Ice Skating in New York City
Every winter in New York City, sleigh bells ring in Central Park, the city’s landmarks and shops sparkle with festive lights, and the city’s outdoor ice rinks open for the season. Read on for where and how to get out on the NYC ice.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
From October to April.
New York City’s most famous ice-skating rink is at Rockefeller Center. While skating here may be pricier and more crowded than elsewhere, gliding beneath the iconic Rockefeller Christmas tree is a quintessential NYC experience. With only 150 skaters allowed on the ice at a time (for just 90 minutes at a time), tickets regularly sell out, so be sure to book in advance.
Wollman Rink in Central Park
From October to April.
Ice skating in Central Park is a long-standing, beloved tradition for New Yorkers and visitors alike. For a quieter experience than at Rockefeller Center, prebook tickets for the Wollman Rink—less than a 5-minute walk from the park’s south entrance at West 59th Street and Sixth Avenue. As you skate against the spectacular backdrop of the NYC skyline, you might recognize landmarks from the numerous Hollywood movies that have been filmed here, including Serendipity, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, and Stepmom.
Know Before You Go
Top tips for ice skating in New York City.
Though ice skating in New York City is extra special over the holidays, some outdoor rinks are open all winter so you can skate from October to April.
New York City also has a number of indoor rinks for year-round ice skating.
Those wishing to branch out from Manhattan’s top two rinks can also ice skate at the Winter Village in Bryant Park, the Standard Ice Rink in the Meatpacking District, and Prospect Park in Brooklyn.
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