Village

Attendees visiting the Winter Village at Bryant Park can expect more than simply shopping. The outdoor market, which has been functioning for 13 years and houses more than 125 shops, also provides an ice-skating rink. Though outside, vendors host their items in glasshouses, which are always a bit foggy due to the popularity of Winter Village. 

Bryant Park Winter Village (42^nd Street between 5^th and 6^th Ave) is open Weekdays from 11AM – 8PM, Saturday 10AM – 9PM, and Sunday 10AM – 6PM.

For further information visit here.

Grand Central Holiday Fair

Located in the monumental Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Station brings a unique blend to the Holiday Market scene. In its 13^th year – and the Terminal’s 100^th – this warm and cozy indoor market is the only holiday market out from the cold. With over 70 vendors, and the Holiday Train featured at the Transit Museum, the Holiday Fair overstuffs visitors with festive fun and décor. Shoppers can find anything from pet clothing to book illustration and crystal jewelry.

Grand Central Holiday Fair (89 E 42^nd Street) is open Monday – Saturday 10AM – 8PM and Sunday 11AM – 7PM. 

For further information visit here.

Daniel Engelke