Grand Central Station Holiday Market

I truly believe Grand Central can make nearly anything look beautiful.

Over in the Lexington Passage, they set up their holiday market every year. It's a great way to spend some time, especially if you're waiting for a train or don't quite need to run for the subway. The space is small and packed but there is a lot to see and it's nicely laid out. Everything is beautifully lit and easier to see rather than the outdoor markets where you have to peek inside the individual stands to see what they have to offer. Definitely give GC's holiday market a try if you don't want to be stuck outside shopping in the cold.

This year's Fair is located in one half of Vanderbilt Hall. When I first started going years ago it took up the whole hall. The merchandise was a wide range of prices then. I could always find a cute ornament or gift idea. Now it is very, very, (emphasis on very) high end merchandise! I missed last year when I was sick. I saw some of the same high end merchants this year as in 2015. Nothing for me here.
One thing you can do is pick up the coupon book. There's some value for downstairs in the Grand Central Food Court. I'm going back for the free shake with purchase at Shake Shake!

There are a few holiday markets setup around the city at Christmas time. Union Square and Bryant Park each have one and there is also one in Grand Central Station. This is the smallest of the holiday markets but they do get a lot of foot traffic. Lots of jewelry dealers and crafts people selling handmade merchandise. I liked the handmade cigar box themed pens one gentleman was selling. But it was the artwork of Karla Guedon that caught my attention. So I purchased a piece from her. I like giving these independent craftsman my business supporting the arts.

Walking through grand central I noticed this holiday market I figured why not check it out.
The market is not much to see overall a collection of small pop up shops selling everything from Christmas ornaments to hand bags & jewelry.
For the most part everything here seems to be hand made nice gifts if u are into this kind of merchandise good for getting someone something different & a bit unique.
A decent amount of options depending on your taste, chances are u may come out with a gift or two.
With so many shopping options now a Days this is a nice set up to give you just a more choices.

Going to see the inside of Grand Central is always a treat for me since I do not have to commute from there. It is a destination for me. I especially like it during the Holiday season because I like to check out the kiosks. I went yesterday with my daughter because we were in the area and was looking for a place to eat a late lunch so we figured Grand Central was near our train and we could catch something to eat. The holiday market has become very small over the years and in most cases rather costly. We did come across a lovely kiosk with some very creative art pieces by Karla Gudeon however. Both my daughter and I purchased her beautiful artwork. She does hand-colored engraving that range from spiritual to whimsical. If it was not for her my rating probably would have gone down to 2 stars.

It's shrinking as the years go by. The actual stores / stands now have more of a permanent look and feel. A lot of the shops have absolutely nothing to do with Christmas.

The aisles are just as crowded and become impassible so pack your patience. Except for it being indoors, you are better off going to more festive markets in Bryant Park, Union Square or Central Park.

With time to spare before heading to my next activity/event of the night, I selectively browsed through Grand Central Station. This Holiday Market sits inside Grand Central Terminal which contains many Artisans various art forms to hone their individual craft: jewelry, bags, gloves, hats, clothes, and all things you need to get for your workplace Secret Santa exchange or for the certain someone. Many items appear deceptively overpriced albeit, hand crafted by Artisans, but extremely overpriced. I did not see anything that suit my interest nor my budget, ergo my search for a rose quartz heart shape necklace or choker continues. Should rail and subway commuters have time to spare or wish to seek bail from the brutal winter cold, this Holiday Market has many options but very little food options.

Because 'Baby it's cold outside..."

I usually drop in here each holiday season as Grand Central is on the way home from work and a quick stop off the 4,5,6 subway line. Many times I leave here empty handed as the overpriced products rip the eyes out of your head.

It's a nice set up as it is in the same large waiting area space each year that is seldom used. Alas, there seems to be the same type of vendors each year and I am getting tired of seeing the same old jewelry, soaps, gloves, crafty items, clothes, etc. Yes, there are some eclectic products and all the vendors are friendly enough, but each year I get deja vu as if I remember seeing all of this stuff the year before.

Worth a stop by if in the area shopping during the holiday season, and you have some extra money to spend, but nothing to go out of your way for.

Meh..I was expecting better. It was very small and still packed. The aisles are too crowded that if people in front of you stop, you'll have to wait.
Most of the shops are just regular shops and not related to Christmas at all.

There are so many holiday markets in NYC! And Grand Central hosted a great one!

Yes, it is super touristy and overpriced but I didn't find much difference with a lot of places in New York during the holiday season. This market has a variety of artistic decorations, clothes, dishes, toys, etc. and you can find a present for any member of your family, friends, or yourself.

I ended up getting my mom these handmade coasters that had beautiful pictures of New York like the iconic Central Park! My brother got a shiny and crafty business card holder.

Even if you don't get anything, it's worth checking out!