The top ice-skating spots in New York City

In New York City, winter isn’t complete without ice skating. And now that the weather has turned chilly, it’s time to put on a pair of skates and start practising some pirouettes. And would-be skaters aren’t confined to Manhattan’s tourist-clogged rinks: the surrounding boroughs have lots of less crowded options. There are rinks in each of the five boroughs, and you don’t have to dress up in an Olympic-style outfit to enjoy them.

If you’re wondering where to go ice skating in New York, look no further! Whether you’re in Uptown or Downtown, NYC has a few wonderful ice rinks where you can show off your ice skating talents.

Brookfield Place

New York ice skating rinks for the winter holidays

The Hudson River runs alongside the rink, and the vistas are so beautiful that you might want to skate right into it and across to New Jersey. Of course, unless it’s been a very cold winter and you don’t mind swimming with skates on, don’t attempt it. The World Trade Center may be seen in the opposite way, and it’s only a short stroll to Battery Park to catch a sight of Lady Liberty before or after your skate. It’s also one of Manhattan’s less-crowded rinks, because to its limited opening hours, which keep it off the tourist trail. It’s run by US Olympians Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov, who deserve a medal for the fantastic skating experience they deliver. If you plan to skate on a regular basis, you can take private or group classes with the cryptically called Learn to Skate USA, or purchase a season pass.

Bank of America Winter Village, Byrant Park

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park

Winter Village is what we expect the North Pole would look like if we were to get there. Handmade items and sweet delicacies (that hot chocolate!) abound at every turn, while the midtown attraction is anchored by a massive skating rink and a magnificent Christmas tree. For the 2020 season, the rink will be open every day, although there will be some changes: All tickets ($21–$36) must be paid in advance online; no walk-ups are allowed, and sessions are now timed. (A list of the new rules and regulations can be found on the internet.) For those who enjoy winter sports, there are also curling packages available. Keep your fingers crossed for ice bumper cars to return in 2021.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center

Tickets on sale ahead of the reopening of The Rink at Rockefeller Center |  amNewYork

The rink is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to Midnight through January 17 this year only, since it is usually open until April. Skate just $28 over the Christmas season to get your picture taken with the bronze gilded statue of the Greek legend Prometheus. Whatever the weather, nothing can stop New Yorkers from enjoying their time on the ice, whether it’s cold or warm. Fun fact: Although the attraction, which first opened on Christmas Day in 1936, was intended to be temporary, it has proven to be one of New York’s most popular activities, particularly during the holidays.

Industry City Rink

Your Ice Skating Brooklyn Guide! - Your Brooklyn Guide

This year, Industry City will open its Volvo ice rink in Courtyard 5/6, which will be open every Thursday-Sunday until March 1. (It will also be larger than the rink from previous year!) When you’re not skating on the heated outdoor rink, which is decked out for the holidays, get a cup of hot chocolate from Frying Pan Brooklyn, which is right next door. Skate rentals are $10 per person and tickets are $12 per person. Tickets are available for purchase at Industry City or online.

Wollman Rink

Central Park's Wollman Ice Rink Is Now Open - Secret NYC

One of the most well-known ice rinks in New York is Wollman Rink in Central Park. Wollman Rink, at the southern end of Central Park, is the iconic image of ice skating in New York, flanked by the Midtown cityscape. If you’re in Central Park during the winter, you’ll almost certainly wind up here, even if it’s just for a photo. It is open from late October through early April. The Wollman Rink is best accessed via the Central Park South entrance on 59th Street. In 2 minutes, you’ll be there! If you’re looking for a large rink to enjoy ice skating in NYC, Wollman Rink is the place to go.

It has a cinematic aspect that is unrivalled, as proven by its numerous film appearances. It’s where you can do your best ice skating impression of John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale from the 2001 romantic comedy Serendipity, or (most likely) Home Alone 2’s disastrous Wet Bandits.

