NYC Winter Village at Bryant Park, Midtown, Opens With Free Skating and Holiday Shops

Bank of America Winter Village, Bryant Park's annual winter fixture in Midtown, opened October 28. Its centerpiece is The Rink, a 17,000-square-foot ice rink with free admission, open daily including holidays through February 28, 2027.

The Rink runs 8am to 10pm, extending to midnight from November 19 through January 3. Skaters with their own skates can get on the ice for free, but they need to reserve a time slot online. Own-skate tickets are released daily for dates one week out. Rental skates cost $18.72 to $64.48 before tax, with lower prices at off-peak times. Most sessions last 50 minutes, and ice time begins 20 minutes after the ticket time, so arrive early enough to lace up.

For shorter waits, the Express Lane is $87.52 with rental skates and stretches ice time to 75 minutes. Premium Skate, at $156 to $182, adds a skate concierge, snacks and a drink, access to the shared Polar Lounge, bag check and extended ice time. Skate aids for young beginners are free before 10:30am, subject to availability, and helmet rental is free. Bank of America card holders get 10% off eligible online skate rentals.

Along the park's allées, plazas and terraces, the Urbanspace Holiday Shops sell crafts, artisan food and gifts from New York and around the world in custom kiosks. They are open through January 3: Monday to Friday 11am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 8pm. The Lodge, a bar and food hall, is open 10am to 10pm.

To avoid crowds, go on a weekday, in the morning, before Thanksgiving or after New Year's. The rink stays open in rain but may close in severe weather. Igloo bookings continue in January and February as Rosy Igloos, and Bumper Cars on Ice returns after the new year.