Each year, as the mercury drops and just before the holiday season kicks into full gear, one of New York’s oldest and most beloved winter past-times returns. ‘Tis the season to lace up the skates and hit the ice for some good old fashioned fun. Ice-skating in New York City is a timeless and unique experience that melds the brisk outdoors with the modern city. Ice-skating in New York has long been a favorite winter-time activity. Before the inimitable Central Park was even completed, New Yorkers took to its lake to skate. Nowadays there are numerous places to ice-skate in Manhattan all with unique views and attributes. Most offer skate rentals and have a small pro shop on-premise. Read on for some of the best of New York’s ice rinks that combine sport, culture, and history in the Big Apple.
The Rink at the Rockefeller Center
The Rink at the Rockefeller is probably the city’s most glamorous ice-skating experience. The rink dates back to 1936 when it opened on Christmas Day. Here, skaters bask in the light of both the iconic Rockefeller building and the famous annual Christmas tree; both shine brightest past dark and make for great date-night skating. The Rockefeller is often the least crowded of the Mid-Town city rinks, as the number of skaters is limited to 150 people for 90-minute sessions. Expect to queue to skate, as the rink is first come, first serve and does not take reservations. However, season packages are available on the website and allow holders to skip the line. For more information on pricing, hours, and passes see the rink’s website.
600 5th Avenue
Rockefeller Center
New York, New York 10020
(212) 332-7655
Wollman Rink in Central Park
If it’s scenery and history you’re after, this is the place. The Wollman Rink sits snugly in the southern end of Central Park, ensconced in the natural beauty of trees and framed by the sky-reaching buildings of Manhattan. The Wollman has been featured in many films over the years including the romantic comedy, Serendipity. The rink offers group lessons for adults, children and families, from beginner to aspiring figure skaters. Skating begins at 10:00 am daily and continues until 11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Skate rental is available and there’s a skate shop on-premise.
830 5th Ave
New York, New York 10065-7001
(212) 439-6900
www.wollmanskatingrink.com/
Riverbank State Park Ice Skating Rink
Further North, the Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park is a recreational center unlike any other in the city. With five buildings, the park houses not only an awesome roller skating rink-turned-ice skating rink in early November but also an Olympic sized pool, tennis and basketball courts, a cultural center and more. The activity complex at the Riverbank State Park rises 69 feet above the Hudson River providing views. Ice skating under the covered rink here is a scenic place to relax and enjoy the wonders of winter in New York.
679 Riverside Dr
New York, New York 10031
(212) 694-3600
The Rink at the Winter Village at Bryant Park
If you’re on a budget, the rink at Bryant Park is your jam! The 17,000 square-foot rink is part of the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, and it offers free, yes free, ice-skating in beautiful Midtown. If you’re looking for something a little bit more cardiovascular than a casual skate, check out Exerskate, a free ice-skating-based exercise class on Thursday mornings led by trained figure skaters and hockey players. In addition to skating, the Winter Village transforms Bryant Park into a quaint market offering holiday shopping, food, drinks, and other activities. Reserve skate time online.
Bryant Park is between Fifth Avenue and Avenue of the Americas (Sixth Avenue) and between 40th and 42nd Streets
New York, New York 10017
(917) 438-5166
www.bryantpark.org/?/amenities/bank-of-america-winter-village-at-bryant-park
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
This year-round, indoor, double rink with flooding natural light and sweeping views of the Hudson has been open to New York skaters since 1969. The Sky Rink is both a great place to learn to skate or to hone your skills (beginner through advanced lessons available). If you’d rather make it a spectator sport, the Sky Rink also hosts both figure skating competitions and hockey leagues. As an added bonus, make a day of it and hit up the High Line and its many attractions, just a few blocks away. Check the website for days and times.
Pier 61
Hudson River Greenway at 23rd St.
New York, New York 10011
(212) 336-6100
Staying in New York City – About The Lombardy Hotel
The Lombardy Hotel is just as iconic to Midtown Manhattan as many of the other historic and cultural attractions in the area. Not only are our rooms comfortable and tasteful, we provide amenities such as a full salon, coffee shop, and exercise room. We also host the American Cut Midtown steakhouse, perfect for a business lunch or dinner on a special occasion. We look forward to hosting you.
