Every holiday season in New York City, Christmas markets pop up where you can shop for seasonal arts and local crafts, enjoy delicious foods, and celebrate the holiday spirit.
Hands down, our local guides' favorite is Bryant Park’s Winter Village.
And, in the video above, Katie and Lori, guides with Free Tours by Foot NYC, take you on a virtual tour of the Winter Village.
The holiday shops here have especially high-quality items. Plus, there's free ice skating!
We love Winter Village so much that it’s a stop on our pay-what-you-wish Holiday Lights and Window Displays Tour!
Below is all you need to know about this holiday ‘village’ including dates and open hours, vendors, food options, and more.
We also have a post on things to do in Bryant Park any time of the year.
Where and When
The charming Winter Village is located in Bryant Park which runs from 40th to 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan (map).
2024 dates are yet to be announced. For last season, Winter Village ran from October 27, to early March, though the Holiday Market closes on January 2nd.
You can visit Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Hours are usually extended after Thanksgiving. Some stalls in the village will be open on Thanksgiving & Christmas Day.
Check the Winter Village website for holiday hours once they are announced.
Ice Skating
New York City has several ice skating rinks, but The Rink at Winter Village is the only free-admission ice rink!
Because the festive stalls of Winter Village surround it, it is among the prettiest places to ice skate in NYC.
The rink has high-quality rental skates, free skating shows, and special events.
Last year, the season started on October 27, and you can make reservations here.
For details on prices, scheduling, and more, read our post, Where to Go Ice Skating in New York City.
Christmas Tree Lighting
The Bank of America Winter Village Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is quite dazzling.
Last year, the lighting was on November 28, 6:00 pm–7:00 pm.
The ceremony included special guests, an ice skating show by world-class skaters, the world premiere of Ice Theatre of New York's Jazz Nutcracker, and more!
Shopping
Bryant Park Winter Village has dozens of stalls where you can shop for one-of-a-kind goods like this jewelry made from coins!
You'll find plenty of other specialty items made by artisans including seasonal clothing, candles, holiday decorations, arts, toys and so much more.
The stalls are a great place to buy holiday and New York City-themed ornaments like those below.
There are also locally-produced foods like honey, chocolates, teas, and cookies.
You can find out which shops are there from this directory.
Food Stalls
Winter Village serves up more than shopping. The delicious food stalls sell an array of delicious foods like these decadent cheese fries!
In the past, food stalls have included Baked Cheese Haus, Bao by Kaya, Casa Toscana, Cheesesteaks by The Truffleist, Crepe Café, Frida’s Favorites Mexican Cantina, and TopArepa.
You can expect some of these to return and there will be new additions as well.
Of course, there will be hot chocolate and hot apple cider!
Dining
If you would like to dine sitting down, you can head to The Lodge, a seasonal food hall with a pop-up bar.
For a unique experience, reserve an "igloo" and order food and a festive cocktail or two to enjoy inside!
These cozy igloos are heated and overlook the skating rink.
Each dome can accommodate up to eight guests. Be sure to reserve as soon as reservations are opened.
Last year, the food options were:
- El Pambazo Shop
- The Lodge Bar
- Alcove Bar
- Rinkside Bar
- S’mores N’More
- Sweet Tooth NYC
FrostFest
This ten-day winter festival at Winter Village is usually held from the third week in January to the first week in February.
Fun winter activities you can enjoy include bumper cars on ice, ice curling, ice carving performances, and an ice skating showcase.
There will be live entertainment at The Lodge, a 'Silent Disco', a live band karaoke, and a winter-themed trivia contest.
Who knew winter could be so much fun?
More Things To Do In NYC This Holiday
New York City offers many activities during the holiday season.
You can see Christmas shows, visit one of many great pop-up Christmas markets, and go ice skating.
You can see the magical holiday window displays and simply enjoy NYC's best Christmas lights.
Don't forget to visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree!
Consider joining our pay-what-you-wish Holiday Lights and Window Displays Tour where we take you to the best spots!
Check out our detailed guide to Christmas in New York City to find out about many more holiday festivities.
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