The Rink at Rockefeller Center
The world-famous ice rink with Rockefeller Center’s renowned holiday tree as its backdrop has been a classic New York City experience for generations. This season offers a whole new array of programming with Breakfast with Santa, VIP Skate, all-new partnership packages with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, First Skate (think complimentary coffee and pastries at this 7am session), and SkySkate, which also lets you venture to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck.
Trump Rink
The tradition of ice skating at this iconic rink (formerly known as Wollman rink) with skyline views is as old as the park itself. Holiday season VIP skating offers skate rental, private lockers, use of the heated tent, refreshments, and no wait times. Plus, Trump rink is so spectacular at what they do, that they actually boast the largest instructional skating program in the entire country!
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
The park’s transformation into a winter wonderland has the Rink as its centerpiece and features free admission ice skating, in addition to high-quality rental skates, skating shows, special events, and activities. The surrounding area offers more than 125 holiday shops, all semi-enclosed for a cozy feel. Factor in the holiday tree and adjacent options for dining, drinking, and warming up, and you’ve got one spectacular destination.
See/Change Rink at the South Street Seaport — A free rink is hitting Lower Manhattan. Hopefully weekend carolers, pop-up shops, and more will bring holiday cheer to an area still affected by Hurricane Sandy.
The Standard Ice Rink — In the winter, The Standard Hotel transforms 3,000 square feet of its plaza into a splendid rink by the High Line, complete with a rinkside café with spiced cider and other faves.
The Rink at Brookfield Place — The city’s newest premiere skating destination is a 7.350-square-foot rink in Battery Park City. Classes are offered for novices, alongside skate sharpening for the pros.
Riverbank State Park — One of our favorite affordable rinks, this weekend-only outdoor venue in Upper Manhattan is covered to protect skaters from snow or rain at just $3 for children and $5 for adults.
McCarren Rink (Brooklyn) — Williamsburg is now home to Brooklyn’s first outdoor rink, nestled next to the McCarren Park pool and bathhouse. We hear plans for food carts and pop-up shops could be in the works.
Lakeside Rinks (Prospect Park) — Slated to open mid-month in Prospect Park, this 26-acre venue will comprise one outdoor and one indoor rink, so no fickle New York weather can stand in your way.
Chelsea Piers — This family attraction offers not one but two full-sized indoor rinks with panoramic views of the Hudson River. Helmet rentals are available if you plan on doing serious jumps or playing some hockey.
World Ice Arena (Queens) — Escape the crowds at this rink in Flushing Meadows Park, where you’ll have plenty of space to skate up a storm to live music before cozying up with a cup of hot chocolate from its café.
For a list of Trees, click here.
For a list of Lights, click here.
For a list of Department Store Windows, click here.
For a list of Santas, click here.
For a list of “Nutcracker” Shows, click here.
For a list of Holiday Markets, click here.
For a list of Theater Shows, click here.
For a list of Gingerbread Workshops, click here.
For our full Holiday Checklist, click here.
