Enlivened by a game (if shivering) Hillhouse High School Marching Band, welcoming remarks by Mayor Toni N. Harp and the timely appearance of actual season-appropriate snowflakes, the city unveiled a festive experiment in retailing with the opening of the New Haven Holiday Market Thursday on Temple Plaza (mid-block between Chapel and Crown streets).
The product of a partnership between the city and the Town Green Special Services District, the pop-up marketplace features 16 greenhouse-style kiosks (with space heaters!) on the plaza for downtown shoppers to celebrate the season. The Holiday Market will be open through Sunday.
The roster of retailers at the Holiday Market is as distinctive as the site itself. Vendors include Women in Business Laptop Bags, holiday décor by UARTS Chapel Haven, books by local authors from the Urban Collective, artful illumination from Sideways & Askew, jewelry from Liz Pagano, Melba Crowley and Hannah Leckman, Eric Iannucci Toys, vintage vinyl and other music from Fake Four Records, hats and gloves from the Den of Hi-Fashion and quirky items under $50 from Westville’s Snail Market.
Beyond mere shopping, the Holiday Market will feature live music and dance throughout the weekend. Friday after dark will feature the cast of New Haven Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker on hand in costume for a free photo op. Saturday will feature free face-painting for children. And on Sunday the Santabus will be on hand for families to have professional photographs taken with St. Nicholas himself.
In addition, neighboring restaurants and merchants such as Temple Grill and Ben & Jerry’s will offer special promotions for Holiday Market shoppers.
Holiday Market hours are noon through 7 p.m. through Sunday.
Contact Michael C. Bingham at mbingham@newhavenbiz.com.
