Union Square Holiday Market
By Victoria Moran
The Union Square Holiday Market, created by Urban Space was originally modeled after European holiday markets. It opened to the public in 1993 and has since been a yearly event that has gained international praise. The booths are made from wood, and each has heating and lighting. Depending on the size, each booth can cost vendors from $6,000 to about $15,000 for the four-week season.
The market takes up half of the park and is split into four sections: section A, section B, section C, and section D. Sections A-C are mainly composed of jewelry, art, and home goods. Section D is called “Eats” because it is composed of food and drink vendors.
This year the Holiday Market features 185 local vendors and artisans. The market is especially known its variety of foods. Currently gaining traction on TikTok is the $8 hot chocolate from Rubyzaar Baked located at B22. After the hot chocolate is poured into a cup, marshmallow is pumped out of a piping bag. The marshmallow is then torched and topped with graham crackers.
Duck Season located at D20 caught many eyes thanks to the variety of duck burgers they had available. The most popular item on the menu is the Royal Poutine Fries for $17. The dish includes duck fat and french fries topped with fresh cheese curds, duck bacon, and duck gravy. My personal favorite is Breezy Hill Orchard at B28. It is known for its apple cider donuts, hot cider, and gingerbread cookies. Their most popular item is the donuts, you can get six cinnamon apple cider donuts for $14.
Amongst the jewelry and home goods, you can also find pet apparel. At B7 Gone To The Dogs, there is a wide selection of leashes, collars, chew toys, and even treats. They sell chew toys shaped like boba drinks and avocados and sweaters for big and small dogs. They also have hats specifically made to cover your dog’s ears to keep them warm. Located at A59 is Meow Parlour, New York’s first cat café, which is selling cat apparel that any parent would love. Their most notable product is their candles with pictures of cats as saints. June Bug Originals, A39, are selling collars and scarves for dogs as well as hoodies with the famous ‘I♥NY’ symbol on it replacing the heart with a paw. They have also created new variations replacing ‘NY’ with mom, dad, BX, and BK.
All the businesses featured at the market are small and local and look forward to selling at the market because of the foot traction. Supporting small businesses helps to create jobs locally and it helps stimulate the local economy. Not only will you leave having contributed positively to the city you will also have artisanal gifts for yourself and your loved ones.
The Holiday Market opened on November 17th and is set to run until December 24th Christmas Eve. The Market is open Monday through Sunday rain or shine. Monday through Friday they are open from 11 am to 9 pm. Saturdays they are open from 10 am to 4 pm, and Sundays they are open from 11 am to 7 pm. On Christmas Eve they will close the market for the year at 4 pm.
The Holiday Market is at 14th Street Union Square facing the popular Climate Clock. It is accessible through the 4, 5, 6, L, N, R, and Q trains.