Tony Award Winner Laura Benanti To Headline Basking Ridge Winter Market, Tree Lighting

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Tony award winning star of stage and screen, Laura Benanti, headlines the 10th Annual Winter Market and Christmas Tree Lighting in Basking Ridge on Saturday, Dec. 2.

Benanti will perform a selection of holiday songs at the Basking Ridge Christmas Tree Lighting.

Benanti has received five Tony Award nominations and won the 2008 Tony Award for her performance in "Gypsy." She has recently starred in the movies, "No Hard Feelings”" and "Tick, Tick... Boom." Benanti has also starred on Broadway in 13 shows including "She Loves Me" and "My Fair Lady."

She has appeared in many television shows including Supergirl, Nashville, Life and Beth, Younger, and the Gossip Girl reboot for HBOMAX. She can currently be seen on the Gilded Age, also for HBOMAX. She released a self-titled album for Sony records and performs her solo shows all across the country.

Benanti is the daughter-in-law of beloved local Coldwell Banker realtor and community member, Lisa Brown.

The Winter Market is held from noon to 7 p.m. at Bishop Janes United Methodist Church. With more than 30 local vendors and artisans in attendance, the Winter Market is a great place to shop for holiday gifts for family and friends.

Christmas trees and wreaths will be available for sale, as well as food, desserts, and handmade crafts. Children can participate in holiday crafts.

Performances will include the William Annin Chorus, Irish Dancers, and the NJ Academy of Music Violin Group.

The Christmas Tree Lighting begins at 5 p.m. with performances on the front steps of Coldwell Banker at 1 S. Finley Avenue.

Benanti will perform several holiday favorites. Other performers include the Jamestown Duo and Trilogy Repertory. The community can enjoy the event in-person or watch the live stream at www.BRBANJ.org.

After the tree lighting, children can visit Santa from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. on the front porch of Ridge Family Dentistry.

From 5 to 7 pm, the Parks & Recreation Department will be offering treats, crafts, and photo opportunities.

"We are very excited that Laura Benanti will be joining our event this year," said Jen Baird, President of the Basking Ridge Business Alliance. "This is our 10th year hosting the Winter Market and Christmas Tree Lighting, and we hope that the community will join us for our best event ever. We wish a happy holiday season to one and all.”

This event is a joint effort between the Basking Ridge Business Alliance (BRBA) and Bishop Janes United Methodist Church. Coldwell Banker is a Presenting Sponsor. Bernards Township has partnered with these organizations to help support this event. The organizers would like to thank the Basking Ridge Fire Department for setting up the Christmas tree on the downtown green.

For more information, go to www.BRBANJ.org.