From November until early March, it becomes impossible to walk across Bryant Park. You have to skate across. The grounds' 170'x100' ice rink acts as the swirling hub of the Bank of America Winter Village. There's no admission fee to glide over the ice—though guests do pay for rental skates if they don't bring or grow their own—and entertainment such as skating shows and lessons keep the rink bustling. Between twirls, visitors can glide by the Ice Bites shop for cups of hot chocolate and snacks.

The rink may be the Winter Village's largest attraction, but there's plenty more to the holiday-themed wonderland. More than 125 gift shops line the park's terraces with jewelry, decor, food, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Within sight of the holiday tree and its nests of newly-hatched flying reindeer, the two-story Celsius restaurant serves upscale sandwiches and other warming eats. A variety of other events pack the calendar, including holiday movies on the park's Southwest Porch and gift-wrapping services at a special kiosk.