I got there a little after 4 p.m. on a weekday in mid-December, just as it was starting to get dark.
The sidewalks surrounding the park were busy with wandering tourists and with locals leaving work. You can access five subway lines at the park, so the area always gets busy around rush hour.
The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, which includes pop-up holiday shops, an ice skating rink, and a heated "lodge" with food and drinks, opened on October 27 this year. The holiday shops are open through January 2, while the rink and the lodge will close after March 3, 2019.
I was immediately surprised that the market wasn't packed full of people. Last time I went to a holiday market in New York City was at Union Square last year, and it was so crowded at times that I could barely move.
I walked by the Southwest Porch, an al fresco restaurant and full bar, where people were gathered under heat lamps.
There were a few fire pits set up as well, which several people and at least one little dog seemed to be enjoying.
Thanks to the heat lamps, it actually looked like a cozy, chill place to hang out and have a drink or some snacks.
I saw a large tour group gathered at the edge of the park and braced myself to navigate through more large groups, but I didn't see any others the whole time I was there.
Bryant Park's holiday market includes more than 170 pop-up boutiques selling "local crafts, artisanal food, and goods from around the world," according to its website. The winter village is inspired by European open-air markets.
Source: Bryant Park
The eateries included plenty of hot drinks such as cider and hot chocolate, but also donuts, fried pickles ...
But I found myself intrigued by many of the offerings. I actually did some Christmas gift shopping from two different shops, which I had absolutely no intention of doing.
Some of the shops were distinctly holiday-themed, such as "Santa's Workshop," which sold Christmas ornaments.
It's actually a great place to shop for different types of gifts without having to trek all around the city.
I came to the holiday market with low expectations, expecting crowds of tourists and cheesy attractions. But I found myself reluctantly having a very pleasant time.
Christmas music was drifting over the park from the skating rink. I understand that Christmas music is hated by many when it's played incessantly in grocery stores and shops starting in October, but this was exactly the right setting for it.
As I watched friends, families, and couples shopping and wandering, I only wished I had someone else there with me to enjoy the market.
It was quite romantic, actually. "I should come here with the girl I like," I heard someone say to his friend as they passed by me. I wanted to tell him that, yes, he totally should.
Skating is free for those who bring their own skates, or $20 to rent. The rink is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Despite varying ability levels, everyone seemed to be having a good time.
Source: Bryant Park