The most famous ice skating rink in the world is in NYC. Can you guess which one (answer is below)?
During the holidays there many winter activities in the city that make your visit more magical.
Ice skating is a quintessential part of the holidays here. To help you decide on where to go, we’ve put together our guide to the best ice skating in NYC, so trap on some skates and let’s hit the ice.
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Last Updated: November 7, 2024
9 Wonderful Places to GO Ice Skating in NYC
1. Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, Midtown West
New York, NY 10018, map
Open: Through March 2, 2025
Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM
Price: Free Admission
Skate Rental: $18-55
Zamboni Schedule: 15-minute Zamboni breaks as needed
This is our favorite area when it comes to the holidays because you get a beautiful tree, a Christmas Market, and ice skating. Plus, this is the only free rink in the city. This year, they also have curling and igloos. After you’re done, be sure to stop by the New York Public Library too. It’s right next to Bryant Park and you can see it all decked out for the holidays.
Since there is so much to do here, it definitely gets busy. If you can’t make it right when it opens, consider Premium Skating to avoid the lines. We went on a weekday morning and there were about 50 people in the regular line, but it gets even longer in the afternoons. They also include skate rental and bag check.
Local Tip: Try not to bring your bags, it cost $5-15 to check bags. There are small lockers you can use free of charge if you bring a lock, which fits a pair of shoes and small bag.
See More: 11 Magical Ways to Spend Christmas in NYC
2. Wollman Rink in Central Park
830 5th Ave, 10065, map
Open: October 26, 2024 – March 15, 2025
Hours: M-Tu 10am – 2:30pm, W-Th 10am – 9pm, F-Sa 10am – 10pm, Su 10am – 9pm
Price: $15-38 for adults, $10 for children 11 and under
Skate Rental: $12
Zamboni Schedule: Zamboni breaks vary
This massive 30,800 square foot rink draws major crowds. When we visited, we arrived just before it opened and there was already a line. Within an hour, there were buses of school kids visiting and the rink was getting packed. Regardless, having the park in the foreground and city in the background is special and unique to this location.
Local Tip: You do have to pay a spectator fee even if you aren’t skating, but there are free viewing areas from above outside of the rink.
See More: Best Things to Do in Central Park NYC
3. The Rink at Rockefeller Center, Midtown
600 5th Ave, 10020, map
Open: Through March 31, 2025
Hours: Daily 9 AM – Midnight
Price: $21-205
Skate Rental: $12
Zamboni Schedule: 30-minute Zamboni breaks every 90 minutes
This is the most famous ice skating rink in the world. It’s been featured in different shows and movies, and most people will recognize its iconic place at a glance. We always remember the SNL closing credits where the cast skates here after the show.
General admission is available on a first-come, first-served basis. During the holidays, it gets extremely busy and will sell out since they only allow 150 skaters on the ice at a time. If you want a guaranteed slot, consider reserving a VIP package, which includes skate rentals, refreshments, and access to their VIP Igloo. We got to enjoy some hot chocolate, and they let you onto the ice before anyone else.
Local Tip: To avoid the crowds, visit after mid-January or October to early November.
See More: 9 Amazing Things to do in Rockefeller Center
4. Lasker Pool and Ice Rink at Central Park (Harlem Meer Center)
110 Lenox Ave, 10065, map
CLOSED UNTIL 2024 (The site says it will open this year, but it looks like it’s still closed for renovations)
Open: N/A
Hours: N/A
Price: $9 for adults, $5 for kids, $5 for spectators
Skate Rental: $8
Zamboni Schedule: Zamboni breaks vary
These two small oval rinks aren’t the most impressive but a good place to head if you want to avoid the massive crowds at Wollman. They also dedicate one to hockey and one for skaters.
5. Riverbank State Park Ice Skating Rink, Harlem
679 Riverside Dr, 10031, map
Open: November through March (weather permitting)
Hours: Varies, check site
Price: $5 adults, $3 children
Skate Rental: $6
Zamboni Schedule: Zamboni breaks vary
The indoor ice skating rink at Riverbank State Park is one of uptown’s only rinks. During the summers, it turns into a roller skating rink, but in the winter, it’s home to an ice hockey league, figure skating club, and regular open skating sessions.
6. The Rink at Brookfield Place, Battery Park
230 Vesey St, 10281, map
Open: November to February
Hours: Varies, check site
Price: $15-17
Skate Rental: $5-7
Zamboni Schedule: Zamboni breaks vary
This rink hosts a lot of shows for Ice Skating fans, including Olympic skaters. They also open to the public, and have different group and private skating lessons. Check their site for more information.
Local Tip: Arrive 20-30 min prior to your scheduled public session time to avoid lines.
7. Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Pier 17, Lower Manhattan
89 South St, 10038, map
Open: November 8 to December 31, 2024
Hours: M-Th 3-11 PM, F 1-11 PM, Sat-Sun 10 AM – 11 PM
Price: Starts at $15 (includes one choice of hot beverage)
They didn’t bring back the ice rink this year, but we’ll leave this on this post in case they do in the future. It’s still a fun Christmas-themed event to check out with dining and entertainment for all ages.
8. Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers, Chelsea
61 Chelsea Piers, 10011, map
Open: Year Round
Hours: Varies, check site
Price: $30
Skate Rental: $10 ($5 for helmets)
Zamboni Schedule: Zamboni breaks vary
This rink doesn’t have any of the same NYC magic, but it’s consistent. If you just want to skate, the weather isn’t working out, or you’re trying to wrangle a big group of people, this is a good spot to go.
9. City Ice Pavilion, Long Island City, Queens
47-32 32nd Pl, Long Island City, NY 11101, map
Open: Year Round
Hours: Varies, check site
Price: $25
Skate Rental: $10 ($5 for helmets)
Zamboni Schedule: Zamboni breaks vary
This rink doesn’t have any of the same NYC magic, but it’s consistent. If you just want to skate, the weather isn’t working out, or you’re trying to wrangle a big group of people, this is a good spot to go.
More Indoor Rinks
- Abe Stark Rink, Coney Island BK
- Aviator Sports and Events Center, Marine Park BK
- LeFrak Center at Lakeside, Prospect Park BK
- Staten Island Skating Pavilion, Staten Island
- World Ice Arena, Flushing, QNS
- WWII Veterans War Memorial Ice Skating Rink, Staten Island
What to Pack
- Hand Warmers – We love this rechargeable ones.
- Portable Charger – Phone batteries die fast in the winter.
- Waterproof Shoes – Be ready for snow and rain.
- Combination Lock – always good to have if there are free lockers in public places.
See More: How to Survive NYC in the Winter
Essential Tips
- Check current rules, regulations, and restrictions before going. Check each location’s website or call ahead.
- Go right when it opens for the least crowded experience. One hour makes a huge difference.
- You’re going to be doing some defensive
drivingskating. People will be dropping next to you left and right especially if you go when it’s busy. - Some of these rinks have lockers, but you have to bring your own lock or rent one. We always bring this with us, and it’s such a small thing to pack if you’re visiting. If you leave items in a locker without a lock, they will remove them.
Where to Stay
Planning Checklist
- Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
- Download these helpful language apps.
- Find a great deal on NYC hotels.
- Arrange a rental car for your trip.
- Book a tour for your visit.
- Get airport lounge access.
- Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
- Get a new backpack for your trip.
- Buy a New York travel guide.
- Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
- Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
- Save money on attractions with City Pass.
Have you been ice skating in NYC? What is your favorite winter activity?
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Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
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