The Chelsea Piers

Finding your inner Olaf at all the NYC area ice skating rinks | HuffPost  null

The Chelsea Piers are a skate enthusiast’s dream come true. The two covered ice rinks near the Hudson River are open all year and are open 24 hours a day. Anyone can skate here or join one of the skating courses since 1969. There’s no need to wait until the winter to enjoy the two NHL-sized rinks at this megacomplex; as said before, they’re open all year for general skating, hockey, and figure skating. This ice rink, unlike most indoor ice rinks, does not feel like a cave; large windows provide panoramic views of the Hudson River to the west. You can reserve a freestyle skate session by clicking here. This year, skate rentals and rink locker rooms are not available.

Winterland Rink at Pier 17

South Street Seaport's Pier 17 will get ice skating rink, winter market -  Curbed NY

With so many competitors, many people’s favourite ice skating venue in NYC is the Winterland Rooftop Rink in the Seaport District’s Pier 17. It has a large rooftop rink with spectacular views of the Brooklyn Bridge, the East River, and many other New York landmarks!

Adults can visit a snack bar or one of the many Christmas pop-up restaurants in the area while their children have private skating lessons. For glitzy decors, themed cocktails, and eager bartenders, visit Miracle on 35 West 8th Street, Rofl on 281 Third Avenue, and Sippin’ Santa’s on 13 First Avenue.

Visitors can take ice skating lessons or play broomball while taking in the city’s scenery. Season memberships and ticket packages are available for the rooftop, which includes restaurants and bars. Admission tickets will be available for purchase beginning November 8 and will range in price from $14 to $35.

LeFrak Center at Lakeside

LeFrak Center at Lakeside

Put on your warmest winter attire and head to Prospect Park: ice skating is back! This season, things will look a little different, but the enjoyment will continue. Skating necessitates the use of masks and social separation. Tickets for the 90-minute timed event can be purchased up to one week in advance, and there will be a limited number of tickets available for purchase on-site. Guests should arrive 30 minutes early for their appointment. The skate school will begin offering individual, semi-private, and group classes in December, with choices for figure skating and hockey. Parents will be free to plan outdoor skating parties for their children, as long as they follow the required health precautions. When it’s all said and done, head over to the Bluestone Cafe for some hot chocolate—the ideal way to end a day of winter outdoor activities. The rink is open from

9 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and

9 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Sundays.

On weekdays, admission is $7.50, and on weekends, it is $11.

The Vale Rink at the William Vale

NYC's The William Vale hotel launches a rooftop winter village

The William Vale’s 23rd-floor outdoor rooftop has been turned once again into a skating rink, complete with magnificent views of New York City. Vale Rink is officially open for business, just in time for the holidays. To account for decreased capacity during skate sessions, guests must make reservations in advance (which run 50 minutes per group). Tickets are available for purchase here. During their visit on and off the ice, all patrons must wear masks at all times.

You can practise your spins and lutzes while enjoying panoramic views of Manhattan’s skyline. Laps at the rink cost $20 for adults and $12 for children, and skate rentals are included. The new Vale Rink has a huge edge over previous NYC rinks: it’s created with Glice synthetic ice, which is supposed to glide more smoothly than natural ice. It’s low-maintenance and will stay there even if the temperature rises beyond freezing.

It’s open from Wednesday – Friday 2 to 10 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday noon to 10 p.m.

Abe Stark Skating Rink

Abe Stark Rink | Brooklyn Legends

The Abe Stark rink is a hidden treasure in New York’s skating scene, with a large indoor surface suitable for skaters of all ages and abilities, skilled ones looking to avoid the city throng to first-timers looking to crash and tumble with less people laughing in the background. The catch is that local hockey teams fill up a lot of the schedule, so make sure you check before you attend.

Even after the entertainment parks on Coney Island have closed, tourists go to this beachside rink. The Ravenhall Baths, a saltwater bathing pool that was once a Coney Island hotspot, was the birthplace of the 40-year-old event. It was destroyed by fire in 1963, and the site was then transformed into a hangout for the sweaty and uncoordinated.

From noon to 4pm on Thursday, December 26 through Wednesday, January 1, 2020, Saturday, Sunday, and holiday classes will last only four hours each. It’s open from 2-4 p.m. on Saturdays.

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