Union Square Holiday Market: What You Can Expect This Season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Union Square. If you’re into sweet treats and treats for your sweets, the Union Square Holiday Market is surely already on your list. Nestled on 14th Street alongside 5th Avenue (just down the road from our Union Square HQ), it’s the oldest holiday market in the city, clocking in at 175 years. Let’s take a closer look at this year’s nexus of holiday cheer.

What to expect at the market this holiday season

First things first: the USQ holiday market runs until December 24th. Doors are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Expect cozy, wintery vibes overall, but there are also specific things you’d go to the market for.

Shopping

The stands are just incredible. Local, homemade, artisanal, small batch — all the adjectives you’d use to note that something is one-of-a-kind apply here. You can get your holiday shopping done here, and then some. Gifts are aplenty for all ages, especially when getting one for yourself. If your shopping list includes beauty products, toys, jewelry and other accessories, and just something completely unique, you’ve come to the right place.

Food

The only thing that could overshadow the shopping is the food. Just follow your nose and you’ll find some of the best mochi, cheesy truffle fries, chocolate hazelnut sweets, waffles, and way more. You won’t leave hungry, but you must come back to try them all.

Special attractions

Arrive at the right time, and you may catch a surprise live music performance. There are also plenty of photo ops for your holiday cards and feeds, especially when the sun goes down and the string lights shine oh-so-bright. Plus, if you’re a regular Union Square Farmers Market shopper, you won’t miss out on any of your usual goodies — the two markets run at the same time.

Our 3 must-see picks at the Union Square Holiday Market

Mama Lam’s. This is a must-stop for gifts, for yourself and others. Their Malaysian curry pastes and vegan hot chocolates are a must for the next couple of cold months. If you’re shopping for a foodie, this is the place to be.

Spices and Tease. This iconic shop lives up to its name. The family-owned business has been in operation for more than 90 years, since 193. It has all your pantry staples and stand-out ingredients. Another foodie favorite, stop here for rare spices and unique tea blends you can’t get at the grocery store.

NW Lovely Style. Arts and crafts abound at this stand. Handcrafted crochet dolls and beaded jewelry make great gifts for the young at heart.

First-time visitor tips

If this is your first time visiting the USQ holiday market, these helpful tidbits will guide you through with ease.

Plan for the right time

Like anything in the city, timing is everything. If you’re a seasoned New Yorker, you already know not to expect free reign on Saturday and Sunday nights. But also consider if you’re visiting the market with family (whether furry or otherwise) to enjoy the market during the day. This, physically, opens your day up for smaller crowds and wider alleyways.

Coming prepared

Most stands accept cards unless there’s a surprise technical issue. So a pro tip is to bring some cash as well. Reusable tote bags are also a good idea since it’s not guaranteed that every place has enough bags for everyone.

X marks the spot: Study the map beforehand

Most visitors tend to just walk the alley ways around the stands and let their eyes guide them when it comes to shopping. But if you’re looking for something specific, be sure to check and bookmark the market map to help you find your way.

Dress for the occasion

The market is rain or shine. When the weather is a little bit less than perfect, take cover. Here’s the thing though: it’s still going to be crowded and your umbrella will be frowned upon in the busy and tight market alleys. Our recommendation? Pack that jacket with the good hood.

The market also doesn’t offer its own seating, so if you need to take a rest, it’s the regular Union Square benches. In other words, wear comfy, weather-proof shoes.

What’s new and returning to the Union Square Holiday Market

Let’s start with what’s new this year:

Local art studio Pigeon Be Pigeon offers crafts and other fare named after our city’s most humble bird.

Fairtrade business Rubyzaar will have you leaving its stand bundled up with cozy scarves.

On the food front, we have a newcomer in Curd’s The Word, where you can indulge your cheese curd cravings.

On your return, you’ll still find the same wonderful world you’d expect. The market still brings its festive ambiance where even the most jaded New Yorkers turn jolly. You know you’ll find your wondrous ornaments, animal hats, coffees, chocolates, leather goods, mustards, spices, truffle fries, and waffles again. Maybe pack an extra tote bag.

What else to do, see, and eat around Union Square

If you haven’t gotten your fill of shopping at the holiday market, the area around the market also has you covered. If you can’t find that weirdly odd gift or want to expand your Union Square travels, here’s our list of favorite hot spots for shopping nearby. And don’t forget to fuel up with coffee before you embark on more Union Square holiday adventures.

How to get to the Union Square Holiday Market

There are a few ways to get to this winter wonderland. If you live in the area, you know your route without a map. But here’s how you get to the market if you’re a bit further away.

By subway

Union Square is an MTA hub. The 4/5/6 trains run along the east side of the market and the N/Q/R/W on the west. Further west, you can arrive at the 14th Street stops on the F/M, 1/2/3, and A/C/E. If you’re coming from Brooklyn, the L can also connect you.

By bus

If you prefer your ride above ground, the city’s bus system is here to serve. Just find your way to the M1, M2, M3, M7, M9, or M14.

Ready to get into the spirit?

We may be biased, but our favorite stand at the Union Square holiday market is actually a block south. The Travel Agency at 13th Street and Broadway has a great selection of travel gifts — wrapping optional when treating yourself. We’re open late every day of the week, so there’s plenty of time to add a stop here to your holiday adventure list.