A fire broke out at the popular Bryant Park holiday market in Midtown Manhattan on Friday morning, impacting several business booths and producing smoke visible from a distance. The Fire Department was alerted to the incident shortly before 9:30 a.m. and had the blaze under control by 10 a.m. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the fire marshal is currently investigating the cause.
As one of New York’s largest seasonal markets, the Bryant Park holiday fair attracts approximately four million visitors annually, offering a variety of shopping options from numerous small kiosks, along with ice skating, curling, and food vendors. Officially named the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, the market is planned to continue operating until January 5, with hours from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. By noon, most shops and the ice rink had reopened, with affected businesses expected to resume operations later in the day.
This quick response and minimal damage showcase the resilience of the Bryant Park community. While the fire may have disrupted the morning activities, the swift action of emergency services and the determination of vendors to reopen will allow visitors to continue enjoying the festive atmosphere.