[3 Indoor & Artisan Holiday Markets] Grand Architecture and Great Food to Beat the Cold: Manhattan's Indoor Holiday Markets and Chelsea Market

As late November gives way to December, the cold wind whipping between Midtown buildings turns sharper. But the chill doesn't stop New Yorkers from enjoying the romance and shopping of the holiday season. Many head inside grand station halls, modern large-scale buildings or warm red-brick structures to enjoy the early winter

As late November gives way to December, the cold wind whipping between Midtown buildings turns sharper. But the chill doesn't stop New Yorkers from enjoying the romance and shopping of the holiday season. Many head inside grand station halls, modern large-scale buildings or warm red-brick structures to enjoy the early-winter holiday atmosphere.

Indoor holiday markets, which can be browsed comfortably without worrying about the weather, are special places where visitors can see New York's beautiful architectural heritage and high-quality crafts in one spot. We looked at the features of three indoor holiday markets, from a historic New York landmark to cutting-edge architecture downtown and Chelsea Market, a food mecca on the west side of SoHo.

The Old-World Charm of a Landmark Station: Grand Central Holiday Fair

The Grand Central Holiday Fair, held in Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal on 42nd Street in the heart of Midtown, is considered Manhattan's most refined indoor holiday market. Running from mid-November through Christmas, the market is held in a warm indoor space, so shoppers can browse comfortably without worrying about cold, snow or rain.

The vendors here showcase finely crafted, high-end handmade goods. Soft cashmere clothing, handmade jewelry, delicate glass crafts and 3D pop-up cards are neatly displayed under chandelier lighting. Admiring the giant Christmas tree in the middle of the terminal and the constellation mural on the ceiling, then quietly picking out gifts indoors, is a winter routine New Yorkers love.

A Sophisticated Winter Scene in Modern Architecture: The Oculus Holiday Market

Inside the Oculus, the downtown World Trade Center (WTC) landmark whose exterior resembles a giant white bird spreading its wings, the modern-feeling Oculus Holiday Market at Westfield WTC takes shape. Set beneath the white ribbed structure designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, the market blends stylish spatial design with the warmth of the holiday season.

The Oculus market, which begins in late November, is centered on a giant Christmas tree and dazzling lighting displays, with neatly arranged pop-up booths selling handmade candles, handmade chocolates and winter fashion accessories. It is an ideal stop for Financial District office workers and tourists to enjoy holiday shopping alongside the night view on their way home or during sightseeing.

The Vintage Food Hall in a Red-Brick Building: Chelsea Market Holiday Lounge

Chelsea Market, next to the Meatpacking District, is a leading indoor destination where visitors can enjoy analog-style shopping and a variety of food in one place in early-winter New York. Preserving the old-world charm of its red-brick building, a former cookie factory, the market is warmly bathed in twinkling lights and vintage decorations during the holiday season.

In particular, the Artists & Fleas section inside Chelsea Market and the special holiday pop-up booths offer vintage clothing, handmade fragrances and distinctive art books from local designers. Lining the market's passageways, warm treats such as lobster rolls, clam chowder, handmade tacos and Italian bakery goods are plenty to satisfy early-winter hunger.

Manhattan's 3 Top Indoor/Artisan Holiday Markets: Information