Behind The Scenes: Construction of Winter Village at Bryant Park Opens November 1

Crews finishing up the Bryant Park Winter Village for tomorrow’s opening.

Winter’s here early in Midtown as Bryant Park‘s annual Winter Village (presented by Bank of America) is back in town. For the past two weeks, crews have been working to set up a 170′ by 100′ skating rink in the middle of Bryant Park, surrounded by various holiday shops that will be open throughout the holiday season. We’ve been taking daily photographs as it all comes together.

November 1st is the first day you can dust off the skates and try out the new rink (which is free with your own skates, $15 skate rental). It will be open until March 2, 2014. The shops (open until January 5th) are putting together finishing touches and most are also targeting tomorrow as their opening date.

The skating rink in Bryant Park is the unofficial start of the winter season and the centerpiece of Winter Village. We’re mostly looking forward to Celsius Lounge, which overlooks the ice and will be serving lunch, dinner, and drinks every day.

Here are some photos of Winter Village coming together, the last photo was actually taken today. Can’t believe they still plan to finish on time!