Brookfield Place is a vacation oasis for shopping, dining and more in midtown Manhattan

In the center of Manhattan, there is a gem of a space that stands out as a prime location for shopping, dining, and enjoying ocean views.

We are talking, of course, about brookfield place, a hub of shops and restaurants that serves as an oasis of relaxation in a sometimes chaotic city.

Offering more than 40 shops and services, including more than a dozen fast-casual restaurants, seven restaurants and an array of eye-catching works of art, the space is a must-visit destination year-round.

Not to mention, its views are some of the best in all of Manhattan. That’s because Brookfield Place is in the borough’s Battery Park neighborhood, where you’ll find views of the Hudson River on one side (yes, it’s an ice skating rink, a seasonal amenity available during the winter holidays) and landmarks like One World Trade Center on the other.

The prime location also means you’re close to one of the city’s largest transit hubs, with easy access to Port Authority Trans-Hudson trains and several subway lines. It’s a 7-minute walk from Fulton Street and has a subway connection to the Oculus Transportation Center.

But right now, Brookfield Place’s biggest draw is its impressive Christmas decorations, including large Christmas trees and several festive wreaths. Here’s what you can expect when visiting this 14-acre property.

Christmas Festivities at Brookfield Place

Inside the Winter Garden’s atrium, you’ll find a large glass and steel pavilion lined with rows of palm trees, all adorned with Christmas lights for the holidays. Here you can also participate in seasonal events and entertainment.

Selfies with Santa Claus

From now until Christmas Eve, you’ll find the “Selfie with Santa!” screen, where you can take your own photographs, for free, with St. Nick.

After checking in using a QR code, you’ll receive a text alert when it’s your turn to take a photo. Don’t worry if you’re not good at selfies. Santa’s helpers will be available to take photos using their devices.

You’ll also find crafts, candy canes, and lots of Christmas spirit. Oh, and pets are welcome on select dates (find them here).

Ice Skating on the Hudson

Described by Brookfield Place As “Lower Manhattan’s premier destination for outdoor ice skating, bringing winter to life with festive activities and skyline views,” the on-site skating venue serves as a fun place to get in the holiday spirit.

The track will be open until March 1, 2026, with tickets starting at just $15 each. Skating lessons are also offered for a fee, in case you want to hone your skills before the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy.

Christmas Concert Series

Brookfield Place It also hosts a concert series featuring seasonal favorites.

Performances take place on select Tuesdays throughout the month of December.

Shopping at Brookfield Place

In Brookfield PlaceYou’ll be able to choose from luxury stores including Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Omega and Louis Vuitton.

There are also plenty of other stores that fit a wide range of budgets, including Bonobos, Marine Layer, J.Crew, and Lululemon (a TPG favorite for maximizing statement credits with select credit cards).

Additionally, you’ll discover a selection of service-focused stores like Warby Parker (eyewear), a barber shop (Adam Grooming Atelier), a Drybar outpost, a wellness pharmacy with concierge (Tablet Works), and Clean Market, which offers IV infusions, infrared sauna, booster shots, and lymphatic drainage massages.

Dining at Brookfield Place

Brookfield Place It is also home to numerous cafes and restaurants.

Hudson Eats features a collection of 14 chef-driven fast-casual restaurants overlooking the namesake river. It is a relaxed space, with few people and plenty of seats. I found it a respite when I was recently working from the resort.

There are also several high-end dining establishments, including an outpost of popular Italian restaurant Sant Ambroeus, a version of New York classic PJ Clarke’s, the Italian-focused Parm, the seafood-focused Seamore’s, and a taproom from Brooklyn brewer Sixpoint Brewery.

Whether you come in for dinner, indulge in some retail therapy, or do a combination of both, right now you can earn rewards for your shopping and dining thanks to Brookfield Place’s “Spend and Receive” program. Through this program, you’ll earn up to $150 back on purchases in the form of a gift card redeemable at most hotel retailers and restaurants.

You’ll earn $25 for spending $500, $60 for spending $750, and $150 for spending $1,500. That’s a solid way to save some money, especially if you combine it with other offers you may have.

Public art at Brookfield Place

Beyond shopping and restaurants, Brookfield Place It is home to an impressive art collection. You can take a self-guided tour to explore the works spread throughout the space.

If you can’t get enough, all Brookfield properties in Manhattan are included in the guided tour. You’ll see all kinds of attention-grabbing pieces, including Rashid Johnson’s 2020 painting “Untitled Broken Crowd,” shown below.

In a nutshell

Brookfield Place It is a treasure hidden in plain sight in the center of Manhattan. At this stunning resort you’ll find everything from shopping and dining to entertainment options, plus seasonal holiday offerings. It’s a peaceful alternative to the crowds at Rockefeller Center and Columbus Circle.

Next time you’re in the Big Apple, be sure to stop by.