We rarely want to shock our readers. But it is officially last minute to get your Holiday shopping done. You have been putting it off telling yourself, “I’ll just do it tomorrow!” Well, as the clock runs out it’s time to make some moves here. Hey, we’re guilty of it as well. Luckily, our beloved city is chalk full of terrific outdoor seasonal markets to assist you in completing the lion share of your gift buying work. These pop-up markets are located all over town and have a plethora of original and downright cool presents for the ones we love. One of our annual markets is located in one of NYC’s greatest crossroads and parks. It’s, “Union Square Holiday Market” and for a few more days you can make your way to this sprawling space to load up your bags and your belly with outstanding finds! The LocalBozo Holiday crew make our way over to this bustle market on a recent weekday and we have a full report on how to make your shopping experience both fun and fruitful.

An outdoor market of this magnitude can seem intimidating to the untrained eye but there is literally something for everyone here. That is why it’s always important to just walk the entire space first to get a feel for it, and simply enjoy the crisp late December chill under the warm marketplace lights. Once you sink this all in, it’s time to shop! As a way to ease into all this commerce why not stock up on some extremely unique Christmas decorations to help gussy up your tree and home when the family arrives next week. You’ll find a handful of places that match this but we highly recommend you make a plan to hit the, “Living Ornaments by 4MULA.” 4MULA is a Philly based company who creates tiny terrariums and living ornaments and wreaths that are perfect addition to any tree. “Mayan Dream Imports” keep this trend going with historic and regionally themed pieces paying tribute to our Spanish neighbors to the south. Either way you go here, expect your guests to make comments about how cool and original your apartment is decorated this year!

You see them on the street. It’s those funky animal hats worn by both the young and the old. And I can almost guarantee that if you look at your family and friends Holiday wish list one of these bold pieces of headwear will be on it. Don’t worry, the market has you covered at, “Panda World.” This stall features a hat donning the face of several members of the animal kingdom. Grab a panda, front, dog and even a bear oh my! And in keeping with the young ones in our family, “Back From Bali” The shops founder traveled to Indonesia twenty years ago and was so inspired by what she saw, she created a clothing company around it. Your kids will love the clothing and handcrafted toys, while us adults will treasure the warm scarfs perfect for the looming winter. And keeping with the hand crafted motif may we suggest you pick up a bar for soap from, “Beekman’s COPA Soaps.” These all natural soaps are make with essential oils and aromas perfect for the shower or just as that guest bar you don’t want anyone to touch. You know who you are!

After all that shopping your going to get a serious hunger on. Not to worry, the Holiday Market is loaded with carts to feed all taste. We loved, “Taste of Persia NYC’s” “Ash Reshteh” which is a Persian vegetable soup based dish. It is perfect for the frigid weather and so hearty! Brooklyn is in the house in a major way here! Every dip lover need to make a stop at, “The Brooklyn Salsa Company” and grab some jars of their: Harvest, Hot and Curry varieties. Fans of eating while shopping will love hot fare by: Hong Kong Street Market, Mighty Balls, and Sigmund’s Pretzels. Well there you have it. You have you mission so get that shopping done folks! The market is open until December 24th, Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

- Jay Rubin