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If you’re looking for a unique way to experience New York City in the winter, look no further than the city’s many ice skating rinks!
From Bryant Park in the heart of midtown to the Rockefeller ice skating rink overlooking Fifth Avenue, there’s a skating spot to fit every taste.
And don’t worry if you’re a beginner- most of these rinks offer skate rentals and lessons for all levels.
To help you plan, this guide features ideas and destinations for ice skating in NYC, which includes indoor and outdoor rinks- some of them even open before winter.
So strap on a pair of skates and glide around some of the nicest rinks in the city.
Find more winter-worthy activities in NYC featured in our guide to New York in December.
And check out these fun winter day trips to get out of the city for a bit!
NYC Ice Skating
Wollman Rink
If you’re looking for one of the most iconic places to go ice skating in NYC, head to Wollman Rink, NYC in Central Park (59th St and 6th Ave).
With its upbeat music to glide along to, ice skating in Central Park can be romantic for a date or fun for the whole family.
The Wollman Rink can be expensive to visit, but their rates vary depending on peak and off-peak times.
For the best views of the ice rink shadowed by the Manhattan skyline, head to the famous Rat Rock, also known as Umpire Rock.
After skating, you can explore the rest of Central Park, one of the places in NYC, for free things to do in the city.
Conservatory Water
While this is much less common than the other Central Park skating attraction, the Conservatory Water (East Side at 75th) is available to skate on, as long as the water is frozen.
This winter garden ice skating NYC adventure is sweet and fun, though you’ll need to bring your own skates.
Be sure to check the website for updates on whether the area will be open for ice skating.
Riverbank State Park Ice Rink
The Danny Farrel Riverbank State Park (679 Riverside Dr) is a totally unique, Japanese architecture-inspired park with a large ice skating rink.
This is a very cheap ice skating NYC option, and you can also rent skates for an additional small fee.
The park is open from dawn to dusk 365 days a year.
The Rink at Winter Village, Bryant Park
One of the best ways to spend a winter afternoon is by going on a Bryant Park ice skating adventure.
This free ice skating in NYC at Winter Village in Bryant Park (41st St and 6th Ave) is particularly special due to the sheer size of the 17,000-square-foot rink.
You can also choose from a range of premium packages and additional offerings, including snacks, drinks, and even a Polar Lounge.
This park is one of the most popular destinations for ice skating in NYC at Christmas.
Not only can you skate at Bryant Park, but you can also hire igloos, get a pic with the tree, and shop at the village.
Bryant Park is a centrally located festive village for those staying around the touristy areas of Manhattan this winter.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center, under an enormous Christmas tree, is one of the most famous ice skating rinks in New York City.
Visit The Rink at Rockefeller Center (Rockefeller Plaza, 49th and 50th St) for incredible outdoor ice skating in NYC.
General admission can be more expensive than other options for skating in New York.
To get the best picture with the rink, tree, and famous Rockefeller statue, you need to line up directly across from the Prometheus statue, but be warned, the crowds are pretty mad at the weekends.
The Rockefeller Center is also one of the best locations for Christmas decorations!
The Rink at Manhattan West
The Rink at Manhattan West (385 Ninth Ave) is a gorgeous outdoor skating rink in downtown New York City.
Ice skating in New York City is always an amazing winter activity, but this public rink is open daily and offers rentals, lessons, and night skating!
If you’re planning to stay until the evening, check out our nighttime NYC guide for more ideas on what to do at night in the city.
For more winter holiday fun, take a scenic holiday lights bus tour through Manhattan!
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
The Sky Rink NYC (61 Chelsea Piers) boasts that it is the most popular indoor ice skating rink in the city, and its top-notch facilities definitely reflect that title.
Ice skating in Chelsea Piers is an iconic activity in the area, and their pro shop is amazing.
The Sky Rink is truly one of the best places to ice skate in NYC.
The Rink at Brookfield Place
Named the best New York ice skating rink year after year, the Rink at Brookfield Place (230 Vesey St) is an amazing spot for public ice skating in Downtown NYC.
This Manhattan ice skating rink is outdoors, allowing you to take in all the beauty of winter in New York as well as the FiDi skyline.
Book online to reserve your skating time slot and skate rentals.
Located at the very plush Brookfield Place mall, be sure to check out the palm trees and the Luminaries lights inside the center.
If you’re looking for more adventure after ice skating, check out this amazing guided neighborhood walking tour.
Ice Rink at the Seaport
Seasonal fun is waiting for you if you’re ready for outdoor ice skating in Seaport, NYC.
Ice Rink at the Seaport (89 South St) is a true winter tradition, and rink admission is completely free.
Seasonal events make this rink extra special, such as an overhead light installation for skaters’ enjoyment.
You will need to purchase skate rentals if necessary, but be sure to check their website for special instructions to book your rental reservation.
Next to the Seaport ice rink is a winter village with regular visits from Santa!
Also close by are the South Street shops, museum, and Christmas tree.
