Shop the (Post) Season: Bergies Super Socks

You can't stay warm during the winter months if your feet are cold. Gear up with the right socks before the cold sets in... just follow the Sock Monkeys to Bergies Socks at The Holiday Shops, where you can fill your winter sock needs.

Fleece, fuzzy, wool or cotton. You'll find socks in all shapes, sizes and materials. Try their bestseller, The World's Softest Sock, or pick a pair of slippers to stay warm indoors. Prices are around $10 a pair, and they offer three packs in some varieties for a better rate. 

The Holiday Shops are open through Sunday, January 7.

Bergies Super Socks

Booth D08 on the Fountain Terrace  (map)

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park
Monday – Friday: 11am – 8pm
Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 10am – 6pm

*Some Shops may be closed on New Years Day.

Say Hello to 2012 in Bryant Park

Searching for your last activities of 2011? Or something to welcome in 2012?

How about these weekend choices in Bryant Park:
Ring in New Year’s Eve rinkside at Celsius. Limited tickets available here.

Pose for next year’s holiday card at the tree.

Glide across the Citi Pond ice, stroll through The Holiday Shops, and spin around Le Carrousel all weekend long.  Check hours here.

Warm up fireside and under the heat lamps at the Southwest Porch.

Happy New Year!

This is an excerpt from Bryant Park's events newsletter, Now in Bryant Park. You can view this week's edition online, or sign up for Bryant Park Events to receive it in your inbox.

The Ugliest Sweater of Them All

We had some valiently ugly entries in the Ugly Sweater Contest at the Southwest Porch last week. About fifty people came to The Porch and adorned themselves in their tackiest finery. We took photos, posted them online and gave the public a week to vote for their favorite. Now the fans have spoken. Linda's homemade ugly sweater came out on top, as the ugliest of them all.

For her daring lack of embarrassment and one-of-a-kind sweater, Linda will receive two tickets courtesy of Southwest Airlines. Congratulations Linda, and thank you to all who attended The Ugly Sweater Party and participated in the contest.

If you missed the chance to win free airline tickets this time, stay tuned. We will hold a couple of more contests over the winter, leading up to the spring, with more chances to win free tickets on Southwest Airlines.

Shop the (Post) Season: Vivi Sun Jewelry

While you're enjoying the additional days of the Holiday Shops, stop into Vivi Sun Jewelry to buy beautiful pieces for yourself, or even plan ahead. The holidays may be over, but birthdays come year round, Valentine's Day is really only a few weeks away, and Vivi Sun has some special occaision sparklers.

The majority of their designs feature beads, metal or small stones set into colorful resins. The result is quite mesmerizing. Necklace prices range from $26 - $42.

They've got simple stud earrings for just $8, as well as more intricately designed dangle earrings for $38. I bought a translucent pair of white studs that I've been wearing as a pearl alternative almost daily.

 

The Holiday Shops will be open through Sunday, January 8. Come by while you still can!

Vivi Sun Jewelry

Booth H04 in the 42nd Street allee  (map)

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park
Monday – Friday: 11am – 8pm
Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 10am – 6pm

*Extended hours run December 15-30. 

Shop the Season: 11 More Days

The gift giving season may be officially over, but there's still time to shop at The Holiday Shops. Got stuck with the same old necktie? Too much fruitcake? The Shops will be open through January 8, 2012, so take this opportunity to buy yourself what you really wanted for the holidays.

Get a sneak preview of what's in store with our Shop the Season posts, where we hit the highlights, including mini clocks, record bracelets, pickles, mustache tees, and the perfect knife for chefs.

Sad to see the Holiday Shops pack up for the season? Don't fear, you'll still be able to dine and skate at Celsius and Citi Pond through February 26, 2012. It's going to be a great winter!

The Ugly Sweater Party

We had a blast last week at The Ugly Sweater Party at The Southwest Porch. The pending rain cleared, and gave way to a lovely evening with unseasonable warm temperatures in the high 50's. 'wichcraft served up the devilishly green Grinch cocktails and the toasty fire, while we played dress up with tinsel, wreaths and some truly hideous sweaters.

Check out the highlights below, and some backstage shots as outfits were assembled, then head over to Facebook to vote on your favorite ugly sweater ensemble. The photo with the most votes will win a pair of tickets, compliments of Southwest Airlines. But hurry, the contest closes tomorrow at midnight!

Vote for your Favorite Ugly Sweater

 

Photos by Jacob Bielecki

Shop the Season: Helen's Gems

Today Tricia of Fashion Herald shares one of her favorite jewelry stores at The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park.

I've shopped Helen's Gems for quite a few years at The Holiday Shops, and around now is when we all need a pair of their earrings. What? You're done with your holiday shopping? Trust me, it's a good idea to have a pair of these as a back-up, because Helen's Gems make everyone happy.

And if you still haven't found that something special for your someone special, you must browse showstoppers like these:

Helen's Gems

Booth L06 in the Upper Terrace  (map)

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park
Monday – Friday: 11am – 8pm
Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 10am – 6pm

*Extended hours run December 15-30. Some shops may be open on Christmas Day.

