The Navy Yard in winter is a desolate place with cold winds and large open expanses of brick pathways, but the popular Anchor space in Shipyard Park is looking to liven up the Yard this holiday season.
Chris Sinclair of Anchor said they are coming off a very successful summer season of programming at their event space and beer garden, and wanted to step out on a limb to try to do some winter activities.
“We’re taking a big risk, but we want to re-open for December,” said Sinclair, noting that they closed up for the winter in early November. “Our summer was very successful and 99 percent of the people like it. There is not much happening in the Yard in winter…We observed that the weekends were pretty strong right up to our closing. It wasn’t the same Monday through Friday, but Saturday and Sunday was the same. After Halloween, the days were really nice. That encouraged us that people will want to do something outside doing something.”
Instead of shying away from the colder temps, Sinclair and Anchor are embracing it. They plan to open for six days in December, from the 13-15 and the 20-22. There will be music, family activities, a tree lighting, a menorah lighting, a waffle bar, food trucks, fitness activities, Santa visits and even a story ready by Police Commissioner Willie Gross.
There will be heaters and blankets to escape the cold, and the drinks will be focused on hot items – both non-alcoholic and alcoholic.
The fun begins on Friday, Dec. 13, when youth groups from the schools will decorate the Christmas trees at Anchor, and then on Dec. 13 they will have a colossal tree lighting. On Sunday, Dec. 15, there will be a Toys for Tots drop off event with the US Marines. Throughout there will be children’s choirs, holiday choirs and other fun events.
The final day, Dec. 22, looks to be a major fun day.
“We’re trying to go out with a band on the last day we’re open,” said Sinclair.
On Dec. 22, they will have Commissioner Gross in to read a children’s story. They will have outdoor fitness classes with Santa, sports mascot visits, and a Menorah lighting as well.
The Anchor Winter has been approved by the BPDA and the Mayor’s Office and will open on Dec. 13.