best ice rinks in NYC

These are the 13 Best Ice Rinks in NYC You Can’t Miss This Winter

Sharing is caring!

One of the best ways to enjoy winter in New York is on the ice, and while everyone flocks to some of the most famous spots, there are so many great ice rinks in NYC to experience.

Some ice rinks are iconic and appear each and every year, while some make a random special appearance on a rooftop. Some rinks are paid and busy, while others are completely free if you bring your own skates. There are both indoor and outdoor rinks, and there truly is something for every type of skating vibe.

In this guide we’re going to share the best ice rinks in NYC, along with the dates of operation, timetables, addresses, and prices, so that you can choose which ice rink to hit next. Happy skating!

Want to save the article for later? Pin it!

*Please note that this blog post may contain some affiliate links, which we make a small profit on, at zero cost to you. Links are only used on products & services that we’ve used and believe in, to give you the best buying experience. Purchasing from these links helps us to continue providing free travel guides for you- so thank you for your support!

Visiting The Best Ice Rinks in NYC: Things to Know About Ice Skating in New York

Before diving into all of the best ice rinks in NYC, let’s talk a bit about what ice skating in NYC looks like, how much is costs, and the best areas to find ice rinks across the city.

❣️ Where are the Best Ice Rinks in NYC?

The most famous ice rinks in NYC are located in the heart of Midtown at some of the most popular tourist destinations in New York. While touristy, they’re typically the ones that are surrounded with other fun Christmas activities in NYC, making them worth it if it’s your first time in New York.

If you’re a seasoned traveler or a local, some of the best ice rinks in NYC are the ones that lie in the neighborhoods of Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn.

There are plenty of ice rinks in NYC to enjoy though, no matter which area you are staying in, or what your budget is!

Ice skating - best Christmas activities in NYC
Ice skating - best Christmas activities in NYC
ice skating at Pier 17 - best ice rinks in NYC

💵 How Much Does it Cost to Go Ice Skating in NYC?

The cost of ice skating in NYC depends on the location. Some places are free of charge, as long as you have your own skates, while others have a charge by the hour, typically between $15-30/person. Children usually have lower rates, and the most expensive ice rinks in NYC are those that are in the most touristy areas, like the iconic Rockefeller Center.

The Best Ice Rinks in NYC

Few things feel more magical than skating under the New York skyline while Christmas music fills the air. Whether you want the iconic Rockefeller experience or a quieter rink with skyline views, the city offers something for everyone. Grab your skates and glide through the season in true New York style with all of these incredible ice rinks to choose from.

1. The Rink at Rockefeller Center

Skating at Rockefeller Center is one of the most classic holiday activities in New York. Surrounded by twinkling lights and the city’s most famous Christmas tree, this rink is small but iconic. It is a must-do for first-time visitors to NYC who want to feel the full magic of a New York Christmas.

ice skating at Rockefeller center - things to do in December in New York City

📍 Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
🕒 Hours: Daily 9 AM to midnight (October 10th through March 27th)
💵 Price: Adults (13+) $22; children (6-12) $22; tots (2-5) $12; skate rentals $12
🔗 Website: rockefellercenter.com

2. Bryant Park Winter Village

Located in the heart of Midtown, this rink is surrounded by festive market stalls and holiday lights. Admission is free if you bring your own skates, and you can warm up afterward with hot chocolate from one of the nearby vendors.

Ice skating at one of the best ice rinks in NYC - best Christmas activities in NYC

📍 Address: Bryant Park, New York, NY 10018
📆 Dates: October 28th, 2026- February 28th, 2027
🕒 Hours: 8 AM to 10 PM
💵 Price: Free with own skates; rentals $18.72-$64.48
🔗 Website: bryantpark.org

3. Rink at Manhattan West

This modern outdoor rink sits in a quiet plaza surrounded by sparkling lights and sleek architecture, creating a chic atmosphere for date nights or a more intimate skating experience in NYC. Close to Hudson Yards and far less crowded than the big-name rinks, it is a convenient and relaxed place to skate away from the typical tourist-frequented rinks.

📍 Address: 230 Vesey St, New York, NY 10281
📆 Dates: Opening date TBA for 2026
🕒 Hours: TBA
💵 Price: Starts at $20 per person, skate rental $5
🔗 Website: therinkatmw.com

4. Central Park Wollman Rink

Surrounded by trees and city views, Wollman Rink offers a perfect mix of nature and skyline. It’s peaceful and scenic, making it one of the best ice rinks in NYC, where you can enjoy the magic of New York without the chaos of the ice rinks in Midtown.

Wollmank rink - bes ice rinks in NYC

📍 Address: 830 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065
📆 Dates: October 31st, 2026- March 16th, 2026
🕒 Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 10AM-9PM/ Friday & Saturday 10AM-10PM/Monday & Tuesday 10AM-2:30PM
💵 Price: Adults $16 (off peak) $38 (peak days) $40 (holidays); children $12; skate rentals $12
🔗 Website: wollmanrinknyc.com

🤑 Both opening and closing weekends are free!

5. Central Park Gottesman Rink

Another great rink inside Central Park, the Gottesman Rink is part of the Davis Center, and has recently gone under renovation. It offers community skate, skating lessons, figure skating & hockey programs, making it one of the best rinks for locals who are residing in Upper Manhattan.

