A fire broke out at the iconic Bryant Park holiday market in Midtown Manhattan on the morning of December 27, 2024, with flames shooting from at least one food tent. The incident occurred around 9:20 a.m., quickly spreading through several stalls in the market known for its holiday cheer and shopping.
According to reports, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) responded promptly, managing to control the blaze by 10 a.m. No injuries were reported, but the fire left at least four shops charred, with the structure of the nearby ice-skating rink also suffering slight damage due to heat exposure.
The fire’s cause remains under investigation by the FDNY fire marshal, with speculation that it might be related to cooking equipment used in the affected kiosks. This event marks the second fire at a holiday market in NYC within the same season, following a previous incident at the Herald Square market earlier in December.
Bryant Park, a popular tourist destination especially during the festive season, was not scheduled to open until 11 a.m. that day, potentially averting what could have been a more catastrophic scenario had the market been bustling with visitors. The market, which features over 180 holiday shops, has since seen most of its unaffected vendors reopening, with the management expressing gratitude towards the FDNY for their rapid response.
The Bryant Park Winter Village, known for its European-inspired open-air market and the only free-admission ice rink in NYC, has been a symbol of holiday festivities, drawing millions of visitors each year. This incident, however, has cast a shadow over the holiday spirit, highlighting safety concerns in crowded, seasonal setups.
