There are just seven days left until Christmas, so you know the malls and department stores are going to be crowded this weekend. It you still have gifts on your list, then, why not try one of the city’s best temporary holiday markets, where there’s room to breathe and you can buy directly from local craftspeople.
The markets are full of merchandise that are usually sold at museum shops, so you can feel assured you’re getting something special.
Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair
Vanderbilt Avenue and 42nd Street
Inside Grand Central’s cavernous Vanderbilt Hall, 72 vendors are offering a unique assortment of handmade jewelry, one-of-a-kind home accessories, designer clothing, original artwork and more. Best buys include merino-wool blossom handbags from Yomo New York ($248), handmade sterling-silver jewelry at M. Cote’s booth ($38 to $168), soft cashmere socks from C. Joseph ($55) and handprinted silk ties from Josh Bach ($40). Through Dec. 24. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m./Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Union Square Holiday Market
14th Street and Broadway
Huddled underneath red and white striped tents, this classic outdoor market is conveniently located near major subway lines, so getting there is a cinch. Their wide selection of gifts from over 90 vendors and indie-designers range from French linens, leather goods, handcrafted jewelry and accessories, antique prints, children’s toys and bath and body products. Look for handmade eco-friendly plush toys by Sha d’Lei ($30 to $60) and hand-dyed, hand-woven cotton throws from Rubyzaar for $30. Through Dec. 24. Daily 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
59th Street and Broadway
This is the first year for the Union Square sister market, where you’ll find many of the same crafts on sale, including fine concrete and stone necklaces by Val Damon ($74 to $124). There’s also plenty that you can only find at Columbus Circle, such as suede flower belts available in five colors from Davon ($35). Through Dec. 24. Daily 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Bryant Park Fetes de Noel
42nd Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues
More than 125 artisans and designers will be selling handmade crafts, nutcrackers, blown glass ornaments and more in Bryant Park, while aromas of roasted chestnuts, spiced cookies, mulled wine, and evergreen swirl through the air. Must-have items include Sabon NYCs luxury bath and body products and gift baskets ($22-$50), a handmade oversized Moroccan platter ($45) and pristine porcelain teacups and saucers from the St. Petersberg Collection ($19). Through Jan. 2. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m./Sat., Sun., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.