🚕 Holiday Markets Get Pricey

Good Morning NY!

The holiday rush is in full swing, and Brooklyn is stirring debate with its first ticketed Winter Village.

Hanukkah sweets are taking over bakeries citywide with inventive sufganiyot flavors.

NoHo gains a cinematic Thai street-food newcomer, while beloved staples prepare to close before the new year.

And Ridgewood welcomes a bold Polish revival redefining comfort classics.

Let’s dive into what’s opening, what’s closing, and what you absolutely need to eat this week.

Brooklyn’s Winter Village Sparks Debate Over Entry Fee

Brooklyn’s first-ever “Williamsburg Winter Village” opened this season at BK Backyard Bar in Greenpoint.

The market has drawn criticism for charging $10–$12.39 for a three-hour visit, unlike Manhattan’s typically free holiday markets.

Inside, visitors can explore 17 vendors offering seasonal treats and small holiday-market activities.

Many attendees felt the entry fee was too high for the limited offerings and space.

Some enjoyed the lighter crowds and more affordable vendor prices, such as $7 hot chocolate, compared with Manhattan’s standard $15.

Organizers defended the fee, saying it helps control crowd sizes and keeps vendor prices reasonable.

Despite the backlash, the opening weekend drew around 3,000 visitors, exceeding expectations.

The Winter Village offers a cozy Brooklyn alternative to Manhattan markets, but opinions differ on whether the experience justifies the ticket price.

NYC’s Sweet Spot for Hanukkah Sufganiyot

Hanukkah is here, and New York City bakeries are rolling out their best sufganiyot for the holiday.

Almah Café is offering a festive pop-up in Flushing along with its Brooklyn locations, featuring flavors like chocolate, cheesecake, pistachio, and peanut butter.

Breads Bakery is serving classics such as strawberry- and mango-filled sufganiyot, as well as creative twists like pistachio, vanilla, and chocolate across multiple Manhattan and Brooklyn locations.

This year, many bakeries are experimenting with inventive flavors, giving traditional jelly-filled donuts a seasonal or gourmet spin.

From the classic powdered-sugar-covered favorites to chocolate-pistachio and other unique combinations, there’s something for every sweet tooth in the city.

Whether you’re a traditionalist or eager to try a modern twist, NYC’s sufganiyot scene ensures you won’t go hungry this Hanukkah.

These festive treats are a must for celebrating the Festival of Lights with family, friends, or even a solo indulgence..

Godunk Brings Thai Street Food to NoHo

Godunk, a new Thai street-food restaurant, has opened at 332 Bowery in NoHo.

The spot is led by chef Nate Limwong, known for her Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Chalong and hot-pot concept Unglo.

The menu highlights flavors from across Thailand, including dry “pok pok” noodles, Godunk fried rice inspired by Chinese ba‑jang, and seafood yen ta fo.

Cocktails are crafted by mixologist Ryan Saputra, featuring romance-film–inspired drinks to complement the vibrant flavors.

The restaurant’s interior channels a vintage-cinema–style vibe, combining bold décor with a cinematic dining experience.

Godunk is designed to offer a high-energy, flavorful take on Thai street cuisine in a stylish and immersive setting.

It’s a must-visit for those craving authentic Thai dishes with a contemporary, visually engaging twist.

NYC Farewells: December Closures to Know

Beloved NYC dining institutions are saying their final goodbyes this December.

Longtime staples and cult favorites across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens are closing their doors due to rising costs, lease issues, and shifting dining patterns.

For many neighborhoods, these restaurants weren’t just places to eat but essential gathering spots woven into daily routines.

Some closures mark the end of decades-long runs, leaving loyal diners with a bittersweet holiday season.

Others are newer names that never fully recovered from post-pandemic operational strains.

The closures highlight how challenging the city’s restaurant landscape has become, even for successful and well-loved spots.

As New York prepares to welcome new openings in 2026, December is a reminder to revisit your favorites before they’re gone.

If there was a time to book that final dinner, it’s now.

Pierogi Boys Brings a Fresh Polish Revival to Ridgewood

Pierogi Boys has officially opened in Ridgewood inside a former funeral home at 57-34 Catalpa Avenue.

The space functions as a café by day, restaurant by night, and an artisanal Polish market throughout.

Classic pierogies anchor the menu, including potato, cheese, mushroom, and pork-and-beef options.

Elevated dishes round things out with items like deviled eggs topped with trout caviar and pork schnitzel paired with endive-anchovy salad.

There’s even a Polish-style banh mi that blends comfort food with international flair.

The interior skips old-school diner wood paneling for a bright, contemporary look featuring a mural by illustrator Gosia Herba.

The market section offers imported condiments, canned fish, craft beers, and Eastern European pantry staples.

Pierogi Boys aims to redefine Polish cuisine in NYC, creating a stylish, welcoming space for both traditionalists and adventurous diners.

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