Top 3 Tips for Exploring New York’s Best Holiday Market
I believe myself to be what I would call a “true” New Yorker, which means I love New York around the holidays. From Rockefeller Center to just walking around the different neighborhoods, I love the energy.
I’ll be honest – I’m not a huge shopper. But I do love the amazing winter markets around the world, which seem to somehow relieve the usual stress of the holidays and replace it with a bit of holiday magic. I’ve been to many around Europe, from the Czech Republic to London to Germany. In my opinion, one of the very best in the world is right here at home – in the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park – which pops up every year from October 31st to just after New Year’s between 5th and 6th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. Here are my my top 3 tips for exploring New York’s best holiday market.
Delectable Food Galore
From October 31, 2019 to January 5, 2020, Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is home to more than 170 food vendors, local artisans, and other pop up shops. It also generates $25 million in economic impact to New York City over the season, so we can all feel good about shopping here and supporting local businesses. You would have to come back dozens of times to try all of the food and peruse all of the shops, but I’ll tell you a few of my favorites… Some of the best mozzarella sticks in the world are here at Big Mozz… which you usually have to go to a food festival to eat. These are the most warming and perfect snack after a morning of skating. (If you’re looking for an “experience” gift for a loved one, these guys also have Mozzarella making classes at Chelsea Market every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7pm – ask at the Big Mozz counter at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park for details on purchasing.) For those with a sweet tooth, Doughnuttery is simply sinful… sugary doughnuts paired with homemade seasonal dipping sauces. Say no more. There is nothing like topping it all off with a hoppy beer that hails from New York’s Lower East Side, Top Hops Beer Shop.
Find the Free Activities
Some of you may have seen that I tried my hand at ice skating last year (evidence in the picture below.) New Yorkers may know that the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is the only place in New York you can use the ice without an entry fee. What you may not know is that this year, if you want to skip the huge lines, you can buy an “Express Skate” pass… if you want to feel even more like a VIP, you can buy a premium package which gets you access to the Polar Lounge, skates, coat check… and most importantly, convenience.
Maximize Your Financial Rewards Earnings
According to a recent survey by Bank of America, nearly 84 percent of Americans plan to use their credit or debit card for winter holiday travel expenses this year. So why not maximize your perks and discounts with everything your card has to offer? This year for the first time ever, all Bank of America debit and credit cardholders get an extra perk of 20% off your purchases when you use your card at The Rink at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. That means 20% off ice skate rentals AND Express Skate passes. When I use the Bank of America Premium Rewards Visa credit card, not only am I getting the 20% off discount, but as a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member I am also earning unlimited 3.5 points for every dollar I spend on travel and dining experiences for my family and friends and unlimited 2.62 points on everything else — all of which I can use towards my 2020 trips.
With such great rewards… all there is to do now is think about where I’m going next year!
Bonus: Check out my video from the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park for one more tip, to help you maximize your financial rewards this holiday season
Disclaimer: I am a paid spokesperson for Bank of America.
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