Ice Skating in New York

From October everyone can go ice skating in New York. The hot spots for ice skating in New York are Rockefeller Center and Central Park but there are more rinks. A true New York winter would not be complete without ice skating on one of the rinks around the city. Many New Yorkers look forward to putting on their skates each year. Tourists are also able to enjoy ice skating in the Big Apple. Where should you go ice skating?

Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center

Ice skating at Rockefeller Center is one of those iconic things to do in New York. The Rockefeller Rink sits in the sunken Rockefeller Plaza beneath the golden Prometheus statue. Here, you can skate in style, especially during the Christmas period, when the big Christmas tree is on display. In my opinion, the most magical NYC ice skating experience is at Rockefeller Rink during the evening when the tree is lit. But it will also be the most popular time, so book in advance!

To get there, walk to Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th Street, through the Channel Gardens and down the stairs. You can’t miss it! There are multiple subway lines nearby; you can take the BDFM to 47-50th Street/Rockefeller Center.

Practical Information

• Season: 11 October 2025 through March 2026
• Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 – 0:00
• Duration: You can skate in sessions of an hour
• General Admission: $22 – $124 per person depending on the date and time, skate rental included

Central Park

You can go ice skating in Central Park at Wollman Rink. This Central Park skating rink is big and definitely one of the finest in the world. You can skate for as long as you like once you have entered. It’s great for proper skating, and also popular amongst the locals. You can find a cafe on site for hot drinks and snacks. The setting in Central Park is pretty iconic, too. The vast park with Manhattan skyscrapers all around it makes it a great spot for photos.

Wollman Rink is located at 62nd Street, on the Fifth Avenue side (east side) of Central Park. Enter the park at 6th Avenue and Central Park South (59th Street). The nearest subway is NRW to 5th Avenue/59th Street or F train to 57th Street.

Practical Information

• Season: 24 October 2025 to 15 March 2026
• Opening Hours: 
  • Monday – Tuesday: 10:00 – 14:30
  • Wednesday – Thursday: 10:00 – 21:00
  • Friday – Saturday: 10:00 – 22:00
  • Sunday: 10:00 – 21:00
• General Admission: Adults from $16 a session, children (up to 12) $11
• Skate Rental: $12

Buy tickets for skating in Central Park here

Bryant Park

Bryant Park is just steps away from Times Square. The rink, located right in the park is even bigger than the Rockefeller skating rink. If you would like more skating space, this is definitely a good option. In addition, this is the hottest rink in town as it’s free for everyone! After your ice skating adventure, you can wander around the Winter Village at Bryant Park. Here you can find over 200 little stores, selling all kinds of products and food.

Bryant Park is located on 42nd Street, between Fifth and 6th Avenues. You can get here by taking the BDFM train to 42nd Street Bryant Park.

Practical Information

• Season: 24 October 2025 to 1 March 2026
• Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 – 22:00
  • On most weekends, holidays and most of December, open until midnight
• General Admission: Free, reserve a time slot online
• Skate Rental: $19-$60 per person depending on the date and time

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Located in Brooklyn Bridge Park, beneath the bridge, you can find the Roebling Rink. Put your skates on and enjoy the views of the Manhattan skyline. Afterwards, you can warm up with a hot chocolate and something sweet and walk to Manhattan over the Brooklyn Bridge.

To get to the ice rink in Brooklyn, take the metro line F to York Street or the AC subway to High Street. From there, it is a short walk to Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Practical Information

• Season: end of November 2025 till February 2026
• Opening Hours:
  • Monday – Thursday: 14:00 – 21:00
  • Friday – Sunday: 10:00 – 22:00
• General Admission: $10 a session
• Skate Rental: $7

Tips for Skating in New York

When you want to go ice skating in New York, it is handy to keep these things in mind:

• For the iconic holiday experience, go for the Rockefeller Center rink.
• Most New York ice skating rinks are smaller and can get crowded, so if you are a more skilled skater, don’t expect to do elaborate tricks or laps at high speeds.
• You don’t need to be an experienced skater. Most people will be beginners, so just go ahead and have fun! If you want more space to skate, Wollman Rink in Central Park is the best for that purpose.
• Wear layers so that you can add or remove clothes depending on the weather. You’ll probably warm up quickly while skating. A hat and gloves will come in handy!
• If you want to avoid the crowds, go during weekdays. Mornings and early afternoons are the best times for smaller crowds – usually also cheapest. Peak times are during weekends, evenings and around the holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year.
• If you don’t want to hit the ice and test your skills, you can also soak up the atmosphere outside the rink and enjoy watching the skaters in the iconic wintry setting. You could, for example, take the Rockefeller VIP Tour and see the tree up close.
• You’ll need to sign a waiver to enter the ice skating rink. This is common practice in New York.
• You can bring your own skates.
• You can rent skate aids for smaller children.