Governor’s Island Ice Village
Holiday festivals are made extra special by including a temporary ice rink, and the Governor’s Island Ice Village (Colonels Row) is no exception.
The village features tons of fun and activities for all ages, and the rink is open for about a week during the festival.
Be sure to purchase reservations and rentals on their website.
Governor’s Island also features in our guide to New York in fall.
WWII Veterans War Memorial Ice Rink
The WWII Veterans War Memorial Ice Rink (Victory Blvd) at Clove Lakes Park is a classic ice skating rink that is a bit off the beaten path.
Its hours depend mainly on public school holidays, so this rink could be a perfect place to bring the kids or the whole family.
Skating is free, and rentals are available for a small price.
Staten Island Skating Pavilion
Ice skating in Staten Island is a blast at the Staten Island Skating Pavilion (3080 Arthur Kill Rd), or The Pavilion, for short.
Public skating is available throughout the weekend and for most holidays.
Admission rates can be expensive, so make sure you check the website for rates and rentals, as well as full public skate hours.
On your way, you can also enjoy riding the Staten Island Ferry if you want to do something in NYC on a budget.
The Rink at Brooklyn Commons
Winter festivals are a staple in New York, and the Light Up Brooklyn Commons (100 Myrtle Ave) event and skating rink are no exception.
Free ice skating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so check the website for more information about how to gain admission.
Once you’ve had your fill of the best ice skating rink in Brooklyn, book your cozy stay at the Henry Normal Hotel (239 N Henry St).
ArtRink at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
The ArtRink at Brooklyn Children’s Museum (145 Brooklyn Avenue) features a synthetic ice rink measuring 3,000 square feet.
Art exhibitions showcasing the work of local artists surround the venue.
Tickets include ice skate rentals and admission to the museum for a day.
LeFrak Center
The LeFrak Center Ice Rink (Parkside and Ocean Ave) is part of a massive development in Prospect Park, transforming the area into a perfect place with one of the best ice skating rinks in New York City.
The park is open daily, and the rink has open hours all winter long.
Tickets are available by walk-up only, so prepare for a busy rink if you plan on visiting during peak hours or for a holiday.
IC Ice Rink, Sunset Park, Brooklyn
The Industry City (IC) Ice Rink (51 35th St) is a seasonal outdoor ice rink that opens in late November every year.
The IC Ice Rink is only open on the weekends, including Fridays, so be sure to plan ahead if you were hoping to visit during the week.
It also has a relatively small capacity of 85 skaters at one time, so prepare for busy holiday rushes accordingly.
After you’ve skated, pick up a coffee at Brooklyn Roasting Company, ramen at Japan Village, and chocolate at Li-Lac, who have been making chocolate for over a decade!
Abe Stark Rink
If you’re looking for a weekend activity on Coney Island this winter, visit the Abe Stark Rink (Coney Island Boardwalk and W 19th St) for public ice skating in NYC.
While this rink is only open on the weekends and holidays, it is still an affordable rink compared to some admission rates for ice rinks in NYC’s downtown areas.
Be sure to call ahead before you visit to make sure they’re open to the public.
Vale Rink at the William Vale
Head to the Vale Rink NYC for the opportunity to skate at the William Vale (111 North 12th St), a luxury hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Glice is a type of synthetic ice that requires no energy to maintain, and it behaves just like real ice under skates.
You have to see it to believe it!
Williamsburg is also featured in our guide to outdoor activities in NYC.
City Ice Pavilion
City Ice Pavilion NYC (47-32 32nd Place) is a true ice skating Long Island experience.
Indoor ice skating in NYC rinks is more uncommon than in outdoor rinks, so if you prefer to head inside to skate, go to City Ice Pavilion.
This NHL-sized rink is open year-round and has some of the best ice skating lessons in NYC.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Long Island, check out the Collective Paper Factory (37-06 36th St), an upscale and truly cozy hotel.
World Ice Arena
Ice skating in Queens, NY, is best at World Ice Arena (31-04 Meridian Rd).
Public skating is open daily for pretty low prices, and it’s easy to add skate rentals to your purchase.
Check rink rules and guidelines, hours, and prices on their website.
Ebersole Ice Skating Rink
You can also find several ice skating rinks that are within driving distance from the Bronx.
One of them is the Ebersole Ice Rink located at Delfino Park (104 Lake Street, White Plains).
Public skating sessions are offered here throughout the season, as well as skate lessons for all levels.
The rink usually opens around late October to March, but make sure to check their page for an updated schedule.
PlayLand Ice
PlayLand Ice (100 Playland Parkway) is a skating rink facility located in Rye, New York.
The place features three ice skating rinks, which include an NHL with bleachers, one studio with team benches, and one for kids.
Public skating is available, as well as group and private skating lessons.
Final Words
Ready to do some NYC ice skating now? We hope this guide helped you choose the best indoor or outdoor rinks for you!
Share your favorite places to skate in the comments below.
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- Best NYC Observation Decks
- NYC Activities at Night
- Unique Things to Do in NYC
- Free Things to Do in NYC
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- NYC at Christmas
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