By Leslie Albrecht
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
UPPER WEST SIDE — A marching band, 12-foot tall puppets and circus clowns will help spread holiday cheer on Monday night at the Lincoln Square Business Improvement District's annual Winter's Eve celebration.
The neighborhood holiday festival will kick off with a 5:30 p.m. tree lighting ceremony at Dante Park at West 63rd Street and Broadway. The 27-foot tall balsam fir was delivered and decorated earlier this month.
Then the streets from West 59th Street to West 68th Street will come alive with street performers, musicians and events such as ice sculpting demonstrations.
"It's a giant party that anyone can attend, that's what I think is so unusual about this event," said Lincoln Square BID President Monica Blum.
New this year is a dance tent where festival-goers can boogie down to the sounds of fiddler Eileen Ivers and band Immigrant Soul. Performers from Billy Elliott will dance and sing at Time Warner Center.
More than 30 restaurants including Bar Boulud, Magnolia Bakery and A Voce will offer low-cost samples of signature dishes.
Some proceeds from the event will benefit City Harvest, and participants are encouraged to donate canned foods at collection bins in Dante Park and the American Bible Society.
