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.
My fellow local tour guides and I have been to all of them, and most of us agree that the market at Bryant Park’s Winter Village is the best.
Winter Village is more than a Christmas market.
It’s a small ‘village’ with many holiday and seasonal activities, which is why it’s so great.
In the video below, my fellow tour guides Katie and Lori, here at Tours by Foot NYC, take you on a virtual tour of Winter Village so you can see how wonderful it is.
Of all the markets, I find that Winter Village (and the Union Square Holiday Market) has the best array of items of good quality in all price ranges.
If that isn't reason enough to go to this market, how about the free ice skating rink? The yummy food stalls?
Even if you aren't interested in shopping, skating or snacking, the holiday lights and giant Christmas tree are really beautiful.
That’s why Winter Village is a stop on our Holiday Lights and Window Displays Tour!
In this post, I share all the details you need to know about Winter Village and the Christmas market, including dates, open hours, types of vendors, food and other activities.
TIP: Bryant Park is one of my favorite places to hang out year-round. Read more about Bryant Park and all the fun things you can do there.
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).
In 2025, the first day is October 24 at noon. The last date has not been announced yet, but it is usually the first week in January..
The hours are Monday – Friday: 11 am-8 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 10 am-8 pm.
Closing hours are usually extended after Thanksgiving (November 21) and some shops and stalls are open on Thanksgiving & Christmas Day.
Ice Skating
New York City has several ice skating rinks, but the rink at Winter Village is the only one with free admission.
If you bring skates, you won't pay anything, though I doubt most visitors to NYC bring skates with them!
But don't worry, you can rent a pair there and prices are reasonable since you aren't paying for skating time.
You must make reservations! I really encourage you to do so early if you want to get some time on the ice.
Reserve a time slot here.
No disrespect to the iconic rink at Rockefeller Center, but I think Winter Village is the prettiest place to ice skate in NYC.
It’s surrounded by colorful stalls and thousands of lights, with the magnificent New York Public Library as a backdrop.
For details on when the rink opens, prices, hours 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 a fun occasion and the tree is quite dazzling!
Dates for the 2025 holiday season are yet to be announced. However, last year's ceremony was on December 3 at 6 pm.
Last year's ceremony included special guests, an ice skating show by world-class skaters, the world premiere of the Ice Theatre of New York's Jazz Nutcracker and more.
I'm sure the 2025 lighting ceremony will be every bit as good.
Shopping
As I mentioned at the start of this post, I think the shopping stalls at Winter Village carry a higher quality of goods than other markets.
You'll find plenty of specialty items made by artisans, including hand-knit seasonal clothing, jewelry, candles, holiday decorations, arts, toys and much more.
Last year, a vendor was selling jewelry made from coins!
The market is 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.
Here's a directory of vendors.
Food Stalls
Winter Village serves up more than shopping. Food stalls sell an array of delicious foods like these decadent cheese fries that my fellow guides, Lori and Katie, are enjoying -- without me!
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.
No dates have been announced, so check back with us.
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 Holiday Lights and Window Displays Tour, where we take you to the best spots!
Finally, check out our detailed guide to Christmas in New York City to find out about many more holiday festivities!
Happy Holidays!
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