The event was one of 50 taking place in cities around the world as part of what organizers called "The World's Big Sleep Out."
Entertainer Will Smith performed a bedtime story for about 900 participants braving the cold in Times Square.
Funds raised from the event will support charities that work to end homelessness including the Robin Hood Foundation and the Coalition for the Homeless.
London and New Delhi were among the cities holding similar demonstrations.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
----------
* More Manhattan news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube