pencil it in: til 2013

I’m gearing up for my New Year’s trip as I head out tomorrow to Southeast Asia and the land of the morning calm. Don’t fret, I’ll be back and blogging before you know it. You may even get lucky with a surprise “road-load” every once and a while.

I didn’t want to leave you with nothing while I’m gone, so while it is a little early, here’s a roundup of some of the best holiday and New Years events I’ve come across.

A Dazzling Display

“The BG Follies of 2012” at Bergdorf Goodman, photo by Joe Buglewicz ; “Snowflake Spectacular” at Saks Fifth Avenue, photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images

No holiday season in New York City would be complete without taking in the fantastical holiday window displays that dazzle up Fifth Avenue and in NYC Department stores and luxury goods flagships. This year be on the lookout for Macy’s historic retrospective “The Magic of Christmas”, Barney’s LED riddled “Electric Holiday”, and an interactive red box extravaganza at Cartier just to name a few.

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photo courtesy of Fêtes de Noël

Brooklyn Craft Central Holiday Market (Dec 22 & 23)

Procrastinators, take note: This market runs on the last shopping weekend before Christmas and features different vendors each day. Take advantage of the full bar serving up holiday cocktails while you pick up some last-minute gifts from the array of local crafts and edibles. Littlefield Performance Space, 622 Degraw St., Brooklyn, 11 AM- 5 PM

Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar at Artists & Fleas (Dec 22 & 23)

The Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar will feature a rotating cast of more than 200 independent designers, vintage collectors, makers, artists, and more. Among the many treasures, expect classic ties, bow ties, cards, and jewelry. 70 N. 7th St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn, 10 AM- 7 PM

Grand Central Holiday Fair (through Dec 24)

Can’t stand shopping in the cold? The Grand Central Holiday Fair is the city’s longest-running indoor holiday market. This year’s 76 artisanal vendors are selling everything from hand-blown glass ornaments to jewelry made from recycled materials, all in the festive (and warm) Vanderbilt Hall. Grand Central Terminal, 87 East 42nd St, 212 532 4900, Mon- Sat 10 AM- 8 PM, Sun 11 AM- 7 PM

Columbus Circle Holiday Market (through Dec 24)

If you want to avoid mall madness at the Shops at Columbus Circle, check out the goods from boutique vendors and craft purveyors right outside their door. Munch on seasonal treats while you browse the selection of handmade clothing, jewelry, toys, and food. Central Park S., at Central Park W. 212 529 9262, Mon- Sat 10 AM- 8 PM, Sun 10 AM- 7 PM, Dec 24 10 AM- 4 PM

Holiday Market at Union Square (through Dec 24)

The tents are back with hand-blown glass housewares, Tibetan crafts and knickknacks, German treats, and hot cider to ward off chills. 14th St., at Broadway, 212 529 9262, Mon- Fri 11 AM- 8 PM, Sun 11 AM- 7 PM

Artists & Fleas at Chelsea Market (through Dec 31, closed Christmas)

The best of Brooklyn is coming to the meatpacking district, with more than 50 independent designers, vintage dealers, artists, and sellers of all things Americana, ephemera, and more participating in this year’s Artists & Fleas pop-up. There will be art, jewelry, home accessories, clothing, and an assortment of “all things funky.” 88 Tenth Ave, Mon- Sun 10:30 AM- 7 PM

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park (through Jan 8)

There are more than 125 retailers for this year’s outdoor market, and the free ice-skating is a family-friendly mainstay. If that doesn’t sound appealing, try singing karaoke with friends in a seven-foot freezer while testing out a Columbia Omni-Heat jacket. Sixth Ave., at 42nd St., 212 768 4242, Mon- Fri 11 AM- 8 PM, Sat 10 AM- 9 PM, Sun 10 AM- 6 PM

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