Union Square Holiday Market

Happy Holidays everyone! Thanksgiving is officially over, New York saw its first snow fall, there is a crispness to the air, and merry feelings in the street, this must mean it is finally HOLIDAY TIME AGAIN!!!! yay! I love this time of the year probably as much as I love Halloween (maybe even a little more because presents are involved!) I’ve got my holiday mix set to repeat on my ipod and I’m setting out to take advantage of all the holiday treats this city has to offer. One of my favorites can be found right outside my window: The Union Square Holiday Market!

Every year starting right after Thanksgiving and going to December 24th the south side of the square undergoes a merry transformation. There are pop up Christmas markets all over the city- check NY MAG for a complete list.  I’m lucky enough to live above the Union Square Market and all the seasonal goodies it has to offer.

The market truly has something for everyone on your holiday shopping list, and some yummy treats to sustain you on your arduous shopping journey!  Come thirsty and hungry as the market has lots to offer- hot apple cider, spiced hot chocolate, seasonal teas, and everything from gingerbread cookies to bratwursts and crepes!

If your not hungry when you visit, but are a foodie be sure to stop a the City Shuffle booth, where you can pick up a deck of their gift certificate cards that costs $20-30 and give you a $500 value!  There are 52 cards in the deck, and each card represents a different bar or restaurant in New York and gives you a $10 to spend at that restaurant.  I gave this to my sister a few years ago and it seemed to get a positive response!  10 bucks won’t buy you a dinner, but it definitly helps and you can make a game out of it when you can’t think of where to eat and randomly pull cards till you find the right place!  They are good for one year and as long as you use at least 3, your coming out ahead.

Crepes come in many flavors, both sweet and savory and change daily.  Some examples are cheesburger crepe, apple and brie, and nutella and banana

There’s even a snack for your pet- adorable seasonal dog treats made with all natural ingredients.  They come in both Christmas and Hannukah versions!

As I said, there really is something for everyone here, below are some of my favs:

Handblown Christmas tree ornaments

Funky menorahs

Handmade scented candles

Handcrafted one of a kind earrings

Novelty items like these Freudian Slippers

Beautiful Twinkly Lights

Turkish crafts like this glass lantern

Amazing spices that you can mix and match to create a gift or a treat for yourself. You pick them out and then the delightful french owner uses a scooper on a long stick to scoop it up, let you smell it, then put it in a container.

Expect more holiday posts to come in the next 3 weeks!