nightmarket

A night market is a marketplace or street market that operates mainly during the evening and night hours, typically from twilight until late night. The concept originated and remains most associated with East and Southeast Asia, but similar markets exist in many other regions as urban nightlife and informal commerce expanded. Night markets are usually open-air or partially covered, organized along a street or in a temporary cluster of stalls.

Common features include a dense array of vendor stalls offering affordable food and beverages, along with textiles, clothing, accessories, toys, crafts, and small consumer goods. Food is often the central attraction, with menus that showcase regional street dishes, grilled items, snacks, and desserts prepared in view of customers. The atmosphere tends to be informal and lively, with pedestrians, music, and bright lighting contributing to a bustling environment.

Economic and social roles vary by location but generally include providing low-cost employment, supporting small entrepreneurs, and extending the hours of urban life for residents and visitors. Night markets may operate with flexible schedules and can be seasonal or subject to regulatory oversight, including licensing, health inspections, and safety measures enforced by local authorities.

Global presence has grown beyond traditional Asian contexts, with many cities hosting immigrant or tourist-oriented night markets that adapt to local tastes and regulations while preserving the core emphasis on food, shopping, and social gathering after dark. Night markets thus function as both commercial hubs and cultural spaces within modern urban ecosystems.