Bryant Park Winter Village opens Oct. 28 with free skating and 170 shops

Bryant Park’s holiday season starts at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 28. That is when the Winter Village opens its gates and its no-cost ice rink begins a run that lasts until Feb. 28, 2027.

Bank of America sponsors the Midtown village, which fills the park with more than 170 holiday kiosks, a giant Christmas tree and a 17,000-square-foot rink set under the skyline. It is billed as the only rink in New York City that charges no admission.

Bryant Park ice skating: hours, cost and reservations

Skaters can use the ice every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hours stretch to midnight during the busiest holiday weeks, Nov. 19 through Jan. 3.

Bring your own skates and you pay nothing. Rentals are offered at the park, and Bank of America cardholders save 10% when they book rentals online. Every skater has to reserve a timed-entry ticket online ahead of the visit.

Holiday shops, food and igloos at Winter Village

Urbanspace operates the Holiday Shops, custom-built kiosks that wind along the park’s tree-lined paths and terraces. Shoppers will find gifts, handmade jewelry, artwork and gourmet goods from makers based in New York and abroad. The shops stay open daily through Jan. 3, 2027.

Next to the rink, the open-air Lodge Bar & Food Hall pours craft cocktails and craft beer and serves comfort food from local vendors. Parties of up to eight can reserve heated, transparent igloos a few steps from the ice for seasonal food and hot drinks. Early in 2027, those domes turn into “Rosy Igloos” for Valentine’s season.

From Dec. 18 until Christmas Eve, the Live After Dark series brings live music, DJs and late skating to the park each night. The village’s yearly tree lighting features celebrity performances, synchronized skating shows and fireworks. Weighing your options? See our guide to the Rockefeller Center rink season.