It's the most wonderful time of the year, and it's really quickly approaching.  

As New Yorkers we are #blessed when it comes to an abundance of winter festivities and activities to flock to around the city.

Well guess what? The holidays will be here before you know it... October 29th to be exact.

As reported by Time Out, the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park will be making its 5 month appearance (October 2016 - March 2017) right before Halloween.  

The 100+ vendors will surround the park with gifts twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and yeah, you'll probably leave with way more gifts than you have friends. 

And of course, the 17,000-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink will be available for all your holiday first date needs. 

In addition to the shopping, if you're hungrier for something other than a big- ass pretzel from Snackbar, treat yourself to a bite to eat at the new fine- casual eatery, which will be called Public Fare. We're sad that Celsius won't be around this year but out with the old, in with the new, yeah?

[anad]

Instead of Celsius, the rink-side pop-up restaurant, Danny Meyer's taking over with Public Fare, serving sandwiches, soup, and coffee in the afternoon– but will transform into a wine and cocktail bar at night. 

Also, Urbanspace, the geniuses behind Mad. Sq. Eats and the Columbus Circle holiday markets, is bringing its deep squad of vendors and retailers to the party. Also, the rink's management has changed hands, apparently, but uh, don't fret. It's still going to be free. 

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Time to grab the group of friends, the puffy jackets, the polaroid camera (get that holiday Insta #happyholidays), the reusable tote that every New Yorker owns to hold all your goodies, the wish lists, and hit the shops!

So skip Halloween and Thanksgiving completely, throw your skates in your bag (the rink is free if you bring your own and $20 for skate rentals sooo), and head on down to Midtown for some seasonal cheer!