Union Square Holiday Market Opens Next Thursday

CHELSEA, NY — It may only be early November but the city is already gearing up for the most wonderful time of the year.

Festive lights are popping up in neighborhoods across the five boroughs, retailers are unveiling their holiday window displays and winter markets are setting up shop.

This year's annual Union Square Holiday Market will open its doors next Thursday, Nov. 15 with more than 150 vendors lining winding aisles in the square's South Plaza.

Tourists and locals alike flock to the famed bazaar.

Visitors can peruse hand crafted items including unique jewelry, clothing and art, or enjoy festive eats including artisanal hot chocolate.

This year's market boasts an upgraded look with new sub-sections such as "Little Brooklyn" and features a lounge and warming station for when the mercury drops. The market will also include a children's art studio with crafts and live musical guests throughout the season.

Just a few neighborhoods over in the Upper East Side, the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, also run by Urbanspace, will open its stands on Nov. 28.

The Union Square Holiday Market at South Plaza is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The market's last day is Christmas Eve.

The open-air holiday market in Union Square draws thousands each year. (Photo courtesy of Andrew Burton/Getty Images)