Blog

Every year New York City goes to town, so to speak, for the holidays. The storefronts are decked out in sparkles and lights and there’s a palpable excitement in the air. With the festive spirit comes shopping galore, and if you’re looking for unique gifts along with a good dose of holiday cheer, the Columbus Circle Holiday Market is the place to go.

Just about 11 blocks from the Hotel Belvedere (or 13 minutes’ walking time), the market has a number of draws.

Not your Average Gifts

This is where you’ll find real artisan crafts, from textiles to jewelry to pottery. Handmade items include gifts for babies and pets, hipster garb, handcrafted home accessories and things made from recycled materials like wooden chopsticks. It’s a place where you can often shop ethically, with vendors who are part of the Fair Trade Federation, or whose proceeds go to charity foundations. You can also feel the satisfaction of supporting local designers and craftspeople instead of big box stores for your holiday shopping.

Check out the creations of the Fashion for Empowerment Project, which works to “empower women through businesses, traditional craft and designs”. You’ll also see items like the creative home accessories by Three Dotted Lines out of Brooklyn, which make great stocking stuffers. Browse aisles and aisles chock-full of exciting and colorful creations on display. For a full list of vendors, click here.

Go for the Food

Some locals make the Columbus Circle Holiday Market their lunch spot throughout the holiday season, taking advantage of the full range of sweet and savory treats on offer. Your quintessential gourmet market experience, the market offers plenty of packaged items to give as gifts (or nibble in your room later!). There are also tons of light bites and heartier items to eat at a table (might want to have one member of your group grab one while you order). Or, take your food to a nearby bench at Central Park.

One must-stop is the No Chewing Allowed! stand where you can experience their now legendary melt-in-your-mouth truffles. If you chew it you miss out on the full chocolate indulgence.

Other sweet food vendors include The Baking Bean, with all natural desserts and pastries, La Sonrisa Empanadas (founded at the Hester Street Fair on the Lower East Side) and Jicama: California Street Food with fresh, healthy fare. And don’t forget to stop by Venison Joe’s for a gourmet holiday treat for the fur babies in your life.

Holiday Cheer

A stroll through the market is a great way to enjoy the season in the city, and to make the spirit of giving sustainable and responsible. Just across from the market is the Time Warner Center with its bright stars changing colors, and the Columbus Circle and Central Park area has lots of fun things to do and see.  

Even if you’re not looking to return home overloaded with gifts you can join in the bustling crowds and feel the energy of the Upper West Side. Grab a snack and a trinket at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, open from Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. It’s yet another thing to do during your stay at the Hotel Beacon, and there’s still time to plan your holiday trip! View our latest offers here.