It seems like every year the Holidays sneak up on me. My first realization that this week is Thanksgiving was when my boss told me I had off for two days. In the middle of rejoicing for a four day weekend I soon remembered how many gifts I had to figure out and started scrambling for ideas. Being that I’m a bit of a diy fanatic, shopping at the normal department stores may get the job done, but it never quite feels like anything has a personal touch, and while making something for everyone on my list may be a nice gesture, who really has the time to get everything done?

The next best thing to DIY gifts is hitting up the holiday markets in your local area.

Most recently I did a friend a favor by photographing her vintage inspired market, La Femme Fete, a great stop for true vintage fashion lovers; but some other seasonal markets that have an annual posting on my calender are the Bryant Park holiday market, as well as Union Square, Columbus Circle and Grand Central Terminal markets. Find some info on these great shops below.

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park offer a traditional European style market with unique gifts from over 125 shops around the world. One of my favorite shops is Annie’s Dog Bakery and Boutique, which offers everything for your pup from trendy clothing to organic doggie pizzas and burgers. My other favorite shop that I always have to stop by is Hanami Real Orchid Jewelry. They offer earrings, necklaces and broaches made out of real Orchids.

Union Square Holiday Park Market features 100+ artists and vendors, with gifts ranging from jewelry and paintings to handmade tees and candles. Another plus of shopping at this market is it’s surroundings. If you need to take a lunch or dinner break stop in at Republic for noodles or Heartland Brewery, New York’s first American style brewpub.

Columbus Circle Holiday Fair, set up by the same people that put together the Union Square Market, is just as chock full of vendors and artisans selling their one of a kind creations that you can snag on discount for the approaching holidays. The layout is based off of Eastern European Markets like those found in Copenhagen and Munich.

Grand Central Terminal is such a beautiful setting for a holiday market. Shopping in the 12,000 square foot Vanderbilt Hall, complete with brilliant light show really puts you in the holiday mood. GCT features one of a kind gifts that can’t be found anywhere else in the city for everyone on your list.

So whether you’re shopping for a long list of friends and family, or just treating yourself, these holiday markets feature a broad array of goodies to please even the toughest of crowds.

P.S. Bring cash, as some of the vendors don’t accept credit.