By Sylvia Jones

If you are in New York this week, don’t miss the Christmas markets hosted by New York City landmarks—but hurry! Unlike Europe’s Christmas markets, which typically last into the New Year, New York’s holiday vendors tend to take down their stalls at closing time on Christmas Eve. Two of my favorites are the markets at Grand Central Terminal and Union Square. The Holiday Fair at Grand Central Terminal is held in Vanderbilt Hall with white tented stalls for small specialist vendors. Many of the items are environmentally friendly as well as chic: warm, yummy gloves for women in bright and beautiful colors—purples, hot pink, teal, mustard—plus handmade hats and scarves, cashmere shawls, beautiful jewelry, and faux-fur hats with satin trim. I love the delicate Venetian chandeliers, hand-blown vases, and beautiful Christmas-tree decorations. After shopping, cool your heels at the Oyster Bar and indulge in some raw oysters with a glass of prosecco; if it is really cold outside, order the clam chowder. The Union Square market at Fourteenth Street attracts a hip downtown crowd and is one of the most festive in the city. The bells of Salvation Army Santas mingle with chants of hare Krishna and the air is filled with the aromas of burning incense, pine and eucalyptus branches, and honey-roasted nuts. Gourmet foods come packaged and wrapped or ready to eat as you stroll around, sipping a cup of eggnog or hot chocolate garnished with a cinnamon stick.

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