December in New York often feels just like the movies, with the magic of glistening lights and a Christmas tree in every corner. Through the ups and downs of major city living, the holidays are an effervescent reminder of how magical life can be. At the heart of the holiday magic, Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park has stood as a capsule for as long as I can remember. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Park transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, offering an array of festive activities, shopping opportunities, and delightful entertainment for everyone, weather you’re a native New Yorker or visiting for the very first time.
Even before its lively tree lighting, which will be taking place on November 28th this year and will be leading the charge as the first major NYC tree lighting for 2023, the park looks absolutely magical. One of the most iconic parts of the yearly experience is the picturesque ice-skating rink, surrounded by an iconic landscape adorned with sparkling holiday lights and decorations. The rink provides a magical setting for visitors to glide across the ice, creating cherished memories with friends and family against the backdrop of the city’s skyline.
Lacing up my skates and heading over to Bryant Park’s (free admission!) skating rink has always been a vibrant memory of how we kicked off the holiday season, and I am beyond grateful to have carried that experience into adulthood. On Tuesday, I headed over to the park to see an exclusive preview of what the park has in store for the season. The night commenced with a nostalgic skating experience at the rink. The enchanting ambiance of twinkling lights and joyful decorations enhanced the already joyful feeling of gliding across the ice.
Following the skating session, I headed to The Lodge, an inviting bar and food hall adorned with seasonal cheer. Here, I indulged in some of the year’s signature food and drink offerings, which included loaded croissants, churros, tacos, and so much more.
One of the most exciting features of Bryant Park’s Winter Village is its bustling holiday market. The market features rows of charming kiosks and stalls offering an assortment of unique gifts, crafts, artisanal goods, and delectable holiday treats. Visitors can explore a diverse range of vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, clothing, artwork, ornaments, specialty foods, and much more, making it an ideal destination for holiday shopping. After enjoying some sweet treats at the lodge, I strolled around the shops and was delighted by the hand crafted goods and sweet smell of hot cocoa that exists all around the park.
The atmosphere in the park is lively and spirited, with seasonal music performances, festive events, and activities for all ages. Throughout the holiday season, Bryant Park hosts various themed celebrations in addition to the iconic tree lighting, including caroling sessions and visits from Santa Claus, adding to the joyful ambiance.
We highly reccomend a trip to Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park this holiday season! Hear more about it here!
