Amazon MGM Studios is bringing some real-world holiday magic this season with The Merchants of Joy, a touching new documentary that celebrates the unsung heroes of New York City’s Christmas season, the families who sell trees on its bustling sidewalks.
Directed by Celia Aniskovich, the film follows five families as they transform ordinary city corners into cozy, twinkling holiday outposts. Every December, these vendors brave freezing winds, long nights, and city chaos to keep a deeply rooted family tradition alive. They don’t just sell trees. They sell joy, connection, and a sense of community in a city that never slows down.
The Merchants of Joy isn’t your typical glossy Christmas story. It’s grounded, intimate, and full of heart. Through quiet moments of laughter, exhaustion, and pride, the film captures the true meaning of the season: family, perseverance, and the small acts of kindness that make the holidays special.
Produced by Celia Aniskovich, Zoe Vock, Arthur Spector, Joshua Davis, and Joshuah Bearman, and executive produced by Todd Lubin, Ivan Schneeberg, David Fortier, Douglas Banker, Ben Affleck, Gillian Brown, and Dani Bernfeld, the documentary brings a rare authenticity to the holiday genre.
The Merchants of Joy premieres December 1, 2025 on Amazon Prime Video and will stream until June 2, 2026. It’s the kind of film that doesn’t just remind you what Christmas looks like, it reminds you what it feels like.
