Holiday markets offer unique gifts

Among the busy streets of New York City, there is always a space for village-style markets during the holiday season. The markets help start the early Christmas shopping and offer a chance to get out and enjoy the holiday season.

There are several markets in New York City, but one of the prominent ones opened on Dec. 2 and will run until Dec. 24 at Columbus Circle. Columbus Circle Holiday Market is located at the entrance to Central Park.

According to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, “More than 100 vendors will be selling a...variety of wares, including imported and handmade holiday ornaments and decorations, antique prints, fine art, toys for kids of all ages, gourmet foods, drinks, baked goods, handcrafted jewelry...clothing and apparel for all ages.”

This holiday market truly is a vivacious location to shop and roam around. With holiday music playing in the background there are numerous booths to stop by and try anything from Pad Thai to Ferrara’s sweets.

The Holiday Market at Columbus Circle is filled with enthusiastic vendors ready to share their goods, most of which are not ordinary.

One vendor is selling “Wonder Warmers,” special heat pads that are easily activated with a touch and are made of a gel-like substance. Most of the shoppers stopping by are more interested in playing with the product than actually purchasing it.

In a few booths to the side, a young man is giving a small lecture to a group of shoppers on his product. He is representing “Fotobet,” which is a photographic alphabet; this features various pictures in a frame that represent a letter and in turn make up a name or a word.

Only a unique product like that can be found on one of these markets, and can serve as a great gift for the holidays.

Following the rich aroma of spices, one comes to the booth titled “Spices of World Flavors: Spices and Teas.” The prices for very aromatic teas and spices range from five dollars for a small bag to ten dollars for a bigger bag. The booth offers already mixed spices for special dishes, such as omelets or poultry.

“This is our first year, but we will be here more. The spices are from all over the world,” says the vendor.

Wandering through the holiday market, there are tons of candles, scarves, hand-crafted ornaments, gifts for dogs and dog lovers and a plethora of custom made jewelry. The prices for the  jewelry are within a normal range and are cheaper than most stores.

At Vale Jewelry & Accessories Design booth, a representative of this small jewelry company is constantly helping out customers. “This is the second or third year here. The jewelry is mostly custom-made, only some is outsourced. It was featured in magazines,” says the representative. The jewelry is definitely stunning and a custom made necklace that would go for about a $100  at J.Crew, is sold for $25 at the market.

Bracelets with rhinestones range from $25 to $40. The holiday market also has a “Gingerbread House” that sells freshly baked gingerbread cookies and apple cider. HSBC Bank also offers free gift-wrapping for its customers.

Besides the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, there are also some holiday-themed “shopping villages” around New York City.

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park  offer a different variation  with a European-style market and ice-skating in the center.  

The Holiday Gift Shops at St. Bartholomew’s looks like an ancient artwork market, but also offers great shops and a spark to the holiday spirit.

Another big one that takes place outside at Union Square and offers interesting merchandise as well as a great setting of red and white tents. The Grand Central Holiday Fair takes place inside but offers a mall in the Vanderbilt Hall.

 Even though some of the shops are still expensive for college students, it is still a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the holidays in the city in a different style.