Shop For A Cause At 80+ UES Stores This December

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Holiday carolers, therapy dogs and children’s activities will return to Madison Avenue next month for the 40th annual Miracle on Madison Avenue.

The free holiday celebration is set for Saturday, Dec. 5, along Madison Avenue from East 57th to East 86th streets. The Madison Avenue Business Improvement District organizes the event, which benefits MSK Kids, the pediatric cancer program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

More than 80 participating stores will donate 20% of their sales that day to MSK Kids, with donations capped at $15,000, according to the BID.

The event marks the 15th consecutive year the BID and MSK have partnered on Miracle on Madison.

“Miracle on Madison has been a cherished part of the Upper East Side’s holiday season for forty years,” Matthew Bauer, president of the Madison Avenue BID, said in a statement.

Festivities will include Victorian carolers, performances by local elementary school choirs and a holiday-themed art installation by the School of Visual Arts’ 3D Design Program.

Children can take part in activities including a snowball toss, snowflake decorating and holiday card making. A commemorative coloring book will be available at participating locations and the event information tent.

MSK’s volunteer therapy dogs, known as Caring Canines, will also greet visitors. Dog owners can bring their pets to the Caring Canines tent to be evaluated for potential therapy work, according to the announcement.

Participating businesses will offer seasonal warm beverages, too.

A list of participating stores and their activities is available here.

For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.