Barenaked Ladies Sing Jose Feliciano, Courtesy of Canada
Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 9:00AM 
The rink and tree at Rockefeller Center finally have some serious competition. The Bryant Park Christmas tree was lit last night before a crowd that oohed and aahed as they watched professional skaters take to the large slick oval. In between sets, spectators soaked up the sounds of the Barenaked Ladies (singing Feliz Navidad, among other holiday standards) and the croonings of Michael Feinstein. The rink is anchored by a two-story cafe that's being brought to us lucky New Yorkers by our generous neighbor to the north. No, not Connecticut. Canada. And in a nod to that Metric System-loving nation, the cafe is called Celsius. Although this is the fourth annual appearance for what's come to be known as the Pond at Bryrant Park, it has taken that many years to elevate the experience to a level that should have the folks over at Rockefeller Center genuinely concerned. The perimeter of the park is filled with high-quality artisanal gift tents and the skating is free (bring your own skates or pay a small fee to rent a pair). Apart from its democratic admission price, the rink also stands miles apart from the Rock Center one because of its larger size and its more expansive views of the midtown skyline. So strap on those skates and show New York your best triple lutz. Afterward, over hot chocolate on the second-story deck at Celsius, you can admire the tree (straight from Quebec) as you brag about your prowess on blades. And break into your best rendition of O Canada, of course. For slideshow, including more images of the ballon that dropped into Bryant Park, complete with a dangling performer from Hollywood Aerial Arts, click here.
