Hi all. Have heard about the various Xmas markets and would like some suggestions as to the best ones. I will only have 2 - 3 hours at the most to 'do' them. I'm looking for some unusual things to take home (Aust) as gifts. Which do you think would be the best for unique/different items?

Er, meant to say I will be in New York.

It's usually a good idea to put the location in your title. So you might get more responses if you repost with a new title. But you never know. You might do just fine as is!

There are 3 major Holiday Markets and depending on just when you are going to be here, there are even a few late of the year Street Fairs, one in particular on Madison Ave for Holiday Shopping.

Grand Central, Union Square and Bryant Park, are the 3 locations and each have their own distinct flavor. Grand Central is indoor, that of course is the big draw there, Union Square is the largest (or is usually the largest) and Bryant Park is the most scenic (surrounding the ice skating rink). My personal favorite is Union Square, I find alot of unusual booths there. Bryant Park is fun, as is Grand Central. You could easily do Grand Central and walk to Bryant Park, and then take the bus or subway down to Union Square.

Hope this helps at least a little.

You didn't mention when you will be here, the union sq market is open frmo the day after Thanksgiving thru Christmas eve. I believe the Grand Central and Bryant Park are the same.

http://nymag.com/guides/holidays/holidayshopping/?imw=Y

This is a good description of all the markets. It's from last year, so times and dates may have changed. There are phone numbers to check. I like the one at Grand Central Station best, then the one at Bryant Park.

Union Square on a chilly night with a cup of hot chocolate .. perfect!

Thank you so much everyone. Really appreciate the replies and they really help. I am there from 18th Nov. through to 28th Nov. Really looking forward to spending Thanksgiving there and experiencing the sales

If it is chilly and you are visiting the Unitn Sq Market. GO across the street into Filenes. The fron tof the store is all windows and they have a few chairs where you can just rest and taken in the view.

If you are hungry, you can run into Whole Foods. The 2nd floor has several food concessions with tables and charis, and also a view of the park.