As temperatures drop and the holiday season draws near, New York’s Bryant Park Winter Village kicked off the winter festivities with its official opening on October 25, 2024. Located just outside of Times Square, this popular seasonal destination features a large 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink, along with numerous shops and restaurants. Whether you’re there to skate, shop, or enjoy the food, the Winter Village has something for everyone through March 2, 2025.

The rink, open to the public, offers free admission if you bring your own skates, or you can rent a pair onsite. It is open daily from 8 a.m.-10 p.m., as well as on certain weekends from 8 a.m.-midnight. Later in the season, the rink gets revamped and turned into an arena for bumper cars. Guests ages seven and up can buckle up and race their friends as they slip and slide across the ice. If it gets too chilly outside, visitors can warm up at The Lodge, getting a beautiful view of the skating rink while enjoying delicious food and warm drinks. The Curling Cafe & Bar is another favorite to get a snack and relax. The cafe features private igloos for guests to enjoy, and will open around mid-November. If you can’t get an igloo at this cafe, privately heated igloos can also be found within the park. 

Thanks to Urbanspace, more than 170 holiday shops are coming to the village this year and will be available through January 5, 2025. Stalls are filled with artisans from New York and around the world. It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift for yourself or a special someone. The stalls not only feature the artists’ talents but also a holiday spirit that lights up the night. Everything is available, from specialty hot chocolate to savory snacks to hand-crafted jewelry. 

Other things to look out for at this park include the exclusive truffle cheesecake. Being a popular dish by the Truffliest pop-up, it’s a race against time to taste this delicious treat before it sells out! Furthermore, above the L’OR Porch, a model train can be seen, spanning over 80 feet of track. Not only is it a piece of artwork, but it catches the attention of many as it moves along the track. Lastly, on freezing days, check out the fountain in Bryant Park. Many visitors go to see the natural ice sculpture that is created when the fountain freezes over. This beautiful sight only adds to the winter wonderland Bryant Park creates over this holiday season. With Christmas trees lit and temperatures chilling to sweater weather, it’s a great chance to grab your friends and family to experience the magic of the holidays in NYC!

In addition to the shops and rink, the park also has fun events found on their website from juggling classes to carousels. Don’t miss this chance to check out Bryant Park’s seasonal winter village!