By the 1970s, Bryant Park had been taken over by drug dealers and the homeless, and was considered a no-go area by ordinary citizens and visitors. The condition of the park was so bad that in 1973, parks commissioner Richard M. Clurman threatened to “close Bryant Park and clear it of everybody—until we can get together and make it a place that New Yorkers want it to be.” (Wikipedia)

Fear not, readers – whether you’re a NYC local or visitor, Bryant Park isn’t what it was in the ‘70s. It’s now a vibrant, bustling area with no end to activities, even in the winter! The atmosphere feels more compelling than in the summer – maybe it’s the lights. The smell of hot chocolate? The handsomely dressed trees?

I’d say the main draw is the Winter Village, which opens to the public around late October every year. It hosts a bunch of kiosks set up like an open-air Christmas market, drawing inspiration from those you’d find in places like Germany. The kiosks fit snugly together and offer everything from hot drinks to holiday gifts to overpriced tchotchkes 😂

Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s fun to window shop and alternate between the warmth of the kiosks and the rush of the cold. For more lasting warmth, head to The Lodge, which, last time I checked, has infrared heat lamps! Wow! You can thaw while you grab a bite to eat and a hot drink. For some action, check out the ice skating rink right by The Lodge. If you’re not much of a skater yourself, it’s still fun to to watch the aggressive “pro” skaters with a need for speed, the newbs who clack-clack along while hugging the rail, and everyone in between. Unlike the shops, which are mostly open for the holiday season only, the rink is open until as late as early March.

Compared to Central Park, Bryant Park is relatively small. You can be in and out in less than 30 minutes, depending on your pace. I love finding a green park chair, catching my breath, and people-watching:

Bryant Park also offers a ton of free events – be in the know by signing up for the newsletter!

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that, on the streets surrounding the park, you have even more options:

• Food: Cava, Naya, Chopt, Chipotle, and my personal favorite, Sunrise Mart, a Japanese grocery store with cool snacks like green-tea flavored Kit Kats
• Exploration: checking out the books and upper terrace in the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, admiring the handsome architecture of The New York Public Library and Grand Central Terminal, catching a play in Times Square

Because New York is ever changing, the lists are subject to change. Always do research before you visit Bryant Park! There’s something for everyone 😊