Post Overview: Roundup of the best places to ice skate in NYC.
There are few things more iconic than ice skating in NYC. The holiday season is as magical as you’d imagine, and to ice skate in NYC among towering skyscrapers can make anyone feel like they’re in a Hallmark movie.
I can tell you from firsthand experience there is no shortage of great ice rinks in New York City to try your hand at pirouettes or hockey. The benefit is that you’re not being scouted for the olympics, so relax and enjoy your time ice skating in NYC.
The only downside to having so many options is choosing which ice rink in NYC to stop at, especially if you’re short on time. That’s where I’m going to help.
Here is my personal list of the best ice rinks in New York City.
Tips for Ice Skating in NYC
Bundle Up
There’s no sense in sugarcoating it, NYC is COLD during the winter season. Especially when ice skating in NYC. Make sure to pack comfortable shoes, a heavy wool or down coat, high-quality gloves and a reliable hat. Also, these bad boys don’t hurt (I never leave the house without them when I know I’ll be ice skating in NYC).
Bring extra socks
Trust me on this one and learn from my mistakes. Ice skates hurt if you’re not used to them, I highly recommend wearing a pair of thicker socks when ice skating in New York City. Not to mention, if you’re renting skates you’ll probably want a fresh pair of socks after you’re all done.
Bring a drawstring bag
It’s no surprise that New York City is an expensive city, so finding ways to save money can go a long way. If I know I’m going ice skating in NYC, I make sure to bring a drawstring bag for my shoes and belongings. This way I’m able to save on any locker cost.
Ice Skating NYC
Wollman Rink
Ice skating in NYC is one of the most popular things to do during a visit, and few locations are as iconic as Wollman Rink in Central Park. Located in the southern part of the Park, the rink is surrounded by trees and high-rise buildings.
Opened in 1950, this Central Park ice skating rink has been a local hangout for generations. It’s become so famous that the rink has been featured in movies, and more and more tourists make the effort to join in on the fun.
The rink is open from late October through early April so there’s plenty of time to partake. My suggestion is to visit in early November so you can enjoy ice skating in Central Park surrounded by beautiful fall foliage.
Ice skating in NYC gets crowded quickly, especially during the Christmas season at this famous Central Park ice skating rink. And did I mention the lines on weekends? Another local tip is try to visit during the weekday and arrive early!
Pricing:
- Adults: $14 (Mon.-Thurs.) & $23 (Fri.-Sun. & holidays).
- Seniors (60 & older): $5.00 (Mon.-Thurs.)& $9.00 (Fri.-Sun. and holidays).
- Children (11 & under) $6.00.
- Skate Rental: $11.
- Lock Rental: $7
Note: Wollman Rink is CASH-ONLY, but there’s an ATM onsite.
Address: 830 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park,
Bryant Park is far from the biggest park in New York City, but it often feels the most full. This is especially true during the holidays, when their Winter Village is in full swing.
The park is transformed into a European-style holiday market, equipped with 100 vendors that line one of the most popular New York City ice skating rinks.
The 17,000-square foot NYC ice skating rink is free to use if you have your own skates, otherwise rental skates are available. Open 8:00AM to 10:00PM (Mon-Thur) & 8:00AM-11:30PM (Fri-Sun), ice skating in NYC should fit into any itinerary with ease..
After you’re done ice skating in NYC, peruse the holiday market. The stalls sell fun Christmas decorations, handmade crafts, unique jewelry and — my favorite — food. Grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine as you make your way around the lively market.
Pricing:
- Free (if you have your own skates)
- Skate rental: $15-$45 (prices vary by date)
- Lock Rental: $5 (1 person), $12 (2-4 people), $15 (5+ people)
Address: Bryant Park (Between 40th and 42nd Streets)
Further reading: Bryant Park’s Winter Village is home to No Chewing Allowed, one of the top 20 Cozy Cups of Cocoa in New York City.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
When most people think of ice skating in NYC, 99% of the time the Rockefeller Center is what pops into their head. As one of the best ice rinks in New York City, I believe everyone should experience this quintessential holiday activity at least once.
Opened on Christmas Day in 1936, the ice rink was a temporary way to bring shoppers to the struggling high-end retailers located in the newly constructed Rockefeller Center during the Great Depression.
To no ones surprise, this ice rink in NYC surpassed all expectation and was so popular it became a permanent staple of New York City winters.
