Most people fear change. Personally speaking, I generally love change, especially if it means making something wonderful even better, like the upcoming changes in store for us at the Union Square Holiday Market.
Last holiday season, Urbanspace, the organization behind the Union Square and Columbus Circle Holiday Markets, as well as other exciting food markets in the city, sent their market management team on a pilgrimage to Europe, where they visited holiday markets in Berlin and Amsterdam, among other cities. They brought back new ideas and energy, which they have spent the year applying to their own New York markets.
The Union Square Holiday Market opens on Thursday, November 19th, and we will be seeing some new features and attractions:
• New Decor: We’ve come to love those red and white stripes that mark the boundaries of the holiday market at the south end of Union Square. This year, however, they are getting a refresh, including new custom lighting displays and loads of fresh greenery.
• Warming Station: Shopping outdoors is fun and charming, but it’s not very cozy. Shoppers will be able to visit the new warming station at the foot of the George Washington statue, where they will be able to enjoy hot chocolate and warm foods from local restaurants.
• Art for Kids: You and your kids can enjoy a holiday-themed art making workshop with practicing Teaching Artists from the Children’s Museum of the Arts. Suggested donations will go to support the museum.
• More Vendors Than Ever: The market will feature even more local artisan and food business than in the past.
• Performance Stages: The market will feature two performance states featuring and kid-centric performances and independent performers, some of whom you may even recognized from the subways,
• Introducing Urbanspace Provisions: In addition to gift items and food to eat in the market, shoppers will also enjoy a new market aisle, Provisions, where they can purchase spices, truffles, fudge and other fun pantry items, plus stationery, books, kitchenware and decor for their own homes and for their friends who love to cook.
“We’re thrilled that this year’s market will boast the same, beloved feeling of cheer and communal energy as in years past, while continuing to evolve,“ says Julie Feltman, Holiday Market Director at Urbanspace. “We hope our visitors will have a richer experience due to the expanded entertainment, decor and array of talented vendors.”
Visit the Union Square Holiday Market starting Thursday, November 19th – December 24th, 2015!
~Karen Seiger, Markets of New York City