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.
A big thank you to the following ice skating rinks for hosting us. All opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.
Last Updated: November 3, 2022
New York, NY 10018, map
Open: October 28, 2022 – March 5, 2023
Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM
Price: Free Admission
Skate Rental: $15-50
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. 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.
830 5th Ave, 10065, map
Open: October 24, 2022 – March 15, 2023
Hours: M-Tu 10am – 2:30pm, W-Th 10am – 10pm, F-Sa 10am – 11pm, Su 10am – 9pm
Price: $15-35 for adults, $10 for children 11 and under
Skate Rental: $10
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.
Pro 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.
600 5th Ave, 10020, map
Open: Opens November 5, 2022
Hours: Weekdays 11 AM – 11 PM | Weekends 9 AM – Midnight
Price: $11-73
Skate Rental: $11
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.
110 Lenox Ave, 10065, map
CLOSED UNTIL 2024
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.
photo: gigi_nyc
679 Riverside Dr, 10031, map
Open: November 5, 2022 – March 12, 2023
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.
230 Vesey St, 10281, map
Open: November to February
Hours: Varies, check site
Price: $17
Skate Rental: $5
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.
Local Tip: Arrive 20-30 min prior to your scheduled public session time to avoid lines.
89 South St, 10038, map
Open: CLOSED 2022 SEASON
Hours: M-Th 11am-9pm, F 11am-11pm, Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 10am-9pm
Price: $14-17
Skate Rental: $8
Zamboni Schedule: Zamboni breaks vary
This is NYC’s only outdoor rooftop ice rink. You get views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, and East River. There are also casual food options at Tank, a rooftop restaurant and lounge, and even a big venue space if you want to host and event.
Pro Tip: Local neighborhood residents get a discount. If you live at one of the following zip codes, you can get a discount on your visit. 10002, 10004, 10005, 10006, 10007, 10038, 10280
61 Chelsea Piers, 10011, map
Open: Year Round
Hours: Varies, check site
Price: $20
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.
47-32 32nd Pl, Long Island City, NY 11101, map
Open: Year Round
Public Skating Hours: Varies, check site
Price: $12
Skate Rental: $8
Zamboni Schedule: Zamboni breaks vary
This is another indoor rink option more convenient for people with a car . It also has a white bubble dome ceiling, which makes minimalist photographers happy.
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
Don't Forget to Pack These
Don’t forget to dress appropriately when visiting NYC in the winter. Here are few winter essentials.
- 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.
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.
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Have you been ice skating in NYC? What is your favorite winter activity?
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