Holiday Markets
Holiday markets are a popular pastime with both tourists and locals in December. They offer an opportunity to stock up on local- and artisan-made gifts, buy vacation souvenirs, and try the local fare. Annual favorites include the Union Square Holiday Market, Columbus Circle Holiday Market, Holiday Shops at Bryant Park, and Grand Central Holiday Fair.
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Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights
Every year the Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn becomes ablaze with illuminating exhibitions complete with 30-foot toy soldiers and nativity scenes. The residential area is about a 15-minute walk from the subway station at 79th Street and New Utrecht Avenue, but there's also a bus tour operated by A Slice of Brooklyn that can get you there. The bus features festive holiday music and old-time Christmas television variety specials, topped off with a taste of Brooklyn’s best cannolis and hot chocolate. It's a 3.5-hour tour and takes place every night in December except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.