If you’re looking for a way to jumpstart the holiday season, look no further than the Winter Village at Bryant Park. Back for its 22nd season, holiday shops have taken over the walkways of Bryant Park. Just a short walk from Times Square, you will find a treasure trove of shops and vendors inspired by the holiday markets of Europe. The market is filled with festive sweets, international treats, holiday decor and so much more. With more than 100 vendors to peruse, it can be easy to miss a thing or two. Here are five must-visit spots at the Winter Village.
- Max Brenner – Stalls E40 and R4
At Winter Village, hot chocolate can be found at almost every vendor, but none is quite as unique as Max Brenner’s Italian hot chocolate. Starting at $6, Max Brenner offers thick and creamy Italian-style hot cocoa with a rich chocolatey taste. Head to their main stall to pick up some chocolate treats for a quick and easy stocking stuffer.
- Cheese Wheel Pastas – Stall N54
There’s no better way to beat the chill of winter than with a warm bowl of pasta. Prepared fresh in a wheel of parmesan, Cheese Wheel Pastas offers mouth-watering fettuccine alfredo. The wheel is torched before the pasta is tossed in ensuring delicious melty cheese in every bite. At $20, the dish may seem a bit pricey but it is definitely worth a try.
- Baked Cheese Haus – Stalls N56 and S16
The Winter Village has plenty of international bites to sample. One of the best is the Swiss raclette sandwich at Baked Cheese Haus. They offer three different variations: ham, salami or just cheese. The cheese is broiled until brown and bubbly and then scraped onto a baguette. At $17, the sandwiches make for a great snack to share with friends or loved ones.
- Wonderen Stroopwafels – Stall S12
There are plenty of delicious sweet treats to choose from around Bryant Park, but it’s very hard to top the stroopwafel. Wonderen Stroopwafels offers a selection of stroopwafels in various sizes and flavors. The vendor also offers freshly made stroopwafels that can be customized. Select from one of their three size options and then top with whatever sweets you please. Pair your stroopwafel with a cup of hot cocoa for the perfect festive treat. Be sure to pick up a few extra as holiday gifts!
- The Lodge – Rinkside
If you need a break from the frigid temperature of New York winter, head into The Lodge. Located rinkside, The Lodge offers a great place to warm up, grab a few drinks and take in the festive atmosphere. Inside are several different bars and walkup vendors with a variety of treats and drinks. For those 21 and older, spiked hot chocolate and holiday-themed cocktails are available. The Lodge offers great views of the ice skating rink and the Bryant Park Christmas Tree. The Rink is free to those who bring their own skates, but skate rentals are available for a fee.
The holiday shops at Winter Village are currently open in Bryant Park through Jan. 2. The Rink will be open through March 3. Be sure not to miss the annual Bryant Park Christmas Tree Lighting on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m.
