New York, United States - December 23, 2024 The Bryant Park fountain, an iconic Midtown landmark, froze for the first time this season on December 23, confirming what all New Yorkers know: winter has officially arrived. X user NewYorkCityKopp shared a stunning video of the frosty spectacle, captioned simply, “Bryant Park frozen fountain.” The post quickly resonated with locals who measure the season’s true start by this icy milestone. The freezing temperatures follow the Winter Solstice and NYC’s first snow on December 21. As Monday dawned at a bone-chilling 14°F, the fountain transformed into a dazzling sculpture of icicles, capturing the city’s imagination. Bryant Park itself showcased the scene on Instagram, drawing awe from residents and visitors alike. Though now celebrated for its wintry beauty, the fountain has a storied past. Designed by Charles A. Platt, it honors Josephine Shaw Lowell, a pioneering social worker and reformer. First placed in Bryant Park in 1913, the monument has stood through decades of NYC winters, including a major refurbishing in 1992.