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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Manhattan chapter.

Bryant Park’s Winter Village is finally open this year as of Oct. 27! The Winter Village is completely free to just walk around and enjoy the atmosphere of NYC. Whether you go with friends, family, or by yourself, you will be able to find so many fun and exciting experiences to get you in the holiday spirit.

The Holiday Shops are located around the park between 40th & 42nd Streets and 5th & 6th Avenues. This is a great place to shop for unique gifts for yourself and your loved ones of any age including clothing, jewelry, artwork, or home decor. The shops are sure to have something for anyone as they sell anything from vintage items, handmade products, toys, pottery, dishcloths, or even puppets. My favorite parts are always looking at the artwork and trying different foods. They have a wide variety of foods such as pie, noodles, empanadas, dumplings, and lots of sweets. I definitely recommend trying some of the cookie dough! As you shop, you can also grab some hot chocolate and a snack from any of the local cafes. 

Besides the holiday shops, there are also cozy igloos, an ice skating rink, a bar, and the Bryant Park Reading Room! The heated igloos are located right next to the ice skating rink. They can be reserved for 90 minutes, holding up to eight people. Reservations are definitely on the pricier side, but splitting the cost with some friends might make it a bit more affordable. These igloos have a variety of food and drinks, along with a breathtaking view of Manhattan’s skyscrapers.

The ice skating rink may be a more affordable option, and it’s definitely a fun one. Admission to the rink is free, and skate rentals are available from $18-$55 depending on the time and day you go. There are also skating shows to watch, so stay up to date on when the events will be announced! 

No matter what you decide to do while visiting the Winter Village, you’ll be sure to make a long-lasting experience out of it. It’s open until Jan. 2, 2024, but the ice skating rink and igloos remain open until March. Show your support to different artists and enjoy the large variety of food while you walk around! Even if you are just looking for a fun way to get outside without spending money, walking around the beautiful park and holiday shops is completely free.

The Winter Village is an easy trip from Manhattan College. You can take the 1 train all the way to Times Square- 42nd Street, and from there, it’s just a few minutes of a walk. Be safe, and enjoy the art, food, and community at Bryant Park this winter!

Emelie Sirgenson

Manhattan '26

My name is Emelie, and I’m a sophomore at Manhattan College. I love English, sociology, and philosophy. I’ve always had a passion for reading, writing, and art. I try to incorporate these interests into my free time by sharing poetry with my friends, exploring new subjects, and writing about new topics as I learn. One of my favorite things to do is make my friends a cup of tea and discuss our opinions on anything. I’m originally from Pennsylvania, where most of my family still lives. I have three of the sweetest pets at home including my golden retriever, Phoebe, and my two cats, Lola and Daisy. They are the best companions for when I drink my cup of tea and spend my day reading in bed.I often enjoy reading bell hooks, Roxane Gay, or Marxist feminist theory. I love nature walks, especially with Phoebe, and I try to learn about all life and creatures as we walk through different trails. I admire kindness, and I aspire to share that through my writing. I collect teapots, mugs, and stickers. When I’m home for the summer and other school breaks, I work with children at a daycare. I love engaging with them and learning how they perceive the world with such a loving and innocent technique. I believe that through these warm-hearted interactions, people can truly learn to connect with one another. Lots of my free time goes toward writing about these ideas, as I consider writing to be one of the most powerful sources of communication. I hope to connect with more people through writing for Her Campus at Manhattan!