Ready to unleash your inner Johnny Weir? Grab your mittens and book it to one of these 14 rinks for an afternoon of spins, jumps and twirls…or at the very least, some seasonal fodder for your TikTok. Whether you’re looking for an iconic New York experience (hello, Rockefeller Center) or something off the beaten path (like skyline views in Jersey City), there’s something festive for everyone with this tried-and-true winter activity. So, lace up your skates, bring out the earmuffs and get ready to glide with our pick of the best places to go winter ice skating in NYC. Just make sure to do your research as you may need to reserve a ticket beforehand.
The 14 Best Places to Go Ice Skating in NYC
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Published Dec 1, 2022
Scott Meadows
1. The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Skating on this iconic rink below the famed Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has to be one of the most quintessential New York holiday experiences. That also means plenty of crowds, so bypass the tourists and opt for a membership. The membership fee (from $500) includes unlimited skating for the season, priority access to events and activities and your own private locker for stashing your gear.
Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th Sts.; rockefellercenter.com
Open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Andrew F Kasmierski/Getty Images
2. The Rink at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
The city’s only free-admission rink, this centerpiece to Bryant Park’s holiday market offers some of the best skating in town. Shop for Christmas gifts from local artisans, then hit the ice and glide around beside the New York Public Library and the lights of Midtown. After you hang up your skates, swing by any one of the numerous restaurants and vendors in the Winter Village for a satisfying snack (may we suggest the raclette?).
42nd Street and Sixth Avenue; bryantpark.org
Monday to Wednesday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday to Sunday (including holidays) 8 a.m. to midnight.
Courtesy of LeFrak Center at Lakeside
3. Lefrak Center at Lakeside, Prospect Park
It’s like the Winter Olympics in Prospect Park’s southeast corner this time of year. You’ll find curling, hockey and, of course, ice skating on not one but two rinks (one open-air, one covered). We’re partial to the outdoor rink, which celebrates all the festive cheer with the winter views. And because it’s all off the tourist trail, you’ll be gliding by fellow locals.
171 East Drive, Prospect Park, near the Parkside/Ocean Avenue entrance, Brooklyn; lakesidebrooklyn.com
Open Sunday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Hudson Yards now has its own rink, set in the plaza outside of Manhattan West. And, of course, the flashy new-ish development wanted to steal the show by bringing in Olympians Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov to host skating tutorials in addition to the rink’s public skating hours. Book a 15-minute private skating lesson with a pro ($55) or opt for a 30-minute private class ($105). Both come with complimentary ice time, plus skate rental.
385 Ninth Ave., Manhattan; therinkatmw.com
Open Monday to Friday 2 to 9:15 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday 10:15 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Wollman Rink
5. Wollman Rink
You may recognize this rink from its cameos in Serendipity, Home Alone 2, Gossip Girl and a host of other television shows and films. Set against the backdrop of Fifth Avenue and the Plaza Hotel, Wollman Rink offers a grandiose, Insta-worthy setting to live out your winter wonderland dreams. Be aware, though, that its Central Park location attracts both locals and out-of-towners. (Read: always busy.)
830 Fifth Ave.; wollmanrinknyc.com
Open daily, see the website for specific hours.
Set in a courtyard of this industrial space-turned-creative community, the Industry City Ice Rink is small but mighty. Its bistro lights add ambience, and its proximity to dozens of restaurants, retail shops and NYC views make it the stop in Brooklyn for a festive ice-skating session. Hint: stop by Brooklyn Kura for a sake tasting after your ice capades.
Courtyard 5/6 at Industry City, 51 35th St., Brooklyn; industrycity.com
Open Friday 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Nearby schools, hockey leagues and the entire Coney Island community have loved the Abe Stark Skating Arena for more than 50 years. It’s the type of place where generations go for a family skate followed by hot chocolate and lots of smiles. The boardwalk is also worth a visit even in the chilly winter weather. Plus, there’s free parking.
Boardwalk and West 19th Street, Brooklyn; coneyislandfunguide.com
Call for public skating hours.
THE RINK AT BROOKFIELD PLACE WITH GREGORY AND PETUKHOV
8. The Rink at Brookfield Place
The place to skate in the evenings? The Rink at Brookfield Place. Here, you’ll glide under the tower lights of One World Trade as well as the glistening skyscrapers across the Hudson River in Jersey City. The rink is newer to the scene, bringing in families from nearby Tribeca and Battery Park. The crowd makes this a wholesome place for a post-school day skate session followed by happy hour (for adults) and cupcakes (for kids) at the Brookfield Place eateries.
230 Vesey St.; therinkatbrookfieldplace.net
Open Monday to Friday 2 to 9:15 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 9:15 p.m.
NEWPORT SKATES
Skating comes with a side of skyline views at this Jersey City rink. It’s a very neighborhood-y crowd, and you’ll likely see many a date night and family outing while lacing up. The rink also offers private lessons and party packages, meaning your holiday shindig just might move from the bar to the ice for this year’s celebration.
95 River Dr. South, Jersey City; newportskates.com
Open Monday to Friday 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
10. WWII Veterans War Memorial Ice Skating Rink
Staten Islanders, lace up those skates. Clove Lakes Park has reopened its popular ice skating rink, held in the World War II Veterans War Memorial. Kids, adults, pros and amateurs all take to the ice here for plenty of winter fun, which includes a snack bar for a post-skate nibble.
Victory Blvd., west of Clove Rd.; nycgovparks.org
Open Monday to Thursday for public school holidays; Friday 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday noon to 4:30 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m.; Sunday noon to 6 p.m.
11. World Ice Arena
Did the skating bug bite you this season? You can continue to take classes at World Ice Area in Queens long after the seasonal rinks close up shop. Located in the Aquatic Center at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the rink is open for walk-in public skating sessions with year-round skating classes, and the cost is often less than what you’d find at the likes of The Rockefeller Center.
131-04 Meridian Rd., Flushing; worldice.com
Check the website for specific hours.
City Ice Pavilion/Facebook
The sister rink of World Ice Area is in Long Island City and boasts an NHL-sized ice rink. In addition to year-round skating school programs, City Ice Pavilion also offers multi-day holiday workshops so you can brush up on your skills before heading to Bryant Park to show them all off.
47-32 32nd Place, Long Island City; cityicepavilion.com
Open weekends and select weekdays. Check the website for public session hours.
The William Vale
13. Vale Rink
Atop Brooklyn’s The William Vale hotel is Vale Rink, a sustainable, synthetic ice rink on the building’s 23rd floor. Skate with a view of the Manhattan skyline before tucking into a cozy meal at Leuca, the hotel's Puglia-inspired restaurant dishing up classic Italian fare.
111 N. 12th St., Williamsburg; thewilliamvale.com
Open Wednesday to Friday 2 to 10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday noon to 10 p.m.
Governors Island/Facebook
14. Winter Village at Governor’s Island
Sure, Union Square and Bryant Park get all the press for their (incredibly charming) winter wonderlands, but did you know it’s also a good time on Governor’s Island? Hop on a ferry and spend the afternoon ice skating before indulging in the many food trucks and lawn games. There are also sled and bike rentals for those feeling extra adventurous. Admission to the ice rink is free on Thursdays on a first come, first serve basis.
Colonels Row, Governors Island; govisland.com
The Winter Village is open every day during island hours. The skating rink is open Thursday and Friday noon to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
