[title]
The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is one of Manhattan’s prime destinations for holiday shopping. If you haven't heard, this festive market is best known for it’s free ice-skating on the 17,000-square-foot outdoor rink, delicious grub from the rink-side pop-up restaurant, Celsius, holiday performances and, of course, the shops! But this year marks the Winter Village's 10th annual tree lighting ceremony, so can expect plenty of entertainment on and off the ice tomorrow night.
Hosted by New York Live and LX TV’s Open House front woman, Sara Gore, the tree lighting kicks off Tuesday, Dec 2nd at 6pm. FYI: The Village will be promoting RED in an effort to help raise awareness for the fight against AIDS.
Check out the tree, but stay for the entertainment, which includes musical acts from Ingrid Michaelson and Catey Shaw plus skating performances by 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist Evan Lysacek and a synchronized routine from The Haydenettes. We also heard a rumor that the big man in the red suit will be there with his elves, too.
The village boasts 127 kiosks, which includes 100 returning vendors, 27 new shops, and 26 eateries. And judging by the vast list of vendors, we can confirm that this year's holiday offerings are ace.
Enjoy decadent pies from This Pie Is Nuts, shop sustainable clothing from Angelrox for your eco-friendly relatives and splurge on beautiful vases from NICA Ceramic Art for your artsy friends, too. And when you go, be sure to check out the organic Brazilian lifestyle brand, Surya Brasil. This natural brand provides complimentary winter hand warming massages, natural hair color consultations and free vegan treats from Vegan Diva’s bakery.
The Winter Village shops will stay open through January 4th, but so don't fret. If you still want to practice your lutzes and axels with ample spinning room after the holidays, the winter attractions last through March 1st.
Bryant Park, between 40th and 42nd Sts and 5th and 6th Aves (wintervillage.org). The Holiday Shops, Mon-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-6pm. The Rink, Mon-Sun 8am-10pm. Celsius, Mon-Fri noon-10pm, Sat, Sun 11am-10pm.