Holiday shopping at NYC craft markets
People shop at the Bryant Park Market in Manhattan. (Dec. 08, 2010) Credit: Photo by Yana Paskova
Every December hundreds of artisans and entrepreneurs haul their wares to holiday craft fairs across the city. You'll find unusual gifts - jewelry, apparel, candles, soaps . . . even Wonder Warmers (see below) and beer-brewing kits - many locally made. There's also skating, cocktails and snacks. So get shopping.
1. The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park
More than 100 glass cottages. Don't miss Long Island Candle Factory (scented, soy wax candles from Long Beach), Wells Ware (vintage photo jewelry), and Wonder Warmers (liquid-filled pads that heat up when flexed). Plus Daisy's Grits (delish), skating rink, carousel and jazzy Celsius bar (open late).
When | Where: Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bryant Park, Sixth Avenue at West 42nd Street, 212-768-4242, theholidayshopsatbryantpark.com
2. Grand Central Holiday Fair
Inside the terminal, 76 kiosks. Must-sees: Hut Studios' ornaments and desktop boxes of famous architectural sites (Empire State Building, Yankee Stadium, etc.), Margo Petitti's elegant scarves made from suit swatches (dad's her salesman) and Karen Curtis' vintage Swarovski crystal jewelry and chandeliers. Plus the Oyster Bar and dazzling light show on the vaulted ceiling. Hello, LIRR? This is what a train station should look like!
When | Where: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Grand Central Terminal, Lexington Avenue at East 42nd Street, 212-340-2345, grandcentralterminal.com
3. Columbus Circle Holiday Market
High Fidelity Disco's groovy coasters, Daisy Dog Studio's porcelain teapots and Cascabel Taqueria's tortilla soup. Photo ops galore - the park, fountains or the glowing light show at the (warm) mall across Columbus Circle.
When | Where: Daily, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. West 59th Street and Central Park West, 212-529-9262, urbanspacenyc.com
4. Gifted
The Brooklyn Flea and Design*Sponge website cram three floors with handmade trinkets and vintage wares. Browse Brooklyn-made Clinton Hill Clocks, White Dove's glam gear or Total Metal Resource's scrap-metal seats.
When | Where: Daily, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Skylight One Hanson, 1 Hanson Place, Fort Greene, Brooklyn, brooklynflea.com
5. Union Square Holiday Market
The info booth has discount coupons (and directions to the crepe stand); amid the 100-plus booths look for Soxeteer's socks (love the high-top sneaker designs), Kaisa & Paternoster's jewelry and watches (copper faces, industrial black steel bands), and Brooklyn Brew Shop's home brewing kits. Foodies will love the adjacent farmer's market on Saturday.
When | Where: Daily, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. W. 14th St. and Union Square West, 212-529-9262, urbanspacenyc.com
