10 Rink-Credible Facts about NYC’s Bryant Park Winter Village

The Bryant Park’s Winter Village is a Must Visit

If you’re spending the holidays in NYC, you need to add Bryant Park’s Winter Village to your itinerary. Brush up on these facts before you go, so you can impress your mates while having hot cocoa in an in igloo (not kidding).

It’s the only free ice rink in NYC

Bryant Park Winter Village has a “bring your own skates and it’s free” policy. You can also rent a pair for around $20.

They also offer a Premium Skate package which includes a skate concierge, bag check, Polar Lounge access, snack and drinks, and extended time on the ice.

Keep an eye out for celebs in the crowd

Bryant Park is one of the most iconic areas in Manhattan. John Cusack has been spotted having coffee here, and some of the scenes from John Wick were filmed in Bryant Park.

Don’t be surprised if you see A-listers casually browsing for Christmas ornaments when you’re there. Just keep it low-key like a true-blue New Yorker.

Bryant Park’s ice rink is bigger than Rockefeller’s

At 17,000 square feet, Bryant Park’s ice rink makes Rockefeller Center’s look tiny. Don’t sweat it if you wipeout. You’ll spot plenty of other skaters down there with you. It’s all part of the fun.

You can sip on cocktails rinkside

The winter village has several bars around the ice rink. There’s The Lodge, which also has a huge screen by the bar if you want to game.

Alcove Bar has an amazing Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned. Feeling winded after your first go on the ice? Order an Irish Coffee Martini at Stout NYC for a caffeine boost AND liquid courage before heading back.

Ice bumper cars are a thing here

Bryant Park’s bumper cars on ice are peak winter chaos. You’re sliding and spinning, bumping into strangers (on purpose), and actually HOPING to crash. Make reservations because they’re very popular.

Igloos in New York? Yes.

Want to treat yourself for the holidays? Rent one of the Cozy Igloos at the park. Your 90-minute igloo stay comes with your choice of food, such as charcuterie, chicken fingers, or a hummus dip plate.

Wash it down with either hot coffee or hot apple cider and enjoy your bragging rights.

The food is anything but boring

Many of the 60+ food vendors at Bryant Park Winter Village serve artisan food. There’s gnocchi to s’mores, mac and cheese, currywurst, and cheesecake cones to Indian food and barbecue. Whatever you’re craving for, chances are you’ll find it there.

There’s a bookworm batcave under Bryant Park Winter Village

Under Bryant Park is an extension of the New York City Public Library’s main branch. It’s called the Milstein Research Stacks and spans about  55,600 square feet with millions of research materials available.

You can request items there and they get delivered via a conveyer belt. Just think – while you’re skating, there’s a book train running right under your feet.

Do some serious shopping at the European-inspired holiday market

Move over, Macy’s. Bryant Park’s Winter Village is where to go for unique finds. This Christmas market has nearly 200 vendors (mostly local businesses) offering everything from hand-poured soy candles, alpaca wool scarves, artisanal chocolate truffles, and one-of-a-kind jewelry crafted by NYC artists.