This is definitely one of the best times to visit NYC, from Thanksgiving to New Year's. And Bryant Park Winter Village is one of the best places to sight see, shop, and do a bit of ice skating. The shops are aplenty with various options of gifts and lots of food stalls to keep you happy. It is a beautiful sight with the Empire State Building in the back drop. Overall, a very nice experience. If it could get better is if there were a sprinkle of snow here and there.

Starting in October and wrapping up on the first week of March, the ice skating at Bryant Park is a seasonal must. Unlike Rockefeller Center, where the skating can go as high as $32 during peak dates and $12 skate rentals, admission to Bryant Park's skate is F.R.E.E. Though the skate rental is higher ($20). I can't for the life of me find any information on lockers at Rockefeller Center, but there are small lockers for your shoes and maybe a small bag, and a bag check for larger items at Bryant Park. The Bag Check runs $12-15 while the lockers are free... but you do have to pay $10 for a lock if you can't bring your own. With my own skates (thanks eBay!) and lock, I was able to skate completely free! All services have to be paid outside prior to entering. That includes skate sharpening and skate aids for the kiddies. Sharpening is a reasonable $20 and the aids are a whopping $22/hour. They did a great job with my used eBay skates. Well worth the price. The Overlook, the free indoor observation area, is inside so you have to get a wristband before you can enter. Just tell them that you have your own skates and they'll give you one no questions asked. There's also a small, expensive cafe. They were out of hot chocolate the day I went (really???) and since I'd already put on my skates, going to the Starbucks on the corner was out. You're better off going to Starbucks anyway when they charge $3 for a friggin' bottle of water. Overall I think Bryant Park is a much better deal for tourist, though less iconic than Rockefeller Center. And it's a fantastic deal for residents with their own skates.

❄️⛸ 🛍🎅☃️🥶🧤🧣🎄. Bryant Park. This is a highlight for many New Yorkers during the holiday period. From ice skating to bumper cars to the shopping, it’s worth visiting during the holidays. The shopping is very good, comparable to Union Square. Don’t forget to stop by “No Chewing Allowed”. What sets this holiday market apart from the rest is the ice skating rink, the lodge, the igloos and the overall entertainment and food. You can skate for free if you have skates. In the first week of December you can get free tickets to see the lighting of the Christmas Tree, where ice skaters and other performances such as Christmas carols occur. You can rent an “igloo” to experience the village while staying warm.

Lots of small vendor shops. Decorated Christmas tree. Ice skating rink. Food vendors. There is a lot going on in a small space. Very crowded. Has public restrooms but with long lines.

Bryant park winter village is my favorite spot for Christmas time! Ice Skating, hot chocolate with marshmallows, lots of options of handmade gifts for your your family or friends! Delicious food and people with Christmas spirit. What else do we need for Christmas?!

The scenery and experience of skating are at this location is priceless and worth 5 stars. The system they have set up with reservations is terrible. If you are renting skates you have to pay a ridiculous amount and if you are bringing your own skates it's practically impossible to make a reservation unless you pay for a skate renter's ticket. The staff and security are obnoxious, rude and unprofessional. They'll refer you to call the help desk for any issues and the help desk will tell you on-site staff should resolve the issue. They should go back to the old system of letting ppl walk in with their own skates, it worked fine for years. This new set up is overly produced and unnecessary.

I love Bryant Park. No matter if it's Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter. But Winter Village is my favorite time. I really like the Rink, the little Shops, the food and of course the hot chocolate. Highly recommended

The holiday shops at Bryant Park in New York City are a popular seasonal attraction, typically open from late October or early November through the end of December or early January. These shops are part of the Bryant Park Winter Village, a festive setup that transforms the park into a winter wonderland. Variety of Vendors: The holiday shops feature a diverse array of vendors, offering a wide range of products such as artisanal crafts, unique gifts, handmade jewelry, and decorative items. These shops are known for showcasing local artisans and small businesses, making them a great place to find unique and one-of-a-kind items. Festive Atmosphere: The setting is highly festive, with the shops arranged in custom-designed kiosks. The entire park is usually adorned with holiday lights and decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Food and Beverages: In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy a variety of food and beverage options. From gourmet snacks to hot drinks, there's a range of offerings to enjoy while browsing or relaxing in the park. Skating Rink: A centerpiece of the Winter Village is the Bryant Park ice skating rink. This free-admission rink (with skate rental available) adds to the holiday spirit and is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. Much less crowded than Rockefeller Center rink. Events and Entertainment: The Winter Village often hosts a range of events and entertainment, including live music, workshops, and special performances, adding to the festive experience. Accessibility and Location: Bryant Park is centrally located in Manhattan, making it easily accessible via public transportation. This accessibility, combined with the vibrant atmosphere of the park, makes the holiday shops a popular destination during the holiday season. The Bryant Park holiday shops are not just a shopping destination but a complete holiday experience that embodies the spirit of the season in New York City.

