A HOLIDAY market in the heart of New York City has been dubbed the “9th circle of hell” due to its gargantuan crowds and long lines.
The Winter Village at Bryant Park is a popular event that draws in huge crowds of tourists, eager to soak up the holiday cheer in the heart of Manhattan.
The landmark is known for its 17,000-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink, which is known as a joyful hotspot for tourists and New Yorkers alike.
Scenes from the vibrant park adorned with Christmas decorations are inescapable on social media feeds.
Countless videos showcasing the delicious hot chocolate, cozy s’mores, decadent desserts, and joyful family moments at the Winter Village flood social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
However, hidden beneath the dazzling facade of this winter paradise portrayed online is a harsh reality that has been likened to a nightmarish experience, with one visitor even going as far as calling it the “9th circle of hell.”
Robin, a family travel content creator who goes by rtallant on Instagram, shared her unpopular opinion about Bryant Park’s Winter Village.
She called the holiday hotspot the “9th circle of hell.”
‘IS IT WORTH IT?’
“I said what I said,” Robin declared.
“And I’m sure this sentiment holds true for all the holiday markets in NYC, not just the Winter Village.
“They are crowded. Crushing at times. Especially on the weekends. More crowded than in years past.”
Robin slammed the market’s expensive holiday shops and the immense wait time to purchase a beverage.
“If you want the Insta-famous s’mores, a $27 cup of strawberries & chocolate, or the raclette cheese & jamon sandwich, get yourself a snack and a drink before you wait in line for 2+ hours,” Robin added.
“Yes, we did actually wait for 2+ hours for s’mores. The crowds at Rockefeller Center and 5th Avenue were even worse.”
She went on to ask her followers if they had visited the Winter Village this year and questioned, “Are the strawberries worth the money?”
‘NIGHTMARE ON 42ND ST’
A handful of followers acknowledged Robin’s sentiment, with several native New Yorkers admitting they do not visit the park during the holiday season.
“Yes! Bryant Park is one of my favorite spots in the city… EXCEPT during Christmas,” one woman said.
A second person blamed social media for turning the festivities into a “hellhole.”
“Like most other things that start cool, social media turned it into a hellhole,” the commenter added.
“I’m a New Yorker and work in the city. I don’t step foot in there,” a New York resident wrote.
“As a native New Yorker I don’t go anywhere during the holidays, on a Saturday, anymore. Then social media is hyping everything up and has you standing 45 min for hot cocoa,” one grumbled.
“Yeah the last couple years!!! What happened? Nightmare on 42nd St!” wrote another.
However, some commenters recommended that those who still desire to visit Bryant Park’s Winter Village avoid going on a weekend.
“You gotta go on a weekday/weeknight. It’s actually very romantic and fun when it isn’t busy,” one person suggested.
A History of Bryant Park’s Winter Village
Winter Village at Bryant Park is an renowed holiday hotspot visited by millions of tourists annually.
- Bryant Park was first converted into a winter wonderland in 2002.
- Bank of America hosts the Winter Village.
- The spectacle features holiday shops, the Lodge (a pop-up bar and food hall), and New York City’s only admission-free ice rink.
- Around 3 million travelers visit Bryant Park’s Winter Village during the peak holiday season, according to the park’s website.
- The Winter Village opens yearly from late October until March of the following year.
A second wrote, “This particular market goes on until March 2. My experience, go after New Year’s and the holiday rush is over.
“Start your Christmas shopping for next year and still enjoy all the pleasures that are there currently this time of year.”
“On a weekend in December? Agreed. I went on a Tuesday morning and it was empty!” another said.
The Winter Village in Bryant Park runs from October 25, 2024, through March 2, 2025.
