One of the park’s signature attractions is its ice skating rink. The rink, which is free to use (with a small fee for rentals), is open from late October to early March. Unlike other ice skating rinks around the city, this one is uniquely surrounded by the soaring skyscrapers of Midtown Manhattan, creating a picture-perfect backdrop as skaters glide across the ice beneath the twinkling lights.
For those who aren’t the next figure skating champion, there’s the option to take a lesson or simply enjoy a leisurely skate, accompanied by the winter air and the sounds of the season.
“It is simply one of the most beautiful ice skating rinks ever, with all the buildings and lights,” junior Adi Hakim said. “After ice skating until it feels like my toes are going to fall off, drinking a nice cup of hot cocoa right after really makes winter enjoyable.”
As you step beyond the ice rink, you’ll be greeted by the Winter Village, an enchanting marketplace that pops up every year in the park.
It’s an ideal place for holiday shopping, with over 170 kiosks offering a range of unique, handcrafted gifts, artisanal goods, and boutique fashion. Here, you’ll find everything from jewelry and artwork to cozy scarves and hand-painted ornaments, all perfect for those looking to bring home a piece of New York’s winter magic. It’s also a place where local makers and vendors showcase their craft, adding to the festival’s authentic, community feel.
“They have the cutest little gifts you can get for friends and family, and with just a little touch of love, you can add so much more meaning to gift giving,” junior Gabriela Sedagatpour said.
Of course, no winter festival would be complete without an array of delectable foods to indulge in.
Bryant Park’s Winter Festival delivers a variety of seasonal treats, both sweet and savory. The food offerings range from warm drinks to hearty meals, and of course, lots of holiday-inspired nibbles.
A few standouts include:
Hot Chocolate: No winter experience is complete without a steaming cup of hot chocolate, and Bryant Park serves some of the best in the city. Look out for the rich, decadent cocoa topped with whipped cream or marshmallows from vendors like Li-Lac Chocolates or Max Brenner.
Artisanal Grilled Cheese: For a savory bite, stop by one of the many food trucks offering gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, with options like truffle oil and tomato soup for dipping.
Gingerbread Cookies: A holiday staple, gingerbread cookies in all shapes and sizes can be found around the park, giving guests a sweet taste of nostalgia.
International Street Food: Bryant Park also hosts a variety of food vendors serving everything from Korean BBQ and falafel to Italian panini, offering a taste of the world right in the heart of the city.
“Bryant Park has a huge range of foods that satisfies everyone’s tastes, and the fact that the foods are seasonal makes them taste so much better,” junior Ethan Makhani said. “I have never tasted such great hot chocolate, and especially during the cold it elevates the flavors.
Bryant Park isn’t just for adults—the Winter Festival offers plenty of activities for families and kids.
The Bank of America Winter Village features an outdoor carousel with intricate hand-painted horses that swirl around, perfect for children (and nostalgic adults) to take a spin. The park also hosts interactive performances and seasonal shows, including live music, theatrical performances, and holiday pop-up events that keep visitors entertained throughout the season.
Families can also enjoy free events like movie nights, where classic holiday films are screened under the glow of twinkling lights.
Bryant Park’s Winter Festival is more than an event; it’s an experience that embodies the magic of winter in New York City. It’s a place where tradition and modernity meet, where the city’s hustle and bustle slows down for a few hours, allowing you to step into a world of sparkling lights, festive cheer and cozy indulgences.
Whether you’re skating under the stars, browsing local artisanal gifts or simply sipping a cup of hot chocolate, Bryant Park is a place where memories are made– one snowflake at a time.
So bundle up and head to Midtown this winter. The Bryant Park Winter Festival awaits, ready to give you a slice of New York’s finest seasonal magic.
