bryant park

As the first few weeks of the new year settle in, it can be difficult to find the kind of fun activities that you’ve enjoyed the past few months, even in the liveliest of cities. In New York, the exiting of holiday fun to make way for what awaits in January can not only be sad, but can make it seem like there’s not much to do in your free time, especially with our recent icy temperatures. 

But Bryant Park is always a staple of year round fun, no matter the season or the weather. Thankfully for anyone looking for a little bit of winter cheer, one of the most anticipated NYC activities, Bumper Cars on Ice, recently made its return to the Bank of America Winter Village. It’s an ideal time to check out the cars, as the holiday shops, and other various attractions have come down for the season, making crowds at a minimum and fun at a maximum. 

Even though it may be a little cold to head to Coney Island right now, you can still experience a carnival classic in a whole new way. Now through March 2nd, participants can experience classic bumper cars on new terrain, making for a slippery good time. This unique experience allows individuals to glide and bump into each other on the ice, ensuring greater speeds than the typical ride, and some gorgeous views as well.

One of the best things about Bryant Park is how much there is to do, even after the holiday season. After enjoying the bumper cars or a whirl around the park’s free admission ice skating rink, guests have the perfect opportunity to continue their winter escapade at The Lodge. Situated rinkside, The Lodge is a cozy après-skate escape that beckons visitors to unwind and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. It’s an open-air environment, creating the perfect setting to savor a delightful cocktail and relish delicious food. The Lodge stands out as the ultimate winter destination, offering both outdoor and indoor bars, providing a comfortable retreat for New Yorkers and visitors alike.

The bumper cars will be open from 1 pm to 7 pm, Monday through Thursday, and from 11 am to 5 pm, Friday through Sunday.For those eagerly awaiting this winter treat, tickets are now officially available for purchase. To secure your spot on the ice and partake in the joyous escapade of Bumper Cars on Ice, check out their website here!

The Rink at Bank of America Winter Village is located between 40th Street and 42nd Street on 6th Avenue. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a first-time participant, Bryant Park’s Winter Village offers a delightful blend of winter activities to create lasting memories.

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.

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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!