Want a little reading to go with the green space? Head over to Bryant Park’s Reading Room, a Depression Era tradition recently revived in 2003
Bryant Park is 9,500 acre public park found in Manhattan. Tucked behind the magnificent New York Public Library, and just blocks from Times Square, it is a verdant oasis, perfect for a brief respite from the Manhattan madness.
It wasn’t always so: in the 80s Bryant Park was known as Needle Park. Taken over by drug dealers and addicts, it was considered a no-go zone by locals and tourists. Since then it has been dramatically rejuvenated through the introduction of amenities by the Parks Council, with the support of the Rockefeller family. They also implemented the “Broken Windows Theory” with a rigorous and rapid program to clean and repair the park. And it worked: Bryant Park is considered an emblem of the regeneration New York underwent in the 90s.
Today the park is a favourite destination for locals and tourists alike. It offers sprawling green lawns, coffee kiosks and spaces for al fresco chess matches. There’s also the Bryant Park Grill which, when not booked out for weddings, has a bar that’s perfect for a twilight cocktail, and its sister establisment, the Bryant Park Café, which provides a more casual alternative. The lawn itself serves not only as a lunchroom for office workers, but also as the seating area for some of the park’s major events, including the HBO Summer Film Festival.
Yippee ki-yay
At the other end of the calendar, Christmas in New York is special, as any Die Hard fan knows. At this time the Winter Village, replete with a giant, enchanting Christmas tree, offers ice-skating and is packed with lovely stalls serving much needed hot chocolate, coffee, hot apple cider, and crepes of all kinds. And, of course, Santa’s corner makes an appearance too.
New York City is fantastic year-round, but during the holidays, the city is even more spectacular and magical as the Christmas lights come on and the holiday cheer is in full swing.
On your private tour of New York City, you will:
The magic of New York City at Christmas is best experienced in Midtown, where the major department stores each adorn their window displays with unique themes each year, and where the parks turn into ice-skating rinks and Christmas markets.
On your private walking tour, your guide will be sure you see all of the highlights of Midtown – from Bryant Park and Grand Central Terminal—through Saks Fifth Avenue, Times Square, and Saks Fifth Avenue. (if you book the afternoon tour, you may even see the Saks Fifth Avenue light show. )
Enjoy the masterful works of art on display throughout the city, which are only available to be seen for one month a year! Delight in the wonder of these window decorations, the music and lights throughout the city, and the yuletide cheer that captures everyone. Enjoy the best of the Big Apple, dressed up for the holidays.
Note: This tour runs after Thanksgiving through the new year.
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