BOSTON, Dec. 1, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Millennial Exhibitions (MX) today announces the official Grand Opening of shops and attractions at 'Boston Winter Presented by Berkshire Bank' at City Hall Plaza on Friday, December 2, 2016. The Plaza will be transformed into a magical winter festival, filled with more than 50 unique experiences, including wine and chocolate tastings, shopping, live events and more. MX will debut an exclusive, European-style market that's the first-of-its-kind in the nation. Boston Winter will be open to the public seven days a week through the end of February, 2017, with programming elements such as the holiday shopping market and holiday attractions available until December 31, 2016. Boston Winter is an undertaking of MX in partnership with Delaware North and Mayor Martin J. Walsh.
The holiday shopping market and attractions are owned and operated by Millennial Exhibitions, a global producer of traveling exhibitions and seasonal experiences that chose Boston as its next launching pad for a festival of this size and scope. "We are thrilled to introduce an entirely new concept to Bostonians, a month-long winter-themed festival at City Hall Plaza steps from public transportation stops and public parking," said Lena Romanova, CEO and Founder of Millennial Exhibitions. "In addition to boutique style shops offering a wide array of gifts and food, we brought museum-style attractions to the Plaza to elevate what's possible for a holiday market in the US. Our mission is to provide a festive experience that all New Englanders can enjoy and look forward to beyond this holiday season and we felt the city of Boston, and its strong sense of community would be the perfect home," Romanova added.
MX has invested more than half a million dollars into Boston Winter to produce shops and attractions for all to enjoy.
Boston Winter is sure to provide fun for all ages. Beyond the 42 European-styled shopping wooden chalets, featuring unique products and brands such as The Grommet and Lovepop, the holiday experience includes food and beverage options; one-of-a-kind attractions like the Vinopolis Interactive Wine Experience and Tastings, The Chocolate Story, the old-world Bavarian Village and the Urban Lodge. Admission to the shopping and dining attractions are free, and attendees can pick up a limited-edition coupon book at ticketed events for big shopping discounts at the market while supplies last.
"We are thrilled to see City Hall Plaza come to life in this new and exciting way, inviting residents, visitors and families to enjoy the holiday season at this outdoor winter festival," said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "I thank Delaware North, Millennial Exhibitions and all partners involved for their efforts in bringing this concept to fruition that supports our efforts to make City Hall Plaza a more welcoming and engaging space, and I look forward to celebrating a fun and successful Boston Winter festival here on the Plaza."
For more information please visit http://cityhallplazaboston.com/ .
Ticketed Attractions
Vinopolis Interactive Wine Experience & Tastings — London's beloved wine exhibit has made its way across the pond to Boston, inviting wine enthusiasts to embark on a journey from grape to glass. Visitors can learn from sommeliers and wine pros all about wine production, while experiencing wines across different regions of the world, including wines from Latitude Beverage Company. Guests can participate in a masterclass or assess their wine profile using an interactive wine app. Grand tasting events will occur throughout the month of December, featuring wines from 90+ Cellars, J. Lohr and Kuvée and many others. [*Available until December 31, 2016]
The Chocolate Story — An educational tour that traces the origins of chocolate from the cacao tree to the sweet treat. Interactive games bring to life the history of chocolate, from original recipes to manufacturing inventions that made mass production possible. Chocolate tastings vary daily and include chocolates from featured partner Taza Chocolate. [*Available until December 31, 2016]
Santa's House — Guests are invited to take a picture with Santa in the home he shares with Mrs. Claus and his elves. Santa's interactive app allows visitors of all ages to determine if they were "naughty or nice" and deserving of presents this holiday season. For those with fur babies, Santa has a special visitation day on Tuesdays. Photos with Santa are available throughout the week at designated hours. [*Available until December 24, 2016]
Attractions
A 20-foot tall Pedal-powered Holiday Tree stands in the market for all to enjoy and for the fitness buffs to show off their pedaling abilities to light the tree. Large halos of light float around the tree as four people work together to 'pedal' the lights up to the very top! If the pedal power is strong and can keep the star illuminated for three or more seconds, a dazzling display of 'victory' lights will illuminate. [*Available until December 31, 2016]
During the eight nights of Chanukah, The Spectacular Menorah features special programming including menorah lighting, specialty food, music performances and festivities for children. [*Available until December 31, 2016]
Food & Beverage
The Bavarian Village — Paying homage to traditional European Christmas markets, foods like Bratwurst sausages, pretzels and sweet mustard, sauerkraut, fondue and, of course, mulled wine will be served. The Bavarian Village offers those nostalgic for old-world flavors a sit-down meal amidst the holiday attractions. Wait-service is available Saturday and Sunday. [*Available until December 31, 2016]
While the attractions remain open through December 31, there will also be special programming, including Mediterranean Chef Demo and Wine Tasting featuring Chef Uri Buri (December 6); Opera Night featuring Anna Shafajinskaia and Mikhail Svetlov (December 9); Mass Innovation Nights (December 14); El Planeta Holiday Bash (December 20) and Holiday Singles Nights (December 15 & 21). For the children, ongoing events such as reading and photos with Santa, holiday scavenger hunt, gingerbread house making, and menorah making will take place throughout the month of December.
Daily Hours of Operation Sunday-Thursday: 11 AM-9 PM (shopping chalets close at 7 PM) Friday and Saturday: 11 AM-10 PM (shopping chalets close at 8 PM)
Opening Day Hours of Operation 3 PM: Doors Open: Shopping, food chalets, Vinopolis, The Chocolate Story, Santa's House Open to the public *The first 100 guests in line will receive a free voucher to be among the first to skate on the Skating Path 5 PM: Skating Path opens to the public 8 PM: Shopping Chalets Close 9 PM: Vinopolis, The Chocolate Story, Santa's House Close 10 PM: Boston Winter Closes
For more information, and various discount programs, please visit: Facebook at www.facebook.com/MXBostonWinter twitter.com/MXBostonWinter Instagram.com/MXBostonWinter with #BostonWinter
Media Contacts: Margrette Mondillo: margrette@goodwinpr.com JoJo Gutfarb: jojo@goodwinpr.com
ABOUT MILLENNIAL EXHIBITIONS: Millennial Exhibitions (MX) is entertainment with meaning. A global provider of traveling exhibits and seasonal experiences for shopping malls, entertainment centers, museums, and public parks. MX uses lifestyle and educational themes to create must-see, must-visit destinations with broad mass appeal. All MX exhibitions are designed to integrate seamlessly with retail environments and museums, and adapt easily to any existing space. Learn more: http://millennialexhibitions.com
Margrette Mondillo: JoJo Gutfarb: 508-404-1745
