Bryant Park’s Winter Village Rings in the Season

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Via Facebook.com

At the heart of Bryant Park’s annual Winter Village is its ice skating rink. It hosts thousands of visitors each year while also offering various winter festivities.

Thomas Chou, Deputy Features Editor

Quick on the heels of New York City’s Halloween festivities last week was the official opening of Bryant Park’s annual Winter Village: an absolute wonderland of whimsy and whoopee. Inspired by the open-air holiday markets most commonly found in Europe, the Winter Village at Bryant Park emulates a similar ethos of cheer and festivity and is an iconic emblem of the start of every holiday season in New York City.

From jewelry to artwork to clothing — when it comes to gifts, the Winter Village has it all. Every year, the marketspace is full of fun vendors and small shops with the perfect gifts for all your loved ones back home. Unlike at shopping malls or traditional retail stores, many of the vendors’ items on display at the Winter Village are artisanal and have more of a homemade touch. Visit Min and Mon, The Stone Flower or CLIFF NYC for stylish, yet understated gifts. Or, simply treat yourself this holiday season to something beautiful.

Speaking of treats, the Winter Village is also filled with the most incredible food vendors, with a variety of cultural cuisines. The Brooklyn Smorgasburg locations have now closed for winter, but don’t despair, because the Winter Village has you covered with all the yummy, delicious treats you could possibly ask for. From cones full of dumplings from DAA! Dumplings to cones full of chicken from Chick’n Cone to cones full of french fries from Home Frite, the Winter Village has a host of some innovative and interesting Instagram-able foods as well. Perfect for a day trip with your foodie friends, the food vendors at the Winter Village are sure to keep your bellies full and your smiles big, despite the chilly weather.

If you are not looking to shop or eat, the Winter Village also has an enormous ice skating rink to enjoy as well. An outdoor space called The Rink and an indoor space called the Skating Pavilion keep thousands upon thousands of visitors entertained each year, and regardless of your ice skating skills, everyone is welcome to join. Skate rentals are also available within the Skating Pavilion, so there’s no need to bring your own.

While Bryant Park is one of New York City’s loveliest parks all year round, there is a special joy and happiness that the Winter Village brings every year. Whether or not you celebrate a holiday during this time of year, make sure to take a trip to the Winter Village to partake in this hallmark New York City festivity. A treat for all, a trip to the Winter Village is an adventure you will not want to miss.

Correction: Nov. 8

A previous version of this article misstated the number of skating rinks at Bryant Park. There is one outdoor rink, not two.

Email Thomas Chou at [email protected].