Ice skating in NYC has become a tradition that few can pass up on and many look forward to. Skaters can expect to skate for about an hour from entry time on their ticket. Guests are also allowed to bring their own skates.
Pricing:
- Session: $20 – $54 ( depending on the date and time of day)
- Skate Rental: $10
Address: 600 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, NY 10020
Ice Rink at Seaport
Does life get any better than ice skating in NYC, along the East River with stunning skyline views in front of you? I think not!
Located down in Seaport, between Piers 16 & 17 this New York ice rink took a hiatus (thanks a lot Covid!) but is back and better than ever.
Locals and visitors can enjoy 75 minutes of ice skating in NYC for free (if you have your own skates, otherwise there is a rental fee). The views are hard to beat and this year Ithaca Studio created a light installation that’s supposed to mimic that of the Northern Lights.
Pricing:
- Session: Free (if you have your own skates)
- Skate Rental: $22-$35 (depending on peak hours)
- Lockers: First-come first-serve (locks are not provided, bring your own lock if you plan on using lockers)
Address: 89 South Street, New York, NY 10038.
Vale Rink at Westlight
Located on top of The William Vale hotel in Williamsburg is one of the best ice rinks in New York City. Sitting 23 stories high with views of both Brooklyn and Manhattan, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better ice rink in NYC for breathtaking views.
During the winter months, a seasonal pop-up called Winter Village at Westlight takes place on the rooftop of this luxury hotel, inviting folks to rent out cozy chalets (imagine a small cottage in the Swiss Alps) along with ice skating in NYC.
Private bookings for the chalets start at $45 but you can reserve a regular table and still enjoy the ice rink at no cost. With 360° views of the city, this is one of the most popular places for ice skating in NYC — so make sure to make reservations in advance.
Pricing:
- Adults (13 and above): $20.00 + taxes
- Children (12 & under): $12.00 + taxes
- Skate Rental: Included in ticket price.
- Lock Rental: Included in ticket price.
Address: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Sky Rink Chelsea Piers
One of the most popular indoor ice rinks New York City has to offer is the Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers.
This year-round NYC ice skating rink has been a local favorite for more than 50 years and is open for business seven days a week. The rink hosts general skating sessions five days a week for skaters of all ages and all skill levels.
Since this popular New York City ice skating rink is open all year, Sky Rink also offers many camps and classes for those interested in learning how to ice skate in NYC.
Located on Pier 61 at the Chelsea Piers, this New York City ice rink is exposed to views of the Hudson River. It makes for one of the most beautiful backdrops while ice skating in NYC.
Pricing:
- Session: $20
- Skate Rental: $10
- Helmet: $5
Address: 61 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011
City Ice Pavilion
Much like the previous NYC ice skating rink, City Ice Pavilion is also opened year-round. Since ice skating in NYC is such a popular activity it should come as no surprise there’s plenty of indoor rinks.
Located in Long Island City, City Ice Pavilion is a NHL (National Hockey League)-sized indoor ice rink. That’s roughly 200 feet long by 85 feet wide!
This NYC ice rink offers skating lessons for all ages and also has hockey leagues for both youth and adults to join. Joining a league is a great way to meet people, take up a new hobby and to improve your ice skating skills.
Check out this brochure if you’re interested in taking ice skating in NYC to the next level.
Ice skating in New York is such a fun activity, I recommend coming here on a date or you can even host parties at City Ice Pavilion.
Registration is required for admission and must be done in advance. Check here for the public skating schedule and register online.
Pricing:
- Session: $10
- Holiday Sessions: $12
- Skate Rental: $8
- Coin operated lockers: $.75
Address: 47-32 32nd Pl, Long Island City, NY 11101
The Rink at Manhattan West
The Rink at Manhattan West is the new kid on the block, first opening in 2021.
Located at Manhattan West, a plaza made up of shops, restaurants and office buildings, this outdoor rink is one of the best places to go ice skating in New York City.
A unique perk of visiting this rink is that there is an NHL store on-site. This way you can pick up your favorite team’s jersey and then enjoy the day ice skating in NYC.
Another is the ability to have private skating lessons hosted by Olympians Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov. (Take that Central Park!)
Ice skating in NYC is such a sought-after activity that popular ice rinks get crowded quickly, so I’m going to let you in on a little secret. This is one of the best ice rinks in New York City because not many people know about it yet, making it less crowded.
