When winter comes to New York City, the streets don’t just get colder, they glow. Two standout destinations capture that magic: Bryant Park’s Winter Village and the brand-new Williamsburg Winter Village in Brooklyn. Whether you’re shopping for handmade gifts, skating under twinkling lights, or savoring artisanal bites, these winter villages are must-visit spots.
What Makes NYC’s Winter Villages Special
Bryant Park: The Classic Midtown Experience
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The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park has become a holiday institution, modeled after traditional European markets.
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The market runs from October 24, 2025, through January 4, 2026, and the ice rink stays open through March 1, 2026.
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There are over 180 holiday kiosks filled with artisan crafts, seasonal gifts, and food.
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The 17,000-square-foot skating rink is free if you bring your own skates; rentals are available too.
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Cozy up in The Lodge, a rink-side bar and food hall, or reserve one of the heated igloos for a more intimate winter gathering.
Community & Economic Impact
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The rink draws more than 300,000 skaters annually, making it a major winter draw.
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During the 2023 holiday season, daily visitation near Bryant Park increased, with approximately 122,000 people visiting daily during high-volume shopping weekends.
Williamsburg Winter Village: Brooklyn’s Cozy New Market
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Williamsburg Winter Village debuts in December 2025, every weekend (Friday–Sunday) at Bk Backyard, 151 Banker St, Brooklyn.
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The event features local makers, artisanal crafts, food pop-ups, and live entertainment, creating a warm, community-oriented atmosphere.
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According to Forbes, there will be about 20 vendors, including food and beverage stalls (some of which are women-owned), plus indie shops. Forbes
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Ticketed entry: around $11.50 per person, so it’s more curated than some free holiday markets.
How the Two Villages Compare
| Feature | Bryant Park Winter Village | Williamsburg Winter Village |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Midtown Manhattan | Brooklyn (Bk Backyard) |
| Market Size | ~180+ kiosks | ~20 vendor |
| Ice Skating | 17,000 sq ft rink, free with own skates | No skating (focus is on market + food) |
| Atmosphere | European-style, very festive, high foot traffic | More intimate, local makers, relaxed weekend vibe |
| Cost | Free admission to rink; shop costs vary | ~$11.50 ticket |
Tips for Visiting & Making the Most of Your Winter Village Trip
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Go on a weekday for Bryant Park if you want to avoid the worst of the crowds.
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Reserve an igloo ahead of time at Bryant Park if you’re planning a cozy hangout with friends or a date.
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For Williamsburg, buy tickets in advance to ensure entry, especially on Saturday and Sunday.
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Come hungry: both villages feature a variety of food vendors, from sweet treats to hearty comfort food.
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Bring your own skates for Bryant Park to save on rental fees.
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Dress in layers, even with heaters or igloos; winter in NYC bites.
Why These Winter Villages Matter
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These markets boost small business visibility, especially local artisans.
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They contribute significantly to NYC’s holiday economy, drawing both tourists and locals.
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The Bryant Park setup enhances urban public space use, turning part of a lawn into a rink + market each winter.
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Williamsburg’s newer market reflects Brooklyn’s creative energy and community-centric vibe.
If you’re planning a winter trip to New York City, or just looking for a magical weekend outing, don’t skip the winter villages. Bookmark this guide, pick your preferred village, and plan (especially for igloos and tickets). And if you want help building a custom NYC winter itinerary packed with festive spots, just let me know, I’ve got ideas!
JUST DEWITT. DOME Property Management has been providing professional property management services to NYC and beyond since 1987. For more information about DOME Property Management and their AI Chatbot Ask The Dewitts, visit DOMEgroup.com or drop us an email at properties@DOMEproperty.com