Christmas in New York - Little Italy

How to Spend Christmas in New York City

"I’m a sucker for a good holiday market, and I’ve been going to the one in Union Square for years now. There’s just something so festive about winding your way around the booths—it would take a real Grinch not to get into the spirit. And while it’s great for cute last-minute holiday purchases, what I really go for is the food. My husband loves the German Bratwurst stand, but for me nothing beats the Taste of Persia booth, and the ash reshteh in particular. Chef Saeed Pourkay has been dishing out this traditional Persian soup—packed with lentils, noodles, and onions and topped with fried garlic, mint, and whey—to hungry shoppers for a decade now. Fingers crossed he’s back this year! —Arati Menon, global digital director" - Alex Erdekian, Charlie Hobbs