The holidays are coming and there's nothing you can do about it. Just like the rising ocean levels and the inevitability of death and taxes, there will be holidays and you will not be able to escape them.

For many people, that's exactly how they want it. People love the holidays, especially in New York City. 

There's something about the majesty of our surroundings that demands to be festively adorned, at the behest of companies trying to sell you things, mainly. 

Case in point: we have multiple holiday villages in NYC. Opening first on October 30th (disgusting, before Halloween? C'mon...) will be the Winter Village at Bryant Park, featuring a giant ice skating rink and all kinds of crafts and knick knacks to buy. 

But if you're looking for a "winter village" that won't feel stilted and lifeless, and you still want to buy puzzle boxes and stocking stuffers, we recommend the Union Square Holiday Market. 

The Union Square Holiday Market opens November 19th and runs until Christmas Eve. It'll feature about 150 vendors from NYC and around the country. Plus, food and drink ranging from Persian soup to velvety hot chocolate. Who doesn't like food and drink? 

As far as artisanal wares go, this is the place to check out. They'll have plenty of home goods, winter apparel like scarves and hats, locally handmade accessories like jewelry, and your usual holiday village stuff, like snow globes for sure. 

via Urban Space NYC

But what is interesting, unique and probably pretty new is their Artisan Pledge stickers, which you should definitely look out for. These stickers mark goods that are "100% made in the USA, local, organic, fair trade certified, recycled, and/or handmade." 

Considering the Union Square Holiday Market's competition is nothing nearly as altruistic in its vision, we recommend the Union Square Holiday Village, where you can spread the right vibe with your purchases instead of fueling seemingly faceless machines with your stocking stuffer buys. 

Check out 7 NYC Bars with Cozy Fireplaces. 

[via Urban Space NYC]

[Feature Image Courtesy NewYork.com]