Union Square’s Holiday Market ushers in seasonal spirit
PHOTO BY DEAN MOSES
business began in 1997, and for the past
20 years they’ve sold their leather wares at
small market events and fairs.
Stephen Duffy can attest to the hard work
it takes to both create and sell his products,
which are all self-created etchings prints and
originals. With a hulking 4,000 etchings,
Duffy was likewise grateful to be back on
Union Square sharing his art with the world.
During the pandemic, Duffy continued
to create his artwork from Florida where
he was forced to dig into his savings until
he could recoup income by selling his items
at markets. He has been partaking in the
Union Square Holiday Market alone for the
past 25 years.
“It’s a good place to share my work,”
Duffy said, showcasing a print and stating
his etchings are developed using the same
technique as Rembrandt. Duffy considers
himself more of a painter; however,
etchings are how he makes his living as
an artist.
While the market is about earning a
living for entrepreneurs, it is more of a
magical experience for those weaving their
way between the stalls.
Miranda Escobar and Christian Santiago
both moved into the East Village after
graduating from St. John’s University and
decided to shop for holiday decorations to
adorn their new apartment.
“I think it’s exciting especially with the
year I feel like everyone’s had. It’s just nice
to be able to feel Christmas, you know?
Walk around and everything,” Escobar
said.
The Union Square Holiday Market will
take place until Dec. 24, Monday through
Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday
from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
‘Law & Order: SVU’ spotted fi lming in Washington Square Park
BY TEQUILA MINSKY
Washington Square Park with its
history and varieties of visual
locations is frequently used as
a set for TV and fi lm shoots. On Tuesday
morning, a holiday market TV fi lm set
was created near the Washington Square
Park arch for an episode of Law & Order
SVU, the longest-running primetime U.S.
live-action series in the history of television.
The 23rd season premiered in September
of this year, during which the show aired its
milestone 500th episode.
The Park’s iconic tree at the arch had
been installed the day before. With a slew
of extras (called background) on set that
looked just like Villagers walking their
dogs or otherwise passing through the
park, actors Ice-T and Mariska Hargitay
appeared when it was time for cameras
rolling.
Cameras rolling with Mariska Hargitay, lead actor in long-running Law &
Order SVU.
BY DEAN MOSES
With Thanksgiving leftovers now
dwindling, many New Yorkers
have already turned their attention
to the winter holidays.
And nothing defi nes the holidays in
the Big Apple quite like festive outdoor
markets.
The Union Square Holiday Market
is one such symbol of the season, which
has made its return after a year hiatus
due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Luring
potential customers and tourists in with
its Christmas village aesthetic, the buffet
of businesses boasts some 160 vendors
that fl og an almost overwhelming stock
of gift ideas. From artwork, crafts, home
accessories, jewelry, and even food, such as
vegan and vegetarian treats, the retail space
aims to cater to both the return of tourism
and native New Yorkers alike.
Hosted by UrbanSpace, a lasso of fairy
lights and suspended tinsel showcase the
seasonal spirit, but despite the warm, inviting
glow the month ahead is not an easy
one for workers catering to the market’s
hundreds of visitors.
Father and son duo, Aaron and Eddie
Zhu happily prepared their display at
their booth United Leather as tiny snow
Tis the season for holiday shopping.
fl urries trickled down just one hour before
customers fl ooded through the makeshift
shopping area.
“It’s great to be back,” Aaron Zhu said.
“I think this place is very beautiful, but it’s
also a lot of hard work.”
Waking up early to prepare, both men
use a portable heater to stave off the cold.
Still, they were glad to be back in Union
Square, last year they took part in the Bryant
Park Holiday Market. The family-owned
PHOTOS BY TEQUILA MINSKY
Ice-T with cameras rolling.
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