My favorite activity to do in the winter time in New York City is to visit Bryant Park. For the past three years this has become a kind of tradition for my boyfriend and me. The reason why this is such an enjoyable activity is because there is so much to do. While many people feel that Rockefeller Center is the place to be in NYC during the winter months, I think that the tourist foot traffic here detracts from its wintertime wonder. In Bryant Park during the holiday season the park is turned into an outdoor market. It is a great place to do your holiday shopping because with so many varied handmade shops to choose from, it’s almost guaranteed that you can find something for everyone. There are shops selling handmade chocolates, purses made of recycled material, jewelry, hats, leather goods and even personalized ornaments. With at least a hundred shops to choose from you can make a day out of window shopping. Even if you do not feel like buying anything they have delicious food stands selling everything from artisan cupcakes to hot mulled apple cider, complete with a cinnamon stick! You can then take your snacks and head over to the ice skating rink within the park. While you enjoy your snacks you can watch the skaters of various levels try their hand at the rink. You can watch as a parent teaches their child to skate or as couples skate by hand in hand. After you finish your snacks you can even head on over to the ice skating line and try your own luck on the rink.
