'Boston Winter' returns to City Hall Plaza on Friday, November 24

Mayor Martin J. Walsh, in partnership with the Boston Garden Development Corporation, today announced the return of "Boston Winter Presented by Berkshire Bank" to City Hall Plaza on Friday, November 24.

Last year, in its Boston debut, more than 300,000 local residents and visitors came to experience this new, family-friendly holiday tradition at City Hall Plaza. Open to the public seven days a week, "Boston Winter Presented by Berkshire Bank" will feature a mix of winter activities including a unique outdoor skating path, and an expanded Holiday Shopping Market with an array of hospitality experiences and attractions produced by Millennial Entertainment Group.

"I look forward to opening Boston Winter for the second year in a row, welcoming friends, families and residents to City Hall Plaza to enjoy this new holiday tradition," said Mayor Walsh. "Last year was an overwhelming success in showing the potential for City Hall Plaza to serve as a holiday destination, and I thank all of the collaborators for their partnership in bringing this vision to life. From ice skating, to shopping, to enjoying local artists' performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Boston Winter."

Berkshire Bank is the official community partner of "Boston Winter Presented by Berkshire Bank" at City Hall Plaza. Through the partnership, Berkshire Bank has helped bring to life year-round programming to City Hall Plaza. Their brand is integrated throughout the Plaza, and the "Berkshire Community Stage" will return, providing an opportunity for local artists and community groups to showcase their talent.

"We're thrilled to continue to work with Mayor Walsh and the City of Boston and bring 'Boston Winter' to life again this season," said Sean A. Gray, Berkshire Bank's Chief Operating Officer. "Berkshire Bank has expanded into the downtown Boston neighborhood, and this activation has really allowed us to be embedded in the community, and bring exciting memories for all at City Hall Plaza."

The holiday shopping market and attractions, produced and operated by Millennial Entertainment Group, a leading global producer of seasonal experiences, will run through December 31, 2017 and include unique attractions and over 85 chalets. The boutique style chalets offer a wide variety of local and international gifts, good and food. Vendors include Grace Oliver, LovePop Cards.

Attractions this year include an enchanted Christmas tree maze, a Santa House, a Bavarian Village, and Vinopolis, an interactive wine and beer experience.

The skating path will return in a reconfigured fashion for an entirely new experience. The outdoor skating path, operated by Rink Management Services, the largest operator of ice skating facilities in the United States, will remain open through February, offering learn-to-skate programs and many special events. Visitors can rent skates, or bring their own for Boston's first-ever custom designed pathway that weaves around the marquee "BOSTON" sign.

'Boston Seasons presented by Berkshire Bank' is a three-year activation plan created by the City of Boston's Property Management Department in collaboration with the Boston Garden Development Corporation to revitalize Boston City Hall plaza.  As evidenced by last year's success, the unique programming creates a vibrant and welcoming public space for all. Boston Garden Development Corporation, a subsidiary of Delaware North, is overseeing the efforts as the City's selected vendor to enhance Boston's City Hall Plaza.

Today's announcement builds on Mayor Walsh's commitment to revitalize both City Hall and the plaza. As part of the master plan to re-envision public spaces, the Walsh Administration has invested in improvements to City Hall to make the building more welcoming and accessible to all.  Earlier this year, Mayor Walsh announced renovations were  completed in the Boston City Hall lobby, and the Boston City Council chamber.  Included in the renovations is the selection of Recreo Coffee to operate a coffee shop on the third floor mezzanine.  All of these efforts are part of a master planning process, Rethink City Hall. For more information, visit rethinkcityhall.org.

For more information, visit: CityHallPlazaBoston.com, follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BostonCityHallPlaza, Twitter @CHP_Boston and Instagram @CHP_Boston with #BostonWinter.

Millennial Entertainment Group, previously Millennial Exhibitions is a global provider of traveling exhibits and seasonal experiences for shopping malls, entertainment centers, museums and public parks. Millennial Entertainment Group produces bespoke holiday markets that enchant the public of all ages, and provide a festive environment where local makers and entrepreneurs showcase their products and wares.