Bryant Park during the holiday season

Starting November 6, New York's Bryant Park will be kicking it into high gear for the holidays with two great annual attractions.


The Pond at Bryant Park: The Pond is the first and only free ice skating rink in Manhattan, which takes the sting out of $12 skate rentals. Those packing their own blades skate for free. While lockers are free, bag checks and lock rentals cost $9. The Pond at Bryant Park will be open seven days a week between November 6 and January 24, 2010, Sunday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to midnight.


The Shops at Bryant Park: Visitors to Midtown will also find plenty of shopping with more than 100 pop-up boutiques and food merchants from around the world scattered throughout the park. The shops are open from November 6 until January 3, 2010. Hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.


After ice skating and holiday shopping are done, the Bryant Park Hotel is right across the street. The hotel's ever-hip Cellar Bar is a great place to warm up with something a little more stiff than apple cider.


- Andrew Hickey, of The Brooklyn Nomad.