The annual Holiday Fair at Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan opened Monday, Nov. 9, and runs through Thursday, Dec. 24. For the first time this year, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is running a "Holiday Shopper Train" with limited stops between Ronkonkoma and Grand Central Madison.
The annual Grand Central Holiday Fair at Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan opened Monday, Nov. 9, and continues through Thursday, Dec. 24. According to amNewYork, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is operating a "Holiday Shopper Train" for the first time this year, running with limited stops between Ronkonkoma and Grand Central Madison.
The fair is held in Vanderbilt Hall, next to the main entrance on 42nd Street. More than 35 small businesses set up in three rows of stalls, selling handcrafted jewelry, art, clothing, household goods, holiday decorations and more. This year's event is sponsored by the cognac brand Hennessy, whose booth hosts the "Hennessy Postal Club," where visitors can write holiday cards and take part in live illustration and engraving experiences.
Hours through Wednesday, Dec. 16 are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. From Thursday, Dec. 17 through Wednesday, Dec. 23, the fair is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Thursday, Dec. 24, it is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A separate Thanksgiving market will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 24, in the Biltmore Room near Metro-North Track 42.
According to the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority), Grand Central is served by the LIRR, the subway, Metro-North and buses. LIRR President Rob Free cited this in encouraging the use of public transit. However, the report does not say which days the shopper train runs or give its schedule, so riders should check LIRR announcements before traveling.