Christmas at Bryant Park

Today, let me show you how Bryant Park celebrates the holidays. 

Bryant Park is located on 42nd Street and 6th Avenue in New York City.  I like this park a lot. It's a patch of calm in the middle of Manhattan's tall buildings and the always busy Times Square. And there's lots to do -- sip a coffee, read on a lawn chair, play petanque, chess or table tennis, take the kids to le carrousel, do some group yoga, and watch a concert or movie in the summer.      

When the holidays arrive, it's decked with 

a skating rink and a Christmas tree!

Ice skating in the winter and in New York City, no less! 

If you prefer to just watch, there's a heated bar

serving drinks and light meals. 

Surrounding all of this are the Holiday Shops -- glass-covered booths showcasing gifts, souvenirs, clothing and goodies to satisfy the tummy.

Get yourself a cup of tea to enjoy while walking around or purchase a canister for the tea-lovers in your life. 

There are at least two shops selling hot chocolate and another selling hot apple cider.

There are food stalls offering French macarons, churros, chocolates, crepes, waffles, popcorn and savory snacks.

Here are just some of the cute stuff you'll find:

 Desk accessories and stationery

 I'm not certain if these are costumes or funny pajamas

Gloves for children in the shape of bear paws 

Fuzzy animal slippers 

There are many tree ornaments for sale. Some can even be personalized! I was drawn to this bunch -- the characters from The Wizard of Oz. 

 Fragrant hand soaps and body creams

Wallets and bags with quirky photos as the main design

Creature clocks with wagging tails

This shop was selling girly merchandise like jewelry and accessories. I love the French country interiors!

 Lovely ceramics like mugs, bowls and wall decorations

This shop, called "Mr. Ellie Pooh's Fair Trade", takes recycling to a whole new level -- elephant waste is turned into gifts like notebooks and greeting cards.

And finally, a shop selling bracelets, clocks and journals made from old vinyl records {blah to TADA!}.  See you back tomorrow!

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park
October 26, 2012 to January 6, 2013
Monday to Friday: 11 AM to 8 PM
Saturday: 10 AM to 9 PM
Sunday: 10 AM to 6 PM

Bryant Park is situated behind the New York Public Library
in midtown Manhattan, between 40th and 42nd Streets &
Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

New York City Christmas Markets

Happy Monday my dears! Last Friday, I told you about my first taste of a European Christmas market. Well, let me share with you a few more, this time in New York City. I hope this will be a helpful guide for you guys who are planning to come here in the next few weeks. 

First up is the Christmas Market at Grand Central Station. It's a beautiful landmark so it's no surprise that many tourists add this to their list of "Things to do in NYC". It's a working station with trains shuttling passengers to upstate New York and neighboring Connecticut. There are retail shops, restaurants, a food market, and a dining concourse inside. 

While you're there, make sure to look up and admire the breathtaking ceiling. 

Just off the main concourse is Vanderbilt Hall which is an open space for special events. This is where you'll find the market which they call, "Holiday Fair". It opened on November 12 and continues until December 24.

There are performers who will serenade you while you shop.

Booths like these make up the fair, selling anything from...

Clothing 

 Hats, bags and accessories

Art to keep or give away 

I particularly liked the following shops because they were selling unique or handmade items:

 Hand towels, ceramics and chopping boards

 Tree ornaments, stockings and soft toys

 Edible gifts all handcrafted in Brooklyn

I was considering getting this limited edition print. You see, Brooklyn has a special place in my heart because of its artsy-crafty-cool vibe. 

 Bags made from water bottles {blah to TADA!}

 A cardigan that can be worn in different ways

 Hand creams, soaps and candles {nice packaging, too!}

 Decoupaged trays, plates and coasters

Colorful jewelry 

 Even your pets deserve a little present!

 Bags in fun, geometric prints

Adorable kiddie clothing  

Plush pillows and throws to warm up the home

Please come back all this week -- there are more gift markets I'd like to tell you about!

Grand Central Station Holiday Fair

89 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017

Vanderbilt Hall

Monday to Saturday 10 AM to 8 PM

Sunday 11 AM to 8 PM

Christmas Eve 10 AM to 6 PM

A European Christmas Market

Happy Friday folks! "Christmas tree ornaments" is the theme on my blog this week. I've been telling you about the new additions to our tree and the stories behind them.

Today's post is extra-special because it's something I was able to cross off my bucket list just last month. You see, I've always wanted to experience a Christmas market in Europe.

My husband and I spent the Thanksgiving holiday in England, and our gracious hosts enthusiastically took us to London's Hyde Park. 

The annual "Winter Wonderland" opened that weekend, and I was as excited as a child on Christmas day. Here it is, a European Christmas market!

Wooden houses trimmed with pine and fairy lights lined a path. These are shops selling beautiful crafts, unique gifts and tasty food.

 There's a skating rink...

 And a huge carnival with rides and games.

{Yes, we braved the rain!}

There's also a carousel {which I thought was frighteningly fast}. 

 There are stalls selling drinks like hot chocolate, coffee and 

mulled wine -- just the right antidote for the cold weather.

There were also German beer gardens offering savories 

like sausage and potatoes. 

 Handmade sweets to enjoy or take home.

But what I loved most were the crafts:

Santa Claus and Christmas trees made from wood

Canvas and burlap totes and leather bound journals  

Tea light holders with mosaic-like winter scenes 

Undoubtedly, I was drawn to the handmade wooden ornaments in various designs like nutcracker soldiers, hearts, stars, moons and drummer boys.

 I chose this set of angels holding musical instruments.

They're made in Germany.

Aren't they adorable? A lovely souvenir from my first European Christmas market. I really hope this will only be the first of many.  Have an awesome weekend, ya'all!