One of New York City’s most cherished holiday attractions has officially opened in Midtown, kicking off the season’s festivities. On Friday, the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park returned for its 24th season, bringing the city’s only free-admission ice skating, a rinkside food hall and bar, and an open-air holiday market with more than 180 vendors to the beloved public space. The Winter Village is open through March 1, 2026.
At the heart of the village is the city’s largest free-admission ice-skating rink, spanning 17,000 square feet. Open daily through the winter season, the rink offers skate rentals, lessons for kids and adults, free performances, and more.
Next to the rink is the Lodge, a cozy rinkside space where visitors can enjoy festive cocktails and bites from two full-service bars while watching skaters glide by. The area includes indoor and outdoor seating and TVs for watching sports.
Later in the season, visitors will be able to rent private heated igloos—perfect for small gatherings, birthday parties, date nights, or simply warming up after skating. Upcoming attractions will also include bumper cars and “Santa’s Corner.”
Hosted by Urbanspace, the holiday shops are open daily through January 4, 2026. This year’s market will feature over 180 merchants, including newcomers and returning favorites. Some highlights of this year’s roster include Buttermee Pancakes, Cheese Wheel Pasta, Baked by Melissa, Pinky Pilots, and Soap for Sinners.
Bank of America’s Small Business Spotlight program will also return this season, highlighting four NYC-based entrepreneurs who will sell their products rent-free at the holiday shops. This year’s booth will feature accessible luxury home essentials, handcrafted ceramics, festive greeting cards and prints, and canine-themed candles.
The featured small businesses are Brooklyn’s Tribe & Oak (open through November 11), Staten Island’s Jay Ceramics (open through November 30), Brooklyn’s Smar Art (open from December 1 to 16), and Manhattan’s Vanilla Joe & Co. (open from December 17 to January 4).
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