Every holiday season in New York City, Christmas markets pop up where you can shop for seasonal arts and crafts, enjoy special foods and celebrate the holiday spirit.
Bryant Park’s Winter Village is perhaps the best of the markets and you can even go ice skating for free there!
We also have a post on things to do in Bryant Park anytime of the year.
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, shops, food stalls, and more.
Where and When
The charming Winter Village is located in Bryant Park which runs from 40th to 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenue (map).
In 2023, the schedule for Winter Village is still unannounced. But it should be similar to last year's scheudle (October 27 through March 5, but the Holiday Market closes on Jan 2).
You can visit Mondays through Fridays from 11 am to 8 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 8 pm.
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 one that is free!
Because it is surrounded by the festive stalls of Winter Village, it is among the prettiest places to ice skate in NYC.
Read more about this amazing ice skating rink and others from our post, Where to Go Ice Skating in New York City.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Winter Village’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is quite dazzling. Last year’s tree was 43 feet tall and decorated with 12,000 lights!
The ceremony included special guests, an ice skating show by Olympic Medalist skaters, and other performances.
In 2023, you can expect something just as wonderful.
The tree lighting date is still to be announced, but it place last year on November 29 at 6pm (18:00).
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 special items 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 these 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 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 drinks to enjoy inside!
These igloos are heated and overlook the skating rink. Each igloo can accommodate up to eight guests. Be sure to reserve as soon as reservations are opened.
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 wintery 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', 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 so 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.
