'Miracle On Madison Avenue' Returns To UES For Charitable Cause

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — People searching for holiday gifts on the Upper East Side will be in luck this weekend, as the Miracle on Madison Avenue shopping event is set to return for the 34th time at dozens of participating stores.

The event on Saturday, Dec. 5 will begin when stores open at 10 a.m. and last until the avenue's holiday lights are turned on at 5 p.m. As has been the case for nine years, the stores will donate 20 percent of all sales to the Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's pediatric programming.

Customers will get to enjoy strolling musicians, ornate holiday windows and special shopping experiences, all while abiding by social distancing guidelines and other safety rules, according to the Madison Avenue B.I.D., which is organizing the event.

Participating stores include La Maison du Chocolat, Ralph Lauren, Apple Madison Avenue and nearly 50 others. Heat lamps and outdoor tents will also be open at restaurants along the avenue to allow for outdoor dining.

Madison Avenue's holiday light displays turned on early this year and will stay shining longer than usual — through early February — to help spread cheer during a difficult time in the city, the B.I.D. said.

"Even in these most difficult of times, the tradition of Miracle on Madison Avenue continues to be celebrated,” Madison Avenue B.I.D. President Matthew Bauer said in a statement. "Now, more than ever, your holiday shopping on Madison Avenue means so much more to the children and families supported by The Society of MSK, and the retailers of our community. We invite you to shop in-store, or to call in your purchases in advance at your favorite participating retailer."

Find out more at the Madison Avenue B.I.D. website.