The Winter Village at Bryant Park
Winter in New York can be overwhelming: the busy shops, the crowded streets, the cold conditions; but thanks to the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, locals and tourists alike can easily find their Holiday spirit! Since 2002, Bryant Park has been bringing food, shops, and entertainment, modeled after Europe’s “Christkindlemarkt,” to NYC in December and it’s one of the special Christmas highlights that everyone in New York looks forward to.
Food
The Winter Village at Bryant Park’s food brings dishes across the five boroughs to one centralized location, and it’s delicious. Check out Bun Ramen(opens in a new tab) (famous for their Sheng Jian Bao or pan-fried buns) and Breezy Hill Orchard(opens in a new tab), where you can munch on a gingerbread man and sip steamy hot apple cider. The Lodge Deck is an outdoor area where visitors can cozy up with a mulled wine and enjoy some delicious food such as wild boar sausage, charcuterie plates, or for you non-meat eaters out there—the ‘Beyond Sausage’! A group of friends can also reserve a heated “Cozy Igloo(opens in a new tab)” which provide a private and socially distanced dining experience.
Shops
Winter in New York also means the arrival of Bryant Park’s open-air market featuring artisans from all over the world. They set up shop in what’s called a “jewel box”, the special kiosks you’ll see when you come to the market. Now if you’re looking for a unique gift or souvenir, this is where you will find it! Shops range from “Christmas in New York”, where you can purchase NYC themed Christmas tree ornaments, to Hell’s Kitchen Hot Sauce, which offers locally made award-winning spicy treats. Jewelry kiosks, candle makers, clothing stalls, even shops dedicated entirely to pampering your puppy populate the Winter Village. Take a stroll, support local businesses, and spread some holiday cheer!
Entertainment
The Bryant Park ice skating rink might be what truly puts the Winter Village on the map! The ice skating rink is open daily to the public from 8 am to 11 pm. This year, there is reduced capacity to allow for social distancing and extensive safety protocols are in place to ensure everyone stays healthy (click to see safety protocols(opens in a new tab)). Skating is free but there is a skate rental fee and pricing varies depending on the time and date of your session. Wednesday afternoons at the rink are dedicated to “Radio Rewind”, where visitors skate to their favorite retro jams. Check out the calendar(opens in a new tab) to learn which decade is being featured on specific dates.
If you’re visiting us in New York for Christmas, one of our expert local guides can provide a private, customized tour(opens in a new tab) for you and your group. It’s not important whether it’s your first time or your 10th, nothing beats being shown around New York by a local!