Isabella Thornton
As of December 1, 2025, The Merchants of Joy is officially streaming worldwide on Prime Video, bringing its heartwarming story to audiences everywhere. The documentary debuted simultaneously across more than 240 countries and territories, allowing viewers around the globe to watch the full experience the moment it launched. Anyone with an active Amazon Prime membership can now enjoy the complete documentary instantly on Prime Video.
The Merchants of Joy (2025) Synopsis
The Merchants of Joy is a holiday documentary centered on five families who bring New York’s sidewalks to life with beautifully arranged Christmas tree stands each winter. It highlights their long-standing family traditions and the pride they pour into preserving this seasonal craft. The film follows their journey as they work tirelessly to source and sell trees in a city known for its fast pace and constant change. Through a warm, intimate lens, it explores the balance between heritage and modern pressures. The documentary blends community spirit, humor, and emotional storytelling. Viewers witness the families’ joyful chaos, the behind-the-scenes hustle, and the resilience that fuels their work. Ultimately, the film becomes a celebration of identity, dedication, and joy as each family contributes to a cherished holiday tradition.
When did The Merchants of Joy premiere?
The film premiered at the DOC NYC film festival on November 14, 2025, and became available broadly for streaming on Prime Video starting December 1, 2025.
Cast
- Celia Aniskovich – Director
- Zoe Vock – Producer
- Arthur Spector – Producer
- Joshua Davis – Producer
- Joshuah Bearman – Producer
- Todd Lubin – Executive Producer
- Ivan Schneeberg – Executive Producer
- David Fortier – Executive Producer
- Douglas Banker – Executive Producer
- Ben Affleck – Executive Producer
- Gillian Brown – Executive Producer
- Dani Bernfeld – Executive Producer
- Owen Long – Screenwriter
Where to watch The Merchants of Joy (2025)
You can watch The Merchants of Joy on Prime Video in all regions where the platform is officially available, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and more than 240 countries worldwide. The documentary is included with an active Amazon Prime membership, making it instantly accessible on launch day. Viewers across supported regions can stream the full film in high quality through the Prime Video app or website without any additional rental or purchase fees.
Is there a way to watch The Merchants of Joy online for free?
Yes, you can watch The Merchants of Joy for free on Amazon Prime Video by using the platform’s free trial available to new users. The free trial provides full access to the documentary along with the entire Prime Video library. All you need to do is create a new Prime account, activate the trial, and start streaming immediately.
Is the documentary suitable for family viewing?
The Merchants of Joy is warm, uplifting, and centered around holiday traditions, making it a great family-friendly choice for seasonal watching.
Can I download The Merchants of Joy for offline viewing?
Yes, you can download The Merchants of Joy for offline viewing on the Prime Video app, as long as the title is available for download in your region. Simply open the Prime Video app on a supported device, tap the download option, and you can watch the documentary later without an internet connection.
Devices You Can Use to Watch Prime Video
| Device Category | Compatible Devices |
|---|---|
| Smart TVs | Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, Sony Bravia, Panasonic Smart TVs, Hisense (Android TV), TCL (Fire TV & Android TV) |
| Streaming Devices | Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku Streaming Stick & Roku TV, Apple TV 4K & HD, Google Chromecast with Google TV, Nvidia Shield TV |
| Gaming Consoles | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S |
| Mobile Devices | iPhone, iPad, Android smartphones, Android tablets, Amazon Fire tablets |
| Computers & Browsers | Windows PCs, Mac computers, Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Microsoft Edge |
| Other Supported Devices | Select Blu-ray players, Set-top boxes with Prime Video app support |
Trailer
Prime Video has released the trailer for The Merchants of Joy.
FAQs
- Do I need a Prime subscription to watch The Merchants of Joy?
Yes. The documentary is included with a standard Prime membership and cannot be watched without an active subscription. - Who directed The Merchants of Joy?
The film was directed by Celia Aniskovich. - How long is The Merchants of Joy?
The documentary runs approximately 90 minutes (about 1 hour and 29 minutes).
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings