The Shops at Yale has announced its two biggest holiday events of the year: the Toy & Coat Drive with United Way of Greater New Haven and Holiday Jazz Jam on Saturday, Dec. 10 and the sixth annual Ice Carving Competition and A Cappella Concert on Sunday, Dec. 11. Both take place on Broadway Island in downtown New Haven from noon to 4 p.m.
Donations of new toys for ages 0-3 and new coats for all ages are requested and will benefit people in the local community who are in need this holiday season. Patrons will be treated to seasonal jazz music from the New Haven Underground Jazz Band as well as magician Amazing Andy. Those who cannot attend the event are asked to consider dropping off new and unwrapped toys to donation boxes located at Union League Café, dwell New Haven, L.L. Bean, Barnes & Noble/The Yale Bookstore, Katahdin Furniture, Walker-Loden, and the Yale University Police Department. Boxes will be left at these locations through Dec. 11.
“We are so grateful to everyone who donates toys for babies and toddlers through the United Way toy drive,” said Jennifer Heath, president and CEO of United Way of Greater New Haven. “The toys will be gifted to local children ages 0-3 enrolled in United Way’s Early Head Start program. Your donations will bring joy to many children this holiday season.”
The annual Ice Carving Competition and A Cappella Concert includes six professional ice carvers from all over New England transforming 900 pounds of ice into holiday-
themed sculptures. Yale a cappella groups will perform, including The Whiffenpoofs, Proof of the Pudding, Doox of Yale, Yale Alley Cats, Whim ‘n Rhythm, Something Extra, The Yale Spizzwinks and Redhot & Blue of Yale. Guests who vote on their favorite sculptures will automatically be entered to win one of five $50 gift cards.
“We are thrilled to host one of Connecticut’s most popular outdoor holiday events and offer free admission to the public thanks to contributions from our local merchants and Yale
University,” said David DelVecchio, director of real estate asset management for Yale University Properties. “Downtown New Haven is full of rich history, beautiful architecture and is home to many independently owned boutiques in addition to popular national retailers, with fantastic eateries, cafes and restaurants around every corner. There is something for every taste, style, and budget this holiday season.”
The event is free and open to the public, with free all-day parking available at the Chapel-York Garage, located at 150 York St., with a validated ticket. Visit The Shops at Yale tent during the event for a free validation stamp.