Contributed by Local Vox/Nearsay for the Flatiron Hot! News November 2014

So the holiday season is upon you and you’ve procrastinated on making plans. Sure, you may have something to do on Christmas, but what about all that time off? Some of us are lucky enough to go on nice vacations as winter kicks off; others have to find activities closer to home. Fortunately, there is no better place to do so than New York City’s Flatiron District. Here are some suggestions:

• The Union Square Holiday Market: Just a short stroll down Broadway from the NYC Seminar and Conference Center, you’ll find yourself in holiday heaven. The Union Square Holiday Market, located in Union Square Park between 14th and 17th Streets, is a perennial favorite for visitors and locals alike. Shop for toys, artwork, handmade jewelry and home goods, as well as warming soups and rich cocoa. Learn more about the market on their website.
• Eataly: Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Eataly – NYC’s beloved emporium of Italian delicacies. Located just steps away from NYCSCC, at Eataly you can sit down to a mouthwatering meal, or get your shopping done with their luxurious holiday gift baskets. Read more about Eataly’s selection of gourmet treats here
• The People’s Improv Theater excels at finding laughter in our favorite holiday rituals. Take advantage of outstanding cheap drinks and allow the actor/comedians regale you with hilarious improv comedy. They even provide bawdy takes on classic holiday songs, in case you’re sick to death of the standard versions. Check out what the PIT has to offer