Bryant Park is located southeast of Times Square. It has monuments and gardens, and “Le Carrousel”, a popular carousel. Locals love this park. It is located west of the New York Public Library. During winter there is a large Christmas gift market and an ice rink. During summer there are outdoor concerts and yoga classes in the park.

A beautiful place, during the day you can sit in the sun, take a break from Noisy New-York, drink delicious coffee, have an inexpensive snack, and go ice skating. Take beautiful Photos. Have a nice time with the Children. Here you can find everything for relaxation. I recommend it to everyone during the Winter Season.

Affordable family fun within 15 min walking distance from Penn Station. Continue on the the Rockefeller Christmas Tree is only another 20 min walk from Bryant Park. Add Ellen’s Stardust Diner to your day and it’s a trifecta of fun and adventure. Must order tickets in advance for skating and Ellen’s will not take reservations unless you are a party of 20 or more. Enjoy NYC

Nice small park right next to NYC library. Tons of shops during Christmas time, selling all kinds of stuffs, from decorative items to unique foods. There is a large Christmas tree in the middle and an ice skating rink.

One of my favorite places during the holidays with lots of activities like ice skating, holiday shopping and lots of food and drinks. To avoid tourists and crowds try going for skating in the morning. Also highly recommend the “no chewing allowed” hot chocolate, it’s one of the best I’ve ever tasted.

Fun Christmas market with food and gift options.

Bryant Park Winter Village is a magical seasonal experience that captivates visitors with its festive charm. The park transforms into a winter wonderland, adorned with twinkling lights and a festive ambiance that captures the spirit of the holidays. The ice skating rink takes center stage, providing a picturesque setting for skaters of all skill levels. The surrounding holiday shops, housed in quaint kiosks, offer a delightful array of artisanal crafts, unique gifts, and delectable treats. Exploring these stalls feels like a journey through a festive market, with each vendor contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the village. The atmosphere is further enhanced by the aroma of seasonal treats wafting through the air – from freshly baked pastries to warm, spiced beverages. Visitors can easily lose themselves in the joyous hustle and bustle of the village, surrounded by the backdrop of New York City's iconic skyline. What truly sets Bryant Park Winter Village apart is its sense of community. Families, friends, and solo adventurers alike come together to share in the joy of the season. The carefully curated events, such as live performances and themed nights, add an extra layer of entertainment, ensuring there's always something special happening. While it can get crowded, particularly during peak hours, the overall experience is one of festive merriment. Bryant Park Winter Village has mastered the art of creating a heartwarming and enchanting atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination during the holiday season in New York City.

The winter village was magical! Loved all the mini shops. There were different types of hot chocolate drinks for sale. The tree was massive standing in front of the skating ring. It was beautiful hearing the laughter and chatter of the people alongside Christmas music playing in the background. Definitely take your crew or your loved ones here. Follow me on instagram for more travel adventures @naturalhairtraveler

I have been going every season since 2014 and it is no longer an enjoyable experience like it used to be. I understand why they have people make a reservation but 55 minutes is not enough. By the time you go through the 2 check points put your skates on and do the shoe checkin 20-25 minutes have passed and you only get to skate for about 30 minutes. It’s not worth the trip for me anymore.

A fun event with a large variety of food vendors and shops. It gets pretty crowded so I recommend going at the beginning of the season at opening hours. Come with an appetite!

Debuting back in 2002, Winter Village in Bryant Park is one of the most festive Christmas markets in NYC. This winter wonderland is once again open for countless kiosks ranging from home decorations, artwork, and jewelry to food sweets and ice skating. My friend and I came by yesterday to Rinkside Bar by Stout NYC on the Lodge deck and grabbed their version of hot apple cider to catch up at a small bistro table.

Bryant Park Winter Village offers a magical winter experience with its charming holiday market and ice skating rink. The festive atmosphere is complemented by a variety of vendors offering unique gifts and delicious treats. The rink provides a picturesque backdrop for skating enthusiasts, making it a perfect destination for families and friends during the holiday season. The park's central location adds to the appeal, creating a delightful escape in the heart of the city.

