by Amanda Chin
As we approach the most wonderful time of the year, be sure to check out some of the winter and holiday activities that New York City has to offer. Here's a list of some of my favorite things to do during this time of year that consists of both indoor and outdoor activities, ranging from shopping to ice skating to eating!
1. Winter Village at Bryant Park
2. Brookfield Place
As we approach the most wonderful time of the year, be sure to check out some of the winter and holiday activities that New York City has to offer. Here's a list of some of my favorite things to do during this time of year that consists of both indoor and outdoor activities, ranging from shopping to ice skating to eating!
1. Winter Village at Bryant Park
- The Rink: Admission for ice skating at The Rink is free! You just have to pay for skate rentals. Pricing for rentals varies depending on the day and whether or not you want express admissions.
- The Lodge: The Lodge is the Winter Village’s indoor food hall with a variety of eateries like Pierogi Boys and S’Mores N’More.
- Holiday Shops: The holiday shops consist of over 175 vendors who sell things ranging from delicious food to jewelry and crafts. The shops surround The Rink and The Lodge and are great whether you’re looking for a gift, a snack, or just strolling around.
2. Brookfield Place
- The Rink: The rink at Brookfield Place is definitely on the smaller side, but it is still a lot of fun. A 90 minute skating session is $15 and skate rental is $5.
- Shopping + Food: After ice skating, you can head into Brookfield Place where you can shop, eat, or admire the colorful Luminaries.
3. Columbus Circle
4. Union Square Holiday Market
This holiday market is also created by Urbanspace, like the ones at Bryant Park and Columbus Circle, so it is the same fun holiday concept, just a different location!
- The Holiday Market: Outside of Central Park, this holiday market, like Bryant Park’s Holiday Shops, has a ton of shops and food.
- The Shops at Columbus Circle: If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the market or if it’s too cold, there are plenty of stores inside The Shops at Columbus Circle. There are also colorful holiday stars hanging inside which are perfect for pictures.
4. Union Square Holiday Market
This holiday market is also created by Urbanspace, like the ones at Bryant Park and Columbus Circle, so it is the same fun holiday concept, just a different location!
5. Ice Skating
If you’re just looking to ice skate and have a good time with a picturesque view, here are some more popular rinks in New York City in order from least to most expensive!
6. Food & Drinks
If you’re just looking to ice skate and have a good time with a picturesque view, here are some more popular rinks in New York City in order from least to most expensive!
- LeFrak Center at Lakeside: located in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, featuring two connected rinks (one covered and the other open-air). Prices: weekdays $7.50, weekends and holidays $11, skate rentals $8.
- Wollman Rink: located in Central Park, this is a large outdoor rink surrounded by the beautiful park and iconic skyscrapers. Prices: weekdays: $12, weekends and holidays $19, skate rentals $10.
- WinterLand Rink: located at Pier 17, this is an outdoors rooftop ice rink. Prices: weekdays $15 (Admission + Rental: $23), weekends $18 (Admission + Rental: $26), peak days $27 (Admission + Rental: $35).
- The Rink at Rockefeller Center: this is an outdoors venue with a view of Rockefeller Center and the tree! Prices: standard $25, holiday $28, peak holiday $35, skate rentals $18.
6. Food & Drinks
- Godiva Cafe: Godiva has a few cafes throughout the city that have delicious hot chocolate, chocolixirs, and treats!
- No Chewing Allowed: Definitely try No Chewing Allowed’s truffles that melt in your mouth and their amazing hot chocolate! There are shops in the three holiday markets mentioned above and in the World Trade Center Oculus.
- SERRA ALPINA by Birreria: Eataly’s rooftop changes by the season and now it is winter themed! The seasonal menu, along with beautiful decorations that give off a cozy vibe, are perfect for this time of year.