On Monday, the frigid weather subsided for a night, giving the city a chance to properly welcome the changing seasons with the Fourteenth Annual Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square. The evening began with a cheerful crowd gathered at Dante Park to await the lighting of a towering tree adorned with glittering ornaments. Once the tree ignited the Upper West Side with its festive white lights, families enjoyed an acoustic performance from acclaimed folk artist, Arlo Guthrie, who rocked out on an assortment of flashy guitars.
Holding the record for New York’s biggest holiday festival, the seasonal cheer spanned from 68th Street down to Columbus Circle, with enticing eats all along the way. Attendees stopped at wintery white tents to indulge in hearty soups, hot chocolate, mini-burgers, and other small plates. Migrating through the crowds, there was a variety of travelling performers, like Bond Street Theater’s Shinbone Alley Stilt-Walking Band, Hungry March Band, and the High And Mighty Brass Band.
A massive tent stationed along 61st Street housed a high-energy dance party, where the DJ led the group with fun dance steps like the salsa. Nearby at an area dubbed “Kids Central,” children swarmed craft tables to make holiday cards and decorate construction paper snowflakes.
Once the masses made their way down to the Time Warner Center, they were met by special treats, discounts, and fun giveaways from participating stores, like Sephora, Lucky Jeans, and L’Occitane. Children and adults made a stop at the second floor for face painting and the Big Apple Circus performance of “Jack Frost: The Original Mr. White Christmas.” Dressed in icy attire, Jack Frost executed all sorts of magical feats with the help of willing audience members.
Between the incredible food, infectious music, and exciting live performances, Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square was the perfect way to welcome another winter to the city!