Shop the Season: Kettle Corn NYC

Nancy admits her guilty pleasure during the Holiday Shops season. It's the delicious aroma and flavor of kettle corn. 

There is one holiday shop I find myself returning to at least once a week; Kettle Corn NYC. The first time I smelled the sweet aroma wafting through the park, my eyes eagerly scanned the crowds to identify its source. Lo and behold, I see dozens of passerby munching on bags of caramelized kettle corn.

The small booth was crowded with a long line but it moved quickly and efficiently. There is a long list of flavors I would have never even thought to pair with kettle corn; Sour Cream and Chives? Pumpkin and Apple Spice? Raspberry? Cheddar? Luckily the workers are super friendly and have a lot of patience and offer multiple samples.

My favorite I come back for week after week is Caramel Kettle Corn. It’s sweet and salty, and surprisingly light tasting. Every now and then I like to switch it up to try the other flavors, and also highly recommend the Chocolate kettle corn and the Sour Cream and Chives flavor.

 

The favorite for children is the Raspberry flavor, which has the sweetness of Fruity Pebbles and the colors of it too! Kids seem to love the idea of crunchy on bright pink, purple, and turquoise kernels. At the price of only $4 a small bag, it’s easy to try multiple flavors. Kettle Corn NYC is definitely the best spot to take a break from all the stressful holiday shopping; and you will most likely be coming back for more.

Kettle Corn NYC

Booth C10 on the Fountain Terrace  (map)

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park
Monday – Friday: 11am – 8pm
Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 10am – 6pm

*Extended hours run December 15-30. Some shops may be open on Christmas Day.

Shop the Season: Dr. Sofskin's Body Lotion Candless

Today Tricia of Fashion Herald shares one of her favorite bath and body boutiques at The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park.

I love a multi-tasking body product. Dr. Sofskin's has a most ingenious lotion that does double duty: it starts as a candle and ends up as a moisturizer.

When you first enter the store, an employee will dip right into a burning candle, scoop up some wax, and give you a hand massage. Dr. Sofskin's has you hooked from the very beginning.

In addition to body lotion candles, you can stock up on:

fresh-cut, handmade soaps;

Old-school shaving gear for the guys and rubber band shooters;

And coal, for that very naughty special one.

All of the above  makes Dr. Sofskin's one of my favorite holiday shops in Bryant Park this year. Be sure to drop by for stocking stuffers, clever last-minute gift ideas, or to treat yourself to a couple of body lotion candles.

Dr. Sofskin's Body Lotion Candles

Booth L04 on the Upper Terrace  (map)

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park
Monday – Friday: 11am – 8pm
Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 10am – 6pm

*Extended hours run December 15-30. Some shops may be open on Christmas Day.

Shop the Season: Kumani Essentials

Craig (formerly known as Intern Craig) rounds out his tour of bath, body and beauty products at The Holiday Shops. 

I’m always skeptical of new cosmetic brands. Often, the emphasis is placed on scent or packaging while the actual product lacks any nourishing qualities for the skin. Kumani Essentials is a diamond in the rough of the upstart cosmetic world.

The two-year-old company boasts a range of skin, hair, and body care all made with organic shea butter as the central ingredient. Kumani’s mission statement—beauty care that puts the caring first—is truly apparent when looking at the kind of lengths that the company goes through to produce the product. Kumani’s products are fair trade certified, parabens free, animal testing free, and use natural ingredients.

Yet, Kumani’s greatest trait is its actual product. The Shea Repair Reparative Hand & Body Lotion is sublime. There is minimal scent so the lotion is perfect for ladies with sensitive noses or men who don’t want to smell like a floral shop after moisturizing. Shea butter is famous for melting at body temperature and Kumani’s product is no different—there’s no greasy residue so you’re free to open jars or play Angry Birds on your iPhone.

If the hand and body lotion is any indication of the quality of Kumani’s other products, this should be a definite stop on your Bryant Park trip.

Kumani Essentials

Booth H07 in the 42nd Street allee  (map)

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park
Monday – Friday: 11am – 8pm
Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 10am – 6pm

*Extended hours run December 15-30. Some shops may be open on Christmas Day.

Shop the Season: Handsome Howard

With only a few shopping days left, you're probably scrambling to round out your list of gift items. Before you hit the park to shop, peruse our Shop the Season posts to help you navigate the maze of stores in The Holiday Shops.

Handsome Howard has a cleverly outfitted shop near the ping pong area in the park. Inside you'll find screen printed tees, funky ties and adorable onesies for the tots. The shop is worth a visit even if you don't think you're in the market. 

Pick up a Shark! Tee for the newborns on your list, an apron for the burgeoning chefs, or a classic grey tee with black screen print designs. They even have intimates for the ladies. Ties are $45, onesies $22, and tees $24.

Handsome Howard

Booth F12 near the ping pong area  (map)

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park
Monday – Friday: 11am – 8pm
Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 10am – 6pm

*Extended hours run December 15-30. Some shops may be open on Christmas Day.