The city gets pretty cold during the holiday season and ice rinks in New York start to open up as early as October. Regardless of the cold, however, ice skating in NYC is on many people’s bucket lists. It’s a lot of fun and a great way to take in the city in the midst of beautiful skyscrapers.
If you ask yourself where to go ice skating in New York, we got you covered! Whether you find yourself Downtown or Uptown, there are a couple of great ice rinks in NYC that let you show off your ice skating skills. Not only do the ice rinks differ in location, but they also differ in size and pricing. To give you an overview of the best ice rinks in New York City, we’ve created a list of the best ones for you!
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Bryant Park Ice Rink
Christmas Market in Midtown Manhattan
Our Highlight
Bryant Park is located just behind the New York Public Library near Times Square. In the summer months, the park is known for its film nights and in winter it is home for one of the best ice rinks in New York. Here you’ll be able to ice skate in the midst of the New York skyscrapers. The crowd is a good mix. There are cheerful couples, children who chase each other wildly over ice, to office workers who just want to have a great time before going to the office or to use their lunch break differently!
Ice skating in Bryant Park is one of the best things to do in NYC in the winter. It’s also the perfect choice if you are looking for free ice skating in New York as the rink at Bryant Park only charges for the rental. Admission to the rink is free!
Recommended: Our complete guide to Bryant Park Winter Village
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The Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center
Other Attraction in Midtown Manhattan
The Rockefeller Rink, just below the Rockefeller Center’s Christmas Tree, is considered one of the classics. It’s open from October to April. Come here during the night and experience greatness. The Rink at Rockefeller Center is one of the most popular destinations to go ice skating in New York, which is why you are likely to wait in line to skate here. If this rink is on your bucket list, know that there are a few tickets you can purchase in advance to avoid standing in line for too long.
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Wollman Rink
Ice Rink in Upper West Side
Wollman Rink in Central Park is also one of the well-known ice rinks in New York. Everyone who comes to New York in winter will most likely end up here if they are in Central Park, even if it is only for a photo. It is open from the end of October to April. The best way to find the Wollman Rink is to use the Central Park South entrance on 59th street. You will be there in 2 minutes! Wollman Rink is the best place to go ice skating in NYC if you are looking for a large rink.
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The Rink at Brookfield Place
Ice Rink in Battery Park City
Another great place to go ice skating in NYC is Brookfield Place. Outside the gorgeous winter garden, you can find The Rink at Brookfield Place. It’s a medium-size ice rink in New York and offers great views of the winter garden and the Hudson River. A visit here can perfectly be combined with seeing the popular “Luminaries” light show at Brookfield Place that runs from December through early January.
The ice rink a Brookfield Place offers skate lessons and hosts a variety of events throughout December.
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Pier 17 Ice Rink
Ice Rink in Financial District
In New York, you can do anything. Even ice skating on a roof. Since 2018, Pier 17 opened the Winter Wonderland where you can go ice skating and enjoy the stunning views of the Manhattan Skyline and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge at the same time. Because of its unparalleled views, it is one of our favorite places to go ice skating in NYC!
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Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
Other Attraction in Chelsea
The Chelsea Piers are a paradise for all skating fans. The two covered ice rinks, near the Hudson River, are open around the clock and all year round. Since 1969, anyone can skate here or join one of the skating courses.
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The Scaf – The Ice Rink at the Standard High Line Hotel
Activities in Meatpacking District
Every winter, the small plaza of The Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District turns into an ice rink. It’s not big, but it’s really beautiful. It’s right next to the High Line and the Whitney Museum. Afterwards, have a drink at the bar or visit the rooftop bar Le Bain to enjoy the sunset over the Hudson River!
Our Favorite Spots to Go Ice Skating in NYC (Video)
FAQ
How many ice rinks are in New York?
There are multiple ice rinks in New York across all boroughs. The most popular ones, however, are located in Manhattan. Our top list features the best ice rinks in NYC.
How much does it cost to ice skate in NYC?
How much it costs to go ice skating in NYC depends on the rink you choose. You can take advantage of free ice skating at Bryant Park. There, you only have to pay the ice skate rental fee. Other ice rinks, like the Wollman Rink in Central Park, charge almost $20 for admission alone.
Where can you skate in NYC?
You can go ice skating in NYC pretty much in every borough. Manhattan, however, is most popular featuring the ice rinks at Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and Central Park.
When can you ice skate in NYC?
Ice rinks in New York open as soon as late October. Bryant Park is typically the first one to open. You can then ice skate until March.
