Press Releases

This holiday season, NYC Parks is encouraging New Yorkers to celebrate life’s special moments with a lasting, meaningful tribute through its Adopt-A-Bench program. Whether you are sharing a birthday wish, honoring a beloved community member or pet, marking a marriage proposal, or commemorating another milestone, adopting a bench offers a unique way to create a personal legacy in the city’s parks.

"At NYC Parks, we’re always looking for ways to help New Yorkers feel more connected to the places they love,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. “Adopting a bench is a beautiful way to honor the people and moments that shape our lives, creating a tribute that will live on in our parks for years to come. And if you’re still searching for that perfect holiday gift, our park holiday markets offer countless opportunities to find something special while supporting local vendors and enjoying the magic of the season.”

Through the Adopt-A-Bench program, participants can personalize a park bench with an engraved plaque bearing a message of their choice. NYC Parks will maintain the bench for 10 years, ensuring each tribute remains a cherished part of the green spaces enjoyed by millions of New Yorkers.

Benches are available for adoption in every borough, providing opportunities to celebrate or remember loved ones in a meaningful location throughout the city’s 30,000 acres of parkland for a contribution of $5,000.

Once an inquiry is submitted and approved, plaque installation is typically completed within three months

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Submit and inquiry on the Adopt-A-Bench form with your preferred park or neighborhood for more information. Your contributions are tax-deductible, and matching gifts are accepted.

Certain parks, including Central Park and Prospect Park, are overseen by local conservancies which operate separate bench adoption programs. Click here for the full list.

HOLIDAY MARKETS IN NEW YORK CITY PARKS

NYC Parks is proud to host New York City’s iconic holiday markets this season. Now through January, you can find holiday markets welcoming New Yorkers and visitors to shop for clothes, trinkets, arts and crafts, good eats, and much more in some of the city’s famous parks.

Union Square Holiday Market-- Union Square Park
Open from November 13 through December 24, 2025
The Union Square Holiday Market is the longest-running and largest holiday market in the city. With over 175 vendors, there are opportunities to stroll, peruse, and enjoy this holiday tradition in one of the City’s most iconic public spaces.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market-- Central Park
Open daily from December 2 through December 31, 2025
Columbus Circle will be lit with holiday cheer and joy as the Holiday Market showcases over 140 vendors. Soak in the splendor of a holiday shopping experience in the heart of New York City.

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park – Holiday Shops by Urbanspace

Bryant Park
Open daily from October 25 through January 5, 2025
Each year, Bryant Park transforms into a winter wonderland featuring an open-air holiday market where you can ice skate, eat, drink, and shop curated vendors by Urbanspace.