Hey there, lovely people!
The holiday season is officially upon us, and I can’t think of a better way to feel all the festive vibes than by exploring one of the most magical spots in New York City during this time of year. Today, I’m taking you along with me to the Winter Village at Bryant Park. Whether you’re a local New Yorker or planning to visit the city, this place is an absolute must-see during the holidays!
Before we jump in, make sure to check out the video embedded below where I take you behind the scenes of my visit. It’s got all the cozy vibes, tasty treats, and a little bit of silliness as I explore with my good friend Chantal. Trust me, you’re going to want to watch it!
Watch the full video here:
Okay, now that you’ve watched that (or saved it for later!), let’s get into all the reasons why the Winter Village at Bryant Park is worth the hype.
Why the Winter Village is a Must-See
Bryant Park is a gem in the heart of Manhattan, sandwiched between Fifth and Sixth Avenue and 40th and 42nd Street. While the park itself is lovely year-round, it totally transforms during the holiday season. Picture charming holiday lights, the smell of fresh baked treats wafting through the crisp winter air, and an energy that just feels magical.
If the holidays are when you thrive (hi, same), you’ll love it here. The Winter Village has two major highlights for me that I’ll break down for you below: the free ice rink and the Holiday Market.
Skating for Free? Yes, Please!
I have to start with the ice skating rink because it’s just so special. Here’s something you might not know about skating in New York City during the holidays—most rinks aren’t cheap! But at Bryant Park, you can skate for FREE if you bring your own skates. How amazing is that? All you need to do is book a time slot online, and you’re good to go.
Even if you don’t have your own skates, it’s still totally worth it to rent a pair and soak in the festive vibes. The rink is surrounded by twinkling lights, and it’s hard not to feel like you’re gliding through a holiday movie.
Shopping, Snacks, and All the Festive Feels
The second standout feature of the Winter Village is the Holiday Market, where you can shop for unique gifts, grab a warm drink, and snack to your heart’s content. With so many stalls featuring local artisans and vendors, it’s hard not to leave without finding something special for yourself or someone you love.
On my visit, Chantal and I made it our mission to try a little bit of everything, starting with what else? Hot chocolate!
Food Adventures at the Winter Village
Our first stop was for hot chocolate because honestly, what’s more comforting on a chilly day? I went for a cup topped with Oreo marshmallows and sprinkles (so extra and so me), while Chantal went for a funfetti marshmallow topping. Mine was sweeter than I’d usually go for, but if you’re a sugar fan, you’ll be in heaven. Personality-wise, I’m more of a savory girl, so I was already plotting my next move.
Next, we found a savory winner in the form of teriyaki chicken on a stick, also known as crispy chick. I can’t tell you how tasty it was! Perfectly fried, perfectly seasoned, and honestly, a game-changer after all that sugary hot chocolate. Oh, and of course, we paired it with fries because balance, right?
Our final food stop was all about Chantal’s fave sweet treat: stroopwafels! She got hers topped with marshmallow, Oreo, and a slathering of chocolate. These freshly made waffles are the perfect blend of crispy and gooey, with to-die-for toppings. Even though I’m not the biggest fan of chocolate, I had to sneak a bite of her marshmallow, and it was SO good.
The Perfect Day Out
Exploring the Winter Village at Bryant Park was like stepping into a holiday dream. Between the cheering skaters on the rink, the smell of fresh food everywhere, and the cozy holiday lights, I left feeling so filled with festive joy (and food).
This wasn’t just an outing for me—it was also a chance to connect with a fellow content creator and friend, Chantal. As two immigrant moms navigating life in New York City, it was so fun to share this experience and create memories together.
Join Me for More Adventures
If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading (and hopefully watching the video)! I hope this post gave you a little slice of holiday inspiration and a reason to add Bryant Park’s Winter Village to your bucket list. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel for more videos like this—I’m halfway through my 12 Days of Vlogmas series, and there’s so much more to come.
Do you have a favorite holiday tradition or spot in the city? Drop your thoughts in the comments either here or on the video—I’d love to hear about them!
Until next time, sending you all the festive vibes and holiday cheer.
Your friend,
Flor.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like my previous vlogmas:
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