Crafty holiday shopping in the city
Columbus Circle Market. (Dec. 8, 2010) Credit: Yana Paskova
The city's holiday craft fairs get more elaborate each year, offering enough gift options to interest both ladies and the dudes waiting around for them. And there's noshing galore, from Daisy's Grits (a hit last year) to Mighty Balls' meatball sliders, which are, as a sign states, "not yo' mama's balls."
1. BRYANT PARK
WHAT Like a Christmas tree village, with 100-plus glass cottages bursting with gifts, plus ice rink, carousel and sleek Celsius bar. Don't miss Sand & Water (beer and wine bottles recycled into painted vases and wind chimes) and LI's own Ooh La La (trendy apparel).
WHEN | WHERE Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (through Jan. 8). Sixth Avenue at West 42nd Street.
INFO 212-661-6640, theholidayshopsatbryantpark.com
2. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN
WHAT NMAI's annual art market includes art, jewelry and elaborate quilts by 39 award-winning Native American artists.
WHEN | WHERE Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, 1 Bowling Green
INFO 212-514-3750, americanindian.si.edu
3. CRAFTACULAR
WHAT An indoor collection of DIY crafts (like Twig Terrariums or Dirtsa Studio's quirky housewares) and gourmet foods (Macaron Parlour's a must), sponsored by BUST magazine. Admission, $3; first 300 attendees per day receive a free goody bag.
WHEN | WHERE Dec. 10, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Dec. 11, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 82 Mercer St.
INFO 212-675-1707 x104, bust.com/craftacular
4. URBAN SPACE
WHAT Urban Space's holiday markets are labyrinthine outdoor spreads at Union Square, Columbus Circle and Brooklyn's Dekalb Market. Union and Columbus offer soaps, candles, Tibetan crafts and more. Dekalb, set in a series of metal shipping containers, has an edgier vibe.
WHEN | WHERE Union Square Holiday Market open weekdays 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (through Dec. 24) on Broadway at East 14th Street. Columbus Circle Holiday Market open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (through Dec. 24) at Central Park West and West 59th Sreet. DeKalb Market open weekends 10 a.m.-7 p.m., weekdays from 11 a.m. (vendor times vary; through Dec. 31) at Flatbush Avenue Extension and Willoughby Street.
INFO urbanspacenyc.com
5. GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL
WHAT Top artisans in 76 kiosks, including Jon Wye (snarky graphic tees) and Bailey Doesn't Bark (grab their "Postmugs," mugs printed with a blank postcard and sold with a porcelain pen to write your own indelible message).
WHEN | WHERE Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (through Dec. 24). Lexington Avenue at East 42nd Street.
