In downtown Manhattan, there's a jewel of a space that stands out as a premier spot for shopping, dining and waterfront views.
We're talking, of course, about Brookfield Place, a hub of shops and eateries that serves as a relaxing oasis in a sometimes chaotic city.
Offering more than 40 shops and services, including over a dozen fast-casual dining spots, seven restaurants and a number of eye-catching pieces 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 sits in the borough's Battery Park neighborhood, where you'll find views of the Hudson River on one side (yes, that's an ice skating rink, a seasonal amenity available around the winter holidays) and important landmarks like One World Trade Center on the other.
The prime location also means you're near one of the city's largest transit hubs, with easy access to the Port Authority Trans-Hudson trains and several subway lines. It's a seven-minute walk from Fulton Street and connects underground to the Oculus transportation hub.
But right now, Brookfield Place's biggest draw is its stunning holiday decorations, which include large Christmas trees and a number of festive wreaths. Here's what to expect when visiting this 14-acre property.
Holiday festivities at Brookfield Place
Inside the Winter Garden atrium, you'll find a large glass-and-steel pavilion lined with rows of palm trees, all decked out in Christmas lights for the holidays. This is also where you can partake in seasonal events and entertainment.
Selfies with Santa
From now through Christmas Eve, you'll find the "Selfie with Santa!" display, where you can take your own pictures — for free — with St. Nick.
After registering via a QR code, you'll get a text alert when it's your turn to get a photo. Don't worry if you're not great with selfies. Santa's helpers will be on hand to take pictures using your devices.
You'll also find crafts, candy canes and plenty 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 venue's skating spot serves as a fun place to get in the holiday spirit.
The rink is open through March 1, 2026, with tickets starting at just $15 each. Skating lessons are also available for a fee, should you wish to perfect your skills ahead of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy.
Holiday concert series
Brookfield Place is also hosting a concert series featuring seasonal favorites.
Performances take place on select Tuesdays throughout the month of December.
Shopping at Brookfield Place
At Brookfield Place, you'll have your pick of luxury retailers, including Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Omega and Louis Vuitton.
There are also lots of other shops to accommodate a wide range of budgets, including Bonobos, Marine layer, J.Crew and Lululemon (a TPG favorite for maximizing statement credits with select credit cards).
Plus, you'll discover a selection of service-focused shops like Warby Parker (eyewear), a barbershop (Adam Grooming Atelier), a Drybar outpost, a concierge wellness pharmacy (Tablet Works) and Clean Market, which offers IV infusions, an infrared sauna, booster shots and lymphatic drainage massages.
Dining at Brookfield Place
Brookfield Place is home to numerous cafes and restaurants as well.
Hudson Eats features a collection of 14 chef-driven fast-casual restaurants overlooking its namesake river. It's a relaxed, uncrowded space with plenty of seating. I found it a respite when I was recently working from the complex.
There are also several high-end dining establishments, including an outpost of the popular Italian restaurant Sant Ambroeus, an iteration of New York staple P.J. Clarke's, Italian-centric Parm, seafood-focused Seamore's and a taproom from Brooklyn beer maker Sixpoint Brewery.
Whether you come to dine, enjoy some retail therapy or do a mix of both, right now, you can get rewarded 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 on-property 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 stack it with other offers you may have.
Public art at Brookfield Place
Beyond shopping and dining, Brookfield Place is home to an impressive art collection. You can take a self-guided tour to explore 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.
Bottom line
Brookfield Place is a hidden-in-plain-sight treasure in downtown Manhattan. At this impressive complex, you'll find everything from shops and restaurants to entertainment options, plus festive seasonal offerings. It's a peaceful alternative to the crowds at Rockefeller Center and Columbus Circle.
The next time you find yourself in the Big Apple, be sure to stop by.
