The annual shopping grind isn’t exactly calculated to put you in the holiday spirit. Waiting in endless lines for the same old generic scarves with only a soggy slice of pizza to sustain you is enough to bah-humbug the chipperest among us. A great alternative to crowded stores is checking gifts off your list at the City’s outdoor markets, which make it both easy and fun to browse for you and yours. You’ll find everything from home furnishings to clothing to jewelry to ornaments, along with an array of food options to keep you fueled up during your shopping spree.
THE HOLIDAY SHOPS AT BRYANT PARK
Bryant Park, 212-661-6640, Midtown West, Manhattan
October 27–January 8
Sure, there’s a free skating rink and more than 100 glassed-in shops (a big selling point on chilly shopping days), but our favorite part of the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park is the wide array of food. You can sample all types of cuisine—including Chinese, Mexican, Venetian and Turkish—and wash it all down with a cup of hot apple cider. This hearty smorgasbord makes the market worth a look even if you’ve already checked everyone off your list. As for the goods? Expect candles, children’s clothing, jewelry, ornaments and much, much more.
GRAND CENTRAL HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR
Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal, Midtown East, Manhattan
November 14–December 24
When the temperature dips, ditch the chilly outdoor markets in favor of the Grand Central Holiday GIft Fair. You’re welcomed into the Main Concourse with live music and a laser light show, and the 70-plus boutiques lining the adjacent Vanderbilt Hall glow under ornate golden chandeliers. Here you’ll find one-of-a-kind crafts, jewelry, clothing, home furnishings, children’s gifts and more. Once you’ve worked out your credit card, you can refuel downstairs in the Market with a cheese plate from Murray’s or slurp down some shellfish at the legendary Oyster Bar. Also on-site is the New York Transit Museum’s Holiday Train Show, with more than 30 feet of track winding through the New York skyline toward Santa’s workshop.
UNION SQUARE HOLIDAY MARKET
Union Square Park, Union Square, Manhattan
November 18–December 24
Despite the year-round farmers’ market and frequent special events, at no time of year is Union Square more lively than in mid-November to December, when designers, artists and chefs ply their wares in a cozy warren of bright red-and-white-striped tents. This is a one-stop-shopping destination, where you can get a box of decadent truffles for Mom, freshly ground meat rubs for Dad and repurposed industrial jewelry for your sis. Reward yourself for your shopping prowess by sampling goodies throughout your journey, from sweet and savory treats to cider and coffee that will keep you warm.
WIRED HOLIDAY STORE
Times Square, 42nd Street and Broadway, Manhattan
November 18–December 24
There are lots of ways to bring people together for the holidays, and one of them is technology. Wired magazine’s seventh-annual holiday store will help you do just that. Take a trip to Times Square for a unique and engaging interactive shopping experience, featuring the latest in gadgets and gear. Items for sale include a range of electronics and games, art and design fixtures, apparel and luxury items. Test out and play with gadgets, and place orders on-site electronically to make your shopping experience seamless.
COLUMBUS CIRCLE HOLIDAY MARKET
Entrance to Central Park at 59th Street and Broadway
November 30–December 24
Central Park is a favorite holiday destination for many, both for its carriage rides through the snow and for the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. Located at the southwest entrance of Central Park, the fair is back this season, bringing crafts and gifts for all ages from more than 100 vendors.
