The Union Square Holiday Market is one of the best places to find unique gifts during the shopping season. Besides the gifts, the festive food is something else to look forward to.
“The holiday food always cheers me up and gets me in the holiday mood,” said Sarah White, who was shopping at the market for the second year.
A stand selling hot fudge brownies and hot chocolate is a big hit at the market. Hot chocolate is $3 and any topping is $1 at the stand. There are a variety to choose from including chocolate pretzels and gummy bears. It’s the stand’s first year. “I never worked in the holiday market before, but it’s amazing because you feel the spirit of the holidays while working,” said the operator, Paul Bishop.
The most popular thing is the chocolate fudge brownie to which Bishop adds chocolate, then whipped cream and then more hot chocolate. “The more toppings the better, but also heavier,” he said.
Looking for chocolates? Try Nunu Chocolates, handmade from Brooklyn. Even though the stand doesn’t do anything special for the holidays, the hand-dipped salt caramels are a big hit.
For hot cider and gingerbread cookies, Breezy Hill Orchard & Mill is the place to stop. It’s the stand’s fourth holiday season. During the off-season they participate in the Union Square Green Market.
Other stands to look for:
— Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery, which owns a store in the Lower East Side on Rivington Street. They sells ‘to die for’ cupcakes including chocolate peppermint cake with cream cheese frosting.
–German Delights, which sells German sweets including traditional gingerbread.
The market runs from Nov. 24 to Dec. 24. It features over 100 booths with gifts such as holiday ornaments, fine art, toys and candles.