Union Square Holiday Market Brings Seasonal Cheer to NYC

Welcome back to NTD New York's Union Square Holiday Market by Urban Space. Delighted customers and vendors alike. >> This year, our very own Stephania Cox wandered through the award-winning seasonal delight. Have a look. The Union Square Holiday Market by Urban Space is New York's oldest and largest, [music] hosting nearly 200 vendors, featuring unique gifts created by local crafts people, artists, [music] and entrepreneurs. You got bespoke jewelry, bespoke desserts. Um, of course, there's plenty of art. This particular market puts a lot of emphasis on unique vendors and each one has to have a personal interview and showcase their their wares before they can nab their [music] spot here. >> Well, I think the holiday market started at Union Square. I think this is the oldest one and I feel like it's the most charming one. It just feels very cozy and as far as the vendors, we all know each other and been working together for years. It's it's a special place. >> So, I asked him to to pick a number in his head >> and then take away every card that doesn't have his number on him. >> And I have to guess I guess the number >> and I'm guess how old you? >> Uh 11. >> 11. So in 10 years, how old will you be? >> 21. >> Is that your number? Got it. >> How the heck? >> What? >> What? >> Yeah, it works. >> No way. >> Amazing. >> It's a family-owned business. >> Are you part of the family? >> I am not part of the family. I'm only a family friend, but I they make me feel like family. >> Oh, lovely. Tell us about the family. >> Um, they're a wonderful family. Uh, the Melanods, they are uh from they're grew up in Princeton. Um, and they now operate [music] this business. I know that the the mom and the dad were both computer engineers at one point and now they are working to help their son build this business out and they started out doing workshops for kids in classrooms and birthday parties and now they have uh started their own business to to spread that joy to everybody. >> We got to know some of the other families and the stories behind the [music] businesses here. Kathy is um one half she and her sister founded this company u because they wanted to find healthier plastic free alternatives for their children. So actually [music] Oliver Flynn are the names of their children. >> There's a nice little photo of them there. >> Oh, nice. >> They also have a family cat >> featured here in our Swedish dish claws. >> Yeah. >> This is what drew me over. I was like this this looks >> um handone. >> Yeah. Um the um Aaron is the other founder. She is an artist, so she designed that. >> Oh, look at that. >> Cream on top and edible straws. One thing I love about New York City is all the hopeful messages that you see around. Sometimes you just be walking down [music] the street and then there's someone has written in chalk something like you got this or keep going or as you see here state of gratitude and I know there's [music] actually much more to this this stand I haven't learned about it yet but let's go ask the creator his name is Chris and he founded the company in 2020 [music] with a stimulus check after he got out of treatment because a lot of people when they come out of treatment it's hard for them to find jobs. >> So, um, he gives back by employing people that, you know, are new to recovery and >> have, you know, trouble getting jobs. His motto was pretty much a state of gratitude, being grateful for anything. Um, so the mantra is it's really um it can be anything you want it to be, you know, being grateful for [music] for anything. Gratitude and generosity, a gift that keeps [music] giving in so many ways. >> We started at the beginning of the pandemic. >> Um, I started Baking Babas to help a friend that lost her employment to pay back rent and groceries for her kids >> and we baked a few batches, gave gave her all the proceeds, and then she came to me a few weeks later and said, "I don't need a handout. I need a job." And we started baking together. >> Oh, wow. And today she's my head baker and we own a little store in Jersey City. >> Oh my gosh. That means they must be [music] delicious because [laughter] it's taken off so well. >> Yes, they were popular. I mean, they started from the beginning being super popular. >> Yeah. And how did you get inspired to have [music] so many different flavors? >> I'm Israeli, but I grew up in the Dominican Republic. And Jersey City is the most diverse city in the United States. So, we have a big Filipino community, a big Latin community, and I like to incorporate different flavors into our va, make everybody feel included and welcome. >> This is my best friend, Georgia. So, I make her come to everything with me. We're working currently. And yeah, my mom's the best. >> She's the best. >> I'm really proud of her. >> I love working here just cuz I get to eat all the samples. >> Yeah, >> I hear you. [laughter] >> She's the best. She's done really good with the business and she's very inspiring to me. Always. >> Yeah. Yeah, there's a lot of variety [music] here. And as I was mentioning, there's a lot of creativity in the food and a lot of stories and precious moments between friends and family. This looks amazing. I had to stop you and I heard you remarking that it tasted amazing. What are you having? >> I'm having a s'more hot chocolate. It's really delicious. And what's most exciting is that this is his first s'more ever. >> Indeed. Yeah. I've never heard of this thing and it's wonderful. So far, I've had to tell >> seven, four, whatever. Five, five, six. Yeah. Yeah. About where we got this thing from. >> Meanwhile, this cheesy pasta partially cooked inside a wheel of cheese [music] is topped with more cheese. >> Yeah. All about the cheese. We got some cheese sauce here. Of course, we are in the heart of New York City as well. That can't be ignored. All the beautiful buildings all around and >> the night air. >> Let's see what else is happening in the food court. >> Cheese and truffle. Yeah, it's really good. I didn't expect it to be this big. [laughter] >> And it's steaming hot. Where did you get it from? >> Uh, right here. Truffle. Yes. >> Okay. Do you want one, too? >> Oh my gosh. [laughter] I did already eat this side, but >> I'm just going to use my hands. >> Go for it. >> All right. >> Here, I'll eat one with you. >> They are really special. >> Yeah. >> Together, right? >> They're good. >> It tastes kind of meaty. >> Oh. >> In to me in a way that like truffle the truffle. Yeah. No meat involved. [laughter] >> Thank you. You're welcome. I must say I've never enjoyed holiday markets [music] quite as much as I have tonight. And I think that's because of the sense of community and warmth that you have here [music] where people really want to come together, enjoy being together, and also share what's in their hearts through their products, through their beautiful creations, many of them handmade, and all with a vision of unity. [music] Unity and Union right here at Union Square.