Brookfield Place is a resort oasis of shopping, dining and more in downtown Manhattan

In the heart of Manhattan lies a gem of a space, a premier location for shopping, dining and waterfront views.

Of course, we’re talking about Brookfield Place, a hub of shops and restaurants that serves as an oasis of relaxation in this sometimes chaotic city.

With more than 40 shops and services, including more than a dozen fast-casual restaurants, seven restaurants and some eye-catching art, it is a must-visit destination year-round.

Not to mention, its views are some of the best in Manhattan. That’s because Brookfield Place, located in the borough’s Battery Park neighborhood, offers views of the Hudson River on one side (yes, that’s an ice rink, a seasonal amenity during the winter holidays) and important landmarks like One World Trade Center on the other.

The great location also means you’re close to one of the city’s largest transportation hubs, with easy access to the Port Authority Trans-Hudson Train and multiple subway lines. Fulton Street is a 7-minute walk away, with underground access to the Oculus Transportation Hub.

But by far, Brookfield Place’s biggest draw is its stunning holiday decorations, which include a large Christmas tree and lots of holiday garlands. Here’s what to expect when you visit the 14-acre property.

Holiday Celebrations at Brookfield Place

Inside the Winter Garden Atrium you’ll find a huge glass and steel pavilion lined with rows of palm trees, all decorated with festive Christmas lights. You can also take part in seasonal events and entertainment here.

Take a photo with Santa Claus

From now until Christmas Eve, you’ll find the “Selfies with Santa!” display, where you can take photos with St. Nick for free.

After registering through the QR code, you will receive a text message reminder when it is your turn to take a photo. If you’re not good at taking selfies, don’t worry. Santa’s helpers will be on hand to take photos with your device.

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You’ll also find crafts, candy canes and plenty of Christmas cheer. Oh, and pets are welcome on select days (find pets here ).

skating on the hudson river

Described by Brookfield Place as “Lower Manhattan’s premier outdoor skating destination, bringing winter to life with festive events and skyline views,” the venue’s ice rink is a fun place to get into the holiday spirit.

The rink is open until March 1, 2026, and tickets start at just $15 each. You can also pay to take skating lessons if you’re looking to perfect your skills ahead of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy.

Holiday Concert Series

Brookfield Place also hosts a concert series featuring seasonal favorites.

There are performances on select Tuesdays throughout December.

Shopping at Brookfield Place

At Brookfield Place, you can choose from luxury retailers including Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Omega and Louis Vuitton.

There are plenty of other stores to suit every budget, including Bonobos, Marine Layer, J.Crew, and Lululemon (a TPG favorite for maximizing bill points with select credit cards).

In addition, you’ll find an array of service-focused shops such as Warby Parker (optical), Barber Shop (Adam Grooming Atelier), Drybar Outpost, Concierge Health Pharmacy (Tablet Works) and Clean Market, which offers IV fluids, infrared saunas, booster shots and lymphatic drainage massages.

Dining at Brookfield Place

Brookfield Place also has many cafes and restaurants.

Hudson Eats has 14 chef-operated, fast-casual restaurants overlooking the namesake river. It’s a relaxed, uncrowded space with plenty of seating. When I worked in the complex recently, I found it to be a respite.

There are also a number of high-end dining options here, including an outpost of popular Italian restaurant Sant Ambroeus, a replica of New York staple PJ Clarke’s, Italian-style Parm, seafood-focused Seamore’s, and the taproom of Brooklyn-based brewer Sixpoint Brewery.

Whether you come to dine, enjoy some retail therapy or both, you can now earn shopping and dining rewards through Brookfield Place’s Spend and Receive program. Through this program, you can earn up to $150 back on your purchases in the form of gift cards redeemable at most on-property retailers and restaurants.

Earn $25 when you spend $500, $60 when you spend $750, and $150 when you spend $1,500. This is a great way to save money, especially if you stack it with other offers you may have.

Public Art at Brookfield Place

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

If that’s not enough for you, all Brookfield properties in Manhattan are included in the guided tour. You’ll see a variety of striking works, including Rashid Johnson’s 2020 painting Untitled Broken Crowd, shown below.

bottom line

Brookfield Place is a hidden treasure in the heart of Manhattan. In this impressive complex you will find everything from shops and restaurants to entertainment venues and festive seasonal products. It’s a peaceful alternative to the crowds at Rockefeller Center and Columbus Circle.

Next time you’re in New York, be sure to stop by.