MANHATTAN — If you have not yet visited the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park in Manhattan, you should plan a visit soon for some winter fun.
For those unfamiliar, Bryant Park in New York City is located in Midtown, bordered by Fifth Avenue, Sixth Avenue and 40th Street, with a main entrance on Sixth.
A common way to find it is to head to the area behind the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, between 40th & 42nd St and 5th & 6th Ave.
Between the skating, games, music, and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone, from kids to adults. My family went last week and had the time of our lives.
Visitors can lace up their skates and hit the iconic rink, but there’s much more to do beyond gliding across the ice.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park in Manhattan offers skating, games, music, and family-friendly activities. (Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)
For music and dancing lovers, The Lodge at Winter Village hosts weekly programming like Vinyl Nights on Tuesdays, featuring DJs spinning Disco, Hip Hop, Funk, and more from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Winter Dance on Wednesdays invites skaters to swap their skates for dancing shoes and try moves guided by New York City’s finest instructors, whether solo, with a partner, or someone new.
Select Thursdays bring Mixtape Bingo, where musical knowledge meets friendly competition over drinks and bites, and We Met IRL, a speed-dating and singles mixer hosted by relationship experts for anyone looking to kick off the new year with a little adventure.
Winter sports take center stage with special seasonal offerings. Bumper Cars on Ice run through Feb. 28, letting visitors slide, spin, and bump in personal ten-minute sessions.
For those who like curling but prefer a no-ice version, iceless curling lanes are available from Feb. 6–26, first-come, first-served, and free of charge.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park in Manhattan offers skating, games, music, and family-friendly activities. (Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)
February brings Winter Games-themed programming at The Lodge, complete with extra televisions broadcasting live events, festive menus, ski-inspired drink specials, and a giant medal board for tracking favorite countries.
Skaters can enjoy music nights dedicated to specific countries, themed skating lessons, and even a photo opportunity in a genuine Team USA Bobsled from Lake Placid.
Families with children have plenty to look forward to as well. Winter StoryTime takes place Saturdays from Jan. 17 through Feb. 21 at 10:30 a.m., offering tales and tunes in Overlook.
On select dates, the storytime concludes with StoryTime on Ice, a skating performance of “Little Red Riding Hood” by the Bryant Parkettes.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park in Manhattan offers skating, games, music, and family-friendly activities. (Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)
For kids ages 4–6 — though all ages are welcome — Kids Week runs Feb. 17–20 from 9:30 a.m. to noon, featuring free skate lessons, junior skating performances, themed activities, and workshops.
For those looking for a cozier winter experience, Rosy Igloos transform the park’s classic Cozy Igloos into a private retreat, perfect for afternoon tea, cocktails, or date night from Jan. 7–Feb. 28.
Valentine’s Day offerings include a pink-lit rink and special giveaways on Feb. 14, plus an intimate cabaret-style experience in the Overlook Lounge on Feb. 13 and 14 with live music, charcuterie, sweets, and themed cocktails.
Sports fans aren’t left out either. The Lodge will host a BIG GAME viewing party on Feb. 8 from 6:30–10 p.m., complete with rinkside seating, food and drink specials, and all the excitement of watching the championship in a uniquely wintery setting.
Lunar New Year festivities arrive Feb. 21, featuring ribbon dancing, Lion Dance performances, and Wishing Tree activities to ring in the Year of the Horse.
“Winter Village is designed to be more than just an ice rink,” said a spokesperson for the park.
“From dance parties and music nights to family programming and cultural celebrations, we want people to experience the season in a variety of ways — whether they’re on ice, off ice, with friends, or with family.”
This is your sign to challenge friends in Mixtape Bingo, try your hand at bumper cars on ice, or simply enjoy a warm drink in a Rosy Igloo at Bryant Park.
For a full schedule and more information, visit WinterVillage.org.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park in Manhattan offers skating, games, music, and family-friendly activities. (Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park in Manhattan offers skating, games, music, and family-friendly activities. (Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park in Manhattan offers skating, games, music, and family-friendly activities. (Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park in Manhattan offers skating, games, music, and family-friendly activities. (Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)