Bryant Park ​Winter Village 2024-2025 in New York

Bryant Park Winter Village is an ideal lunchtime or evening destination during your busy day. With festive illumination and numerous holiday shops, it’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. You can read a book while sipping hot chocolate or watch skaters at The Rink, the centerpiece of the park and the only ice skating rink in NYC with free admission. This event marks the beginning of the holiday season in New York City, traditionally starting on the last Friday of October, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the festive spirit well before Thanksgiving.

Events & Activities

The Bryant Park Winter Village 2024 is more than just a market; it’s a complete holiday experience. Visitors can enjoy cozy igloos with family and friends, savor delicious food at The Lodge, and explore beautifully decorated stalls. The centerpiece of the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is a 17,000-square-foot rink that features free-away ice skating, high-quality rental skates, and special events like free skating shows and bumper cars on ice. The iconic Christmas tree, one of New York’s favorites, lights up the area, making this Christmas Market in Midtown Manhattan a magical destination for both locals and tourists. It’s a New York winter wonderland, perfect for an unforgettable holiday season.

The Bryant Park Christmas Market

The Bryant Park Christmas Market is located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, just a few steps away from Times Square, making it easily accessible and extremely tourist-friendly. This iconic holiday sight in New York is open until early January, with about 180 kiosks offering handmade decor, jewelry, clothes, and food. There are even handmade toys for kids and pets. The holiday market is open Mondays through Fridays from 11 am to 8 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 8 pm, making it the most famous Christmas Market in New York.

Ice Skating Open Hours & Rentals

The Winter Village is set up at Bryant Park in late October. The Rink and The Lodge are open from 8 am to 10 pm every day up until early March. The 17,000-square-foot rink is open late, but it gets rather crowded during peak hours. Skate rentals are $18-$55, helmet rental is free. Bag storage is $5 per item. Available skate sizes include toddlers 6T-7T, kids 8-13, big kids 1-4, and adults 5-14. On some days, the rink features skating shows and other special events.

Location

Bryant Park is situated behind the iconic New York Public Library in the middle of Manhattan.

Visitor Reviews

Rove.me interviewed Kathy Xu, a longtime New Yorker originally from Monterey, CA, about her annual visits to Bryant Park Winter Village. Having attended every year for over 15 years, Kathy shared her appreciation for this festive holiday destination in the heart of New York City.

Kathy enjoys visiting both on her own and with friends, saying, “I love the event—tons of cool, unique vendors, ice skating, and nice food options, though a little expensive.” She noted that one of the best parts of the experience is finding products she can’t find in stores and enjoying samples from some of the vendors. Reflecting on the overall setup, she commented, “I think everything was organized well.”

The ice skating rink is a favorite feature for Kathy, though she noted the food prices: “The food is really good, but it can be a little expensive.” Despite that, she praised the overall organization, commenting, “Everything seems to run smoothly, even with the crowds, which is impressive.”

When asked if she would recommend Bryant Park Winter Village, Kathy was enthusiastic. “I would definitely recommend it to others.”