The Union Square Holiday Market is a European style market held in Union Square by Urban Space where local vendors set up stalls to sell artisanal products. The market offers a great atmosphere for an enjoyable holiday shopping experience. It opened yesterday and will run through to December 24th. The market hours are weekdays from 11AM-8PM, Saturdays from 10AM-8PM and Sundays from 11AM-7PM (please note the market will be closed on Thanksgiving). The market is set up in a maze of aisles decorated with holly and other Christmas ornaments where vendors get to know one another and jointly get in the festive spirit.

This alfresco winter market has over 150 local and national vendors selling anything from jewelry, leather goods, artwork and of course a number of food vendors selling pretzels, hot chocolate, cider and waffles amongst other treats! For a full list of the 2014 vendor lineup, click here. The market is easily accessible by train (4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R) to Union Square. Below is a list of items that can be found at the market this year:

• An array of warm and indulgent food and beverage, from authentic Persian soup to rich hot chocolate
• Local, handmade jewelry and accessories
• Gifts for children, teens, and the young-at-heart
• Artwork, from posters to framed prints and more
• Socially-conscious goods (look for our Artisan Pledge stickers to verify that products are 100% made in USA, local, organic, fair trade certified, recycled, and/or handmade)
• Home goods, from bowls crafted from natural olive wood to coasters made of slate
• Candles, soaps, and skincare products for men and women
• Winter accessories like scarves, hats, and gloves to warm you up on the spot
• Gourmet pantry items, from small-batch jams to all natural olive oils