With the crisp fall air carrying faint whiffs of cinnamon and gingerbread, New York’s bustling holiday season is indeed near.
To usher in the festive spirit, the team behind the Bank of American Winter Village at Bryant Park, one of the city’s most popular holiday markets, is officially welcoming guests from near and far ahead of the tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 3.
Along with its famous holiday market, Bryant Park offers food from over 60 artisan food vendors and winter activities, including skate dates on The Rink at the center of the village.
Kelly Collins, brand relations and event manager, said this season offers never-seen-before vendors and the return of fan favorites.
“It’s always so exciting to be here. We have fun with each brand that comes in and wants to represent itself. We get so excited to work with new vendors every day. It’s always a great time,” she told amNY Metro.
The Winter Village will feature various food options catering to all tastes. Collins highlights “anything and everything you can imagine, we have,” making it the perfect spot for food lovers to indulge in new treats as they knock out their holiday shopping.
But before grabbing a bite, Collins encourages village visitors to lace up their skates and enjoy the ice rink, which is open throughout the week with free admission for those who bring their own skates.
According to Collins, the perfect Winter Village itinerary starts with a few laps around the The Rink. She recommends coming on a weekday to beat the winter crowds.
After practicing figure eights, guests should head over to The Lodge bar and food hall. Or they can grab a bite from the diverse food vendors offering anything from rainbow-grilled cheeses and Italian donuts to truffle cheesesteaks.
Finally, a visit to Bryant Park Winter Village isn’t complete without first taking a stroll through the holiday market to pick up unique, hand-made gifts for friends and family.
Other park features include the return of the popular igloos, which provide cozy spaces for small gatherings or a warm respite from the wintry weather. Guests can also try their hand at iceless curling over at the Curlers Cafe and Bar on the northeast corner of Bryant Park.
With every corner of Bryant Park adorned in festive decor and the sweet scent of seasonal treats wafting through the air, the Winter Village is set to become a destination for holiday cheer and joy.
The Bryant Park Christmas tree will be lit on Dec. 3, celebrating the spirit of the season in the heart of the city.
