A Fork And A Suitcase

The Union Square Holiday Market with over 100 vendors has a great funky vibe.   A very large chunk of the items sold are original and locally made. Union Square Market offers plenty of unique gifts by local artists and craftsmen.  I found creative jewelry, beautiful artwork, home goods, candles, clothing, soap and such.  I liked the semicircular layout of the market; it makes it easier to walk it by sections.   The market is nicely decorated and the park setting gives it a lovely, small village - like feeling. The food area is much more creative than the typical selection at a fair.   There were quite a few food vendors that I remember from the Madison Square Eats, they offered: Sicilian rice balls, empanadas, whoopie pies, Persian soups, hot chocolate, truffles, pretzels, crepes, doughnuts and much more. If I had to choose markets to visit this season, it would be this...

The Holiday Market in Bryant Park has been my most favorite of all the fairs in NYC. The setting, in a beautiful park with the NY Library as the backdrop, creates a most picturesque and festive scene.   There are over 100 vendors selling jewelry, clothing, handbags, glassware, creative arts and crafts, knit items, toys and so much more.    The ice skating rink is right in the center of the market.  There are plenty of vendors selling food and drinks. Bryant Park Holiday Market Nov. 25 - January 2 Monday-Friday - 11-8 Saturday-Sunday - 10-8 Joanna

The Holiday Market at Grand Central Station is half of what it used to be, literally.  This was always one of my favorite markets during the holiday season, but the arrival of the food hall took away one entire side, thus leaving little space for the annual fair.   There are still some excellent and creative choices but just not as many as in the years prior.  I find that the jewelry sold at these markets is so much prettier and original than what is sold in regular stores.  The Food Hall Grand Central Station. Joanna