It's on 3 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- HoursDaily 11.30 am to 10 pm
- CostThe rink is free, skate rental $20 to $36
- Subway7, B, D, F, M to 5 Av, 2 min
- This yearOct 23 to Jan 3 · Bryant Park Winter Village opensannounced
- This yearOct 28 to Feb 28 · The Rink at Bryant Park opensannounced
- Checked September 18, 2026.
One of my personal favorite things to do in New York City at Christmas is explore the holiday market at Bryant Park. A popular destination year-round, there’s something truly special about the holiday season when the park transforms into a European-inspired holiday market with more than 100 vendors.
You’ll find fun Christmas decorations, handmade crafts, unique jewelry and lots of good food. Grab a hot chocolate from No Chewing Allowed (my favorite hot chocolate in the city) as you make your way around the liveliest Christmas market in New York City.
The best part? The 17,000-square-foot skating rink, which is free to use but skate rentals run $20-$36 per person.
Oh! And word to the wise, make sure to pop into the New York Public Library to see the stunning Christmas tree! Here’s the 2024 tree.
I brought my mom here on her first visit. She still talks about it.
Bryant Park is a worthwhile destination year-round, but there’s something special about the holiday season when the park transforms into a European-inspired holiday market.
Home to more than 100 vendors selling crafts out of endearing glass-enclosed stalls, the market lines one of the most popular ice skating rinks in New York City. Christmas decor abounds as cheery locals meander from one stall to the next, admiring the unique knick-knacks on offer.
Vendors span the gamut, from hand-painted ornaments to wooden chopsticks repurposed as bowls, you’ll find a tons of unique souvenirs and holiday gifts. Likewise, the food options are some of the best of all the holiday markets in New York City.
Bryant Park’s Winter Village opens in late October (it swung wide on October 24 last year) and the food and holiday shops run through the first week of January, wrapped around the free skating rink at 42nd and Sixth.