Pricing:
- Session: $20
- Skate Rental: $5
- Skate Aid Rental: $15
Address: 385 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10001
The Rink at Brookfield Place
A sister ice skating rink to The Rink at Manhattan West, we have Brookfield place.
Located in lower Manhattan, this 7,350-square-foot ice rink allows you to show off your skills and enjoy the fresh and crisp air while ice skating in NYC right next to the Hudson River.
Not to mention, to go ice skating in NYC tucked in the shadow of Lower Manhattan’s skyline is an epic experience. There are views of the One World Trade Center and Jersey City across the river.
My suggestion is to visit during sunset. The cotton candy skies make ice skating in New York City super charming and romantic. And once the sun has set, the building lights illuminate the skyline like a scene out of a movie.
Pricing:
- Session: $17
- Skate Rental: $5
- Skate Aid Rental: $15
Address: Three World Financial Center, 230 Vesey St, New York, NY 10281
Industry City
Comprised of 16 buildings across 35 acres and one my favorite rinks to go ice skating in NYC, Industry City sits on the Brooklyn waterfront located in Sunset Park.
The large industrial complex was established back in the 1890’s and the space was used for manufacturing and distributing. Chock-full of events, eateries and shops, Industry City has it all.
They also host one of the best rinks to go ice skating in NYC during the winter months. The rink is not big or flashy, but the setting alone warrants the visit. You can spend some time on the ice, grab lunch and go shopping all in one go.
And don’t even get me started on their decorations. No corner is cut, no expense is spared, the entire complex goes all out for both the fall and holiday seasons. It’s no wonder why this is one of my favorite ice rinks in NYC.
Pricing:
- Session: $12
- Skate Rental: $10
Address: 51 35th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232
LeFrak Center at Lakeside
In Brooklyn’s Prospect Park you’ll find the LeFrak Center at Lakeside. It’s one of the best places to go ice skating in NYC, consisting of 2 connected rinks.
One is covered with a pavilion style roof, so you can go ice skating in NYC without having to worry about the weather. The other is under the open sky surrounded beautiful foliage and like the name suggests, it’s lakeside.
Ever since opening in 2013, the LeFrak Center has grown in popularity and welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually. The big number shouldn’t come as a surprise though, since it is opened year-round.
In January of 2015, the LeFrak Center was awarded a 2015 Honor Award by the American Institute of Architects, (the highest honor in the world of architecture). Did I mention that there were nearly 500 candidates? Impressive!
My biggest suggestion is if you’re looking to skate under the roof, purchase your tickets for the covered rink ahead of time online. This way you’re guaranteed a spot at this beautiful ice rink in New York City.
Address: 171 East Dr, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Abe Stark Sports Center
Located in Coney Island, this New York ice rink is running from October through March and is one of the best ice rinks in NYC.
Opened in 1970, this New York ice rink is named after Abe Stark who was a deeply loved three-termed Brooklyn borough president. A borough president is just someone who advises the Mayor and advocates for their borough.
Abe Stark (who later is referred to as Mr. Brooklyn), had an interesting climb to fame. Stark was a tailor before he got into politics and in 1931 he placed a sign for his clothing store under the score board at Ebbets Field. The sign read “Hit sign, win suit” and was advertised on TV for millions to see due to the genius placement of the board.
Long story short, Stark’s advertising gimmick paid off and due to the famous sign, his name became so well known he grew in the political world of New York.
This New York ice rink is popular for those interested in signing up for hockey or ice skating classes since they are only open to the public one day a week.
Abe Stark Rink opens up the indoor rink to the public every Saturday from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM, so anyone can try their hand at ice skating in NYC.
Pricing:
- Adults: $10.00
- Seniors (60 & older): $10.00
- Children (12 & under): $10.00
- Skate Rental: $5.00
Address: 1902 W 19th St, Brooklyn, NY 11214
New York City Skating Rinks (Post Summary)
- Wollman Rink
- Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
- The Rink at Rockefeller Center
- Sky Rink Chelsea Piers
- City Ice Pavilion
- The Rink at Manhattan West
- The Rink at Brookfield Place
- Industry City
- LeFrak Center at Lakeside
- Abe Stark Rink
Map of the Best Ice Skating in NYC
And there you have it my friends, my suggestions on where to find the best ice skating in NYC.
Hope to see you on the ice!
Cheers.
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