My family booked a cozy igloo for four and the younger kids went ice skating. The cozy igloo includes food options and we chose the cheese/charcuterie to snack on with hot apple cider. We also ordered chicken fingers. It was a big hit. The igloo was a lot bigger than expected and the service was good. Our hosts were nice and accommodating when I had one or two extra guests. When you book the igloo you also have to book ice skating separately. My kids had their ice skates so we book just skate time. But if you have to rent skates then you will spend an extra 15mins waiting in line to rent/give your shoes to storage. I helped my kids put their skates on and decided to take our bags back to the igloo. When I asked if I could come back the supervisor said I couldn’t. Even though I wanted to leave to enjoy the igloo but they wouldn’t allow it. But when my kids finished skating they could meet me at the exit to get their bags/shoes back. The workers at the exit were friendly. The morale of this story is that when renting the igloo you should just hang out and enjoy the igloo, not skate. Once you leave the ice skating area you are not allowed back. I recommend renting the igloo before or after skating, not during the igloo rental. Because once my kids were done skating then they couldn’t enjoy the igloo too much as we had to rush out. They had fun ice skating and Bryant park also had these cute snowman that younger children could use to help them feel more comfortable skating. Afterwards we enjoyed donuts and cookies from the shops. Other members in our party also enjoyed the crepes and hot chocolate from the shops. All in all we had wonderful memories at Bryant park winter village.

Bryant Park Winter Village in Manhattan has a rich history dating back to 2002 when it was first introduced as a holiday market. What started as a modest gathering has evolved into a festive extravaganza featuring over 170 holiday shops, an ice skating rink, and a dazzling array of lights and decorations. Over the years, it has become a beloved tradition for New Yorkers and visitors alike, offering a magical winter experience in the heart of the city! 🩵Remember to capture some pictures)

So different visiting Bryant Park in the winter, when the village is setup. A must see for the iconic ice skating and many food stands. We went on a Friday afternoon and it was very busy but we still managed to get a couple of seats. Queues were long for some of the eateries although we found some were much shorter on the other side, where we got our buns. Skating was in sessions and fun to watch! #wintervillage ⛸️❄️

I've been here several times. it's becoming a tradition. Nice place to bring the family during the holidays, theres many places to eat, snacks, nearby restrooms, dress warm

Great event, shops and location....so much fun on a beautiful winter night in NYC!

We had a great time exploring the shops, bars, sights, sounds, etc. Service at the bar was fantastic. Worth a visit if you’re in town!

Nice typical Christmas market. Lots of shop and food choices and a free ice skate rink (if you have your own skates). also quantity-wise worth the trip of youre from around. Recommended!

It’s a nice environment. Several vendors available. The food is all together, so keep searching if you’re hungry. The bar areas are extremely chaotic, so we skipped it. Lots of great gift options and fun to walk around. Recommend it for an evening out. But it will be busy, so go prepared for a crowd. Did NOT like the Christianity marketing, but that’s not the organizers fault.

Nice Christmas shops around, great food for sale and ice skating is free although you need to pay for the ice skates . I recommend to reserve your spot ahead of time or you won’t be able to skate. You can do this at their webpage. Also prepare to be surrounded of people

The Christmas village was so fun!!! I went there on a day with perfect weather & really had a good time walking the path and trying many of the foods!! Check out my Bryant Park food review on TikTok- @noli222

I loved it there. Winter markets are always fun. There were many interesting shops. I bought two sterling silver rings from there.

This is a quick view of the various places to eat at the Winter Village /Holiday Market. The options include Turkish, Indian , Colombian empanadas, racelette, Geman, Italian, Argentinian and a variety of other great eats like crepes , ice cream, vegan hot chocolate and a heated lodge. Go visit Bryant Park during the holidays. It's truly festive. Be warned it does get crowded. The tree lights up on Nov 29th Enjoy.

A good selection of different types of novelty items - not everything is holiday themed or even winter themed. The other holiday markets across Manhattan seem to have a lot of the same shops as well but many of the shops are unique to New York so a good place to go for a tourist. A free outdoor skating rink in the center with nice views of buildings while you skate. Lots of strange rules at the rink though so read the very long list posted on a board near the entrance before you enter. Smattering of seating throughout to eat whatever meal you've chosen. A lot of it is overpriced and not all that tasty. Often people like to hang out here and try to recruit for some agenda. On one occasion, I was stopped 5 times within a 1 hour period by some girls looking to find Bible study partners. They were quite pushy and kept talking even after being told no. Within walking distance to Times Square if you're staying in that area. They also sometimes have a farmer's market starting on 6th avenue and 42nd street at the corner of Bryant Park and going north.