While meandering through Manhattan last week (obviously while on the hunt for my next cafe to check out) I stumbled right into this little NYC gem: Extended Holiday Shops at Bryant Park. Now until February 26th, select shops from Bryant Park’s Holiday spread will remain open (and that’s in addition to the park’s skating rink and restaurant!).
So here are your Five Reasons to Get Your Butt Over to Bryant Park Before Winter Runs Out:
1) Bryant Park is simply straight up GORGEOUS in the winter -

Surrounded by the impossibly tall buildings of Midtown, Bryant Park is a little oasis nestled in between skyscrapers and snug right up next to the New York Public Library (which has eye appeal in its own right). And please, let’s just look at that fountain – It’s like some fancy, old school plaza right out of Europe smack dab in middle of NYC.
2) The Southwest Porch at Bryant Park -

In a city as huge and potentially intimidating as NYC, there is actually a place that exists where you can come relax… with a fire pit, heated lamps, swing chairs, rockers, Adirondacks, christmas lights, full service bar, outlets to charge your laptops – and it’s free… FREE. Added bonus – it’s actually clean. I have no idea how they do it, but somehow this public space is one I can actually sit down in without thinking I probably just caught some strain of the next pandemic to sweep over the world. Definite win.
3) The Yummy Food Options -
While in Bryant Park, hopping around the many droll worthy food stands is a must. Let’s explore a few together:
- Kettle Corn NYC -

If the smell of sweet and salty popcorn isn’t enough to lure you into Kettle Corn NYC’s booth, I think this next statement will persuade you: THEY GIVE AWAY FREE SAMPLES! And fairly decent sized samples at that – always a value add in my book. You’ll be offered the original flavor when you first sample… enjoy. But make sure you ask to try a few others as well. My recommends: Chocolate, Caramel, and Cinnamon! (Full disclosure… I only tried the dessert corn. But come on, when it comes to chocolate or savory I will ALWAYS choose chocolate.)
Brought the Papa Rullz back to check out the corn as well. For those of you not in the know, you should be informed that Papa Rullz is quite the popcorn connoisseur… let’s just say that he takes his popping very seriously. After one sample, the Mr. Rullz was buying not one, not two, but THREE bags of Kettle Corn NYC. FYI – his fav was the original.

The Papa Rullz mid popcorn toss to mouth… nice moves Dad.
- Aroma Espresso Bar -

Even a casually reader of this blog knows about my Cappuccino addiction. So when I saw the Aroma Espresso Bar stand at Bryant Park, I OBVIOUSLY had to get a drink (Never mind that I was coming from another coffee…) – and booooy am I glad I did!! There is something about sipping a well foamed Cappuccino outside in the cold that is so perfect and indescribable. For those of you who don’t want to brave the chill, Aroma has a fairly large indoor seating area that is shockingly warm. Bonus – they give you a little hunk of Aroma chocolate with every order… they sure know how to make me happy
- Wafels and Dinges and mmm… Enfes! -

Both shops lured me inside with that distinctly seductive smell of freshly baked goods. While I was too full on Kettle Corn and Aroma to nibble away on any Waffles or Turkish pastries… the lines speak for themselves. I will be back for both.
- Other yummy must-tries include: Big Apple Cider, Pickle Me Pete, and TopArepa.
- Note: In addition to the extended holiday shops, you can always hit up Celsius - Bryant Parks very own bar/lounge.
4) Skating at CitiPond -

Nothing says winter romance like a skate beneath the skyscrapers while holding your significant other’s hand… tote presh. Come on dudes – I’m practically giving you boyfriend points with these date ideas here! Are you taking notes?!? But seriously… the Bryant Park skating rink is twice the size of Rockefeller Center and it’s free – FREE (with your own skates). Personally, I also had fun watching the Zamboni go around in a circle.
5) Free WiFi for all! -
Bryant Park has been offering its visitors free WiFi since 2002 – take that little fact nugget, post up with your comp at Bryant Park and surf the web to your heart’s content.
More Links To Love Bryant Park ALL YEAR ROUND!
- Want in on some Bryant Park fun but can’t make it down to 42nd street?? See all the action on the Bryant Park webcam.
- Ride the Bryant Park Carousel, play a game of Chess/backgammon, challenge yourself to some petanque, Ping Pong anyone? Or get your knowledge on in the Bryant Park Reading Room.
- Bryant Park events range from movies in the park to music concerts and even football games – click here to view a full list of events!
Bryant Park -
Location: Bryant Park is situated behind the New York Public Library in midtown Manhattan, between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
Subway: Take the B, D, F, or M train to 42nd Street/Bryant Park
Jan/Feb Park Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 7:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Friday and Saturday – 7:00 am to Midnight
Let’s take it to the Blogs -
- Lauren Loves to Eat ate her way through Crepe Cafe and Wafles and Dinges… and shares photos from every bite along the way!
- Local Bozo calls the Bryant Park skating rink “one of the most magical experiences that Manhattan has to offer this holiday season” – and now that the holiday shops are extended, so is this magical experience!
- Midtown Lunch focus on all the yummy options still being offered in Bryant Park thanks to the extension of The Holiday Shops.
- Doll House Jeans talks up Aroma’s stand at Bryant Park, saying it’s a great place to stay warm while you sip a hot cocoa post ice skating… or while you check facebook on the park’s free WiFi!
- I really Like Food claims that Kettle Corn NYC’s stand serves up THE BEST kettle corn they have ever had!
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What are your favorite stands to hit up in Bryant Park??