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Grand Central Terminal Holiday Laser Show, Holiday Market, and Train Show Description

Grand Central Terminal is a kid-favorite New York City destination throughout the year, but the Holiday Fair, Laser Light Show, and Holiday Train Show make it even more of a must-do. Vendors selling unusual, handmade, and one-of-a-kind items set up shop in 76 temporary stalls inside expansive Vanderbilt Hall, selling everything from domestic and imported crafts to art to jewelry to Christmas ornaments to toys. During the month of December the famous ceiling of the Main Concourse takes on extra visual interest with an intricate laser show that adds winter images to the astrological-themed ceiling. Finally, head to the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex and Store to see the city in miniature, with eight separate loops of track running through it in a working O-gauge layout.

Kid Tips

Babies: Leave strollers behind if you're heading to the Holiday Fair. Aisles can be crowded and difficult to navigate even during the week.

Pre-Teens & Teens: Several other stores within Grand Central appeal to older kids, particularly Pylones (which sells a wide array of whimsical items) and the Children's General Store (which sells toys and games even teenagers will love).

Planning Notes

Event dates. The Holiday Fair runs November 23 - December 24 (Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.), the Laser Light Show occurs every 30 minutes starting at 11 a.m. (last show at 9 p.m.) from December 1 to January 1, and the Holiday Train Show opens November 25 and ends January 4 (Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.).

Extended hours. The Holiday Fair will open at 8 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. on December 17, 18, 19, 22, and 23.

Busiest on weekends. All three events are popular with locals and tourists alike. Visit during the week to have more elbow room.

More holiday shopping fairs. Three other popular shopping fairs include ones at Columbus Circle (on the southwest corner of Central Park), Union Square (south end), and Bryant Park.

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