As winter settles in and the holidays roll closer, many Great Neck residents begin looking for festive and spirited activities. Just a 30 minute train ride from Great Neck lies a bright and colorful winter escape filled with festive stalls and winter themed activities: the Bryant Park Winter Village. Situated between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues, this midtown spot is the perfect place to channel the winter spirit.
Bryant Park Winter Village opened for the 2025-2026 season on Oct. 24 and will span 18 weeks until March 1, 2026. The Village is open from 10 am to 10 pm, giving plenty of time to explore the over 180 stalls and stands it has to offer.
The heart of the park features an outdoor ice rink—the city’s largest free admission outdoor ice rink. If you bring your own skates, you can skate for free at this 17,000 square foot rink. Even after renting, the rink is still cheaper than other NYC outdoor rinks such as Rockefeller Center or Wollman Rink. The Bryant Park rink offers lessons, skate rentals, freestyle sessions and a beautiful view of the NYC skyline. For Great Neck residents looking for a fun night or weekend plans, skating is a great option.
“Going skating was really fun,” junior Keshin Huang said. “I would definitely go to Bryant Park Winter Village again and recommend it for weekend plans.”
Aside from skating, you can try a variety of foods from sweet to savory and from across the globe. One standout vendor is Pickle Me Pete, which boasts seven different pickle flavors. That stand offers spears, chips, bites and even a fried pickle on a stick.
Another vendor which has been sensational on Tik Tok is S’mores N’More. This hot chocolate stand has gone viral since they top your cocoa with a giant marshmallow and then torch it with a mini blow torch right in front of you. The marshmallow melts into your drink and offers warmth during the harsh NYC winter.
If you are looking for more of a meal, Bryant Park still has many options. Cheese Wheel Past offers fettuccine and other pastries made directly in front of you in a parmesan cheese wheel, offering both delicious and performative food. Mama’s Chicken Shack offers crispy fried chicken or you could stop by Happy Dumplings for some of the best dumplings in NYC.
“The food at the village is the best part,” junior Chandra Lin said. “I bought so many different kinds of foods and hot chocolate, which was my favorite.”
The shopping booths are filled with the best holiday gifts. You can find hand made ornaments, handmade jewelry, winter hats and accessories, paintings, scented soaps, candles, custom photos and way more. All of these make the perfect gift for the holidays. Even if you are not planning on buying anything, walking through the shops at night offers a winter wonderland experience.
If going with a group of friends, you should stop by The Lodge—a heated hangout area with food, drinks, photo spots and seating. It’s the perfect place to relax after skating, eat the food you bought or regroup and rest after walking around the shops. There are also private igloos which can be reserved for birthdays, outings or for a more private experience.
“I’ve never been but seeing so many viral videos has made me really want to go to Bryant Park Winter Village,” junior Abby Podwall said.
Bryant Park’s Winter Village is the perfect place to walk around for an hour or even to spend an entire winter evening. You can window shop, take photos, snack around, buy holiday gifts or soak in the winter atmosphere. Whether you’re going for the viral hot chocolate, the fried pickles or the skating rink, it’s a an unforgettable experience that requires no planning in the center of Manhattan.