📍 Address: Mid-Park at 106th-108th Streets
📆 Dates: November 1st 2026- March 8th, 2026
🕒 Hours: 7AM-5PM Off-peak/5PM-11PM Peak
💵 Price: Adults $5 off-peak, $10 peak/children $5; skate rentals $10
🔗 Website: centralpark.com/things-to-do/sports/ice-skating

6. Lefrak Center at Lakeside

This spacious Prospect Park facility features two ice rinks, one covered and one open-air, making it a reliable spot for ice skating in almost any weather. With plenty of room, a scenic setting, and the Bluestone Cafe overlooking the ice, it is one of the best large-scale skating destinations in NYC’s outer boroughs.

📍 Address: Prospect Park, 171 East Dr, Brooklyn, NY
📆 Dates: November 15th- TBD
🕒 Hours: Mon–Thu 11AM to 7PM, Fri–Sat 11AM to 8PM, Sun 11AM to 7PM
💵 Price: $5 Mondays, $10 Tuesday-Friday, $15 on evenings, weekends, & holidays/ $10 skate rentals
🔗 Website: Lefrak Ice Skating

7. The Rink at Brookfield Place

This waterfront rink in Lower Manhattan is one of the most underrated ice rinks in NYC. It offers smooth ice, smaller crowds, and a stunning backdrop of the Hudson River, just outside the mall. It is less touristy than the Midtown rinks and feels like a secret winter escape right in the Financial District.

ice skating at Brookfield Place - Christmas in Manhattan, New York

📍 Address: 230 Vesey St, New York, NY 10281
📆 Dates: TBA
🕒 Hours: Monday-Friday 2PM-7:45PM/ Weekends 9AM-8:15PM
💵 Price: Weekday $15, Weekend $17/ Weekday skate rental $5/ Weekend skate rental $7
🔗 Website: brookfieldplaceny.com

8. The William Vale Rink

Located atop The William Vale Hotel in Brooklyn, this is one of the best ice rinks in NYC for epic views. The rooftop rink is small but stylish, and although it’s not around every season, it’s a really special experience when it is. The views of Manhattan are unbeatable, and the cozy winter chalets nearby are perfect for warming up afterward.

📍 Address: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
🕒 Hours: Wednesday-Friday: 2-10pm; Saturday & Sunday: noon-10PM
💵 Price: Adults $20; children $12; skate rentals $10
🔗 Website: thewilliamvale.com/vale-rink/

*Update: The rink isn’t open this season, but we hope it will be next year!

9. The Seaport Rink at Pier 17

The Seaport’ is one of the most festive places to experience Christmas in New York, with beautiful decorations, a Christmas tree, and one of the best ice rinks in NYC.

Each year the ice rink varies the exact location, from being in the main port area, to sitting up on a rooftop. The open-air rink offers panoramic views of the Brooklyn Bridge and East River, and is always a favorite for those exploring Lower Manhattan.

It is one of our favorites, especially with the twinkling lights and nearby holiday market stalls adding to the charm.

The Seaport - best Christmas decorations in NYC
The Seaport - best Christmas decorations in NYC
Christmas in Manhattan, New York
ice skating at the Seaport during Christmas in NYC - the best ice rinks in NYC

📍 Address: 89 South St, New York, NY 10038
🕒 Hours: TBA
💵 Price: Adults $15 to $25; children $10; skate rentals $10
🔗 Website: pier17ny.com

*Update: It doesn’t appear there is a rink open this season in the Seaport, but we hope there will be one next year!

travel planning template

10. Brooklyn Bridge Park Rink

This has to be one of the best ice rinks in NYC, and is always something locals look forward to. With incredible skyline views, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Rink offers an incredibly scenic skating experience right on the waterfront, underneath NYC’s most famous bridge.

The views of Manhattan across the river and the Manhattan Bridge next door make it a perfect spot for photos and evening skating sessions under the lights.

Brooklyn bridge - - the best ice rinks in NYC

📍 Address: 99 Plymouth St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
📆 Dates: November 14th, 2026- January 31st, 2026
🕒 Hours: M-Th 1:30-9:30 pm, Friday 12:30-10 pm, Sat & Sun 10:30 am-10:00 pm
💵 Price: Adults $16 (residents) $20 (non-residents); skate rentals $8 (residents), $12 (non-residents)
🔗 Website: brooklynbridgepark.org

11. The Rink at Domino Park

Set beside the East River, this scenic rink offers panoramic skyline views and a spacious layout that is both scenic and local feeling. With discounted admission on select days and a lineup of community events, it is one of Brooklyn’s most exciting new places to skate.

📍 Address: Domino Park, Domino Square, South 3rd St between Kent Ave and River St, Brooklyn, NY
📆 Dates: November 10th, 2025- February 22nd, 2026
🕒 Hours: Mon–Fri 2:30PM to 9 PM, Sat–Sun and Holidays 10:30AM to 9PM (75 minute reservations)
💵 Price: Weekday $18, Weekend & Holidays $22, Skate rental $12
🔗 Website: dominopark.com

12. Industry City Ice Rink

Set inside Brooklyn’s trendiest creative complex, the Industry City Ice Rink brings together skating, shopping, and incredible food in one festive outdoor space. With twinkling lights, music, and tons of nearby vendors, it is the perfect spot for a full winter day out.

📍 Address: Courtyard 5/6, Industry City, 220 36th St, Brooklyn, NY
📆 Dates: November 9th, 2026- February 21st, 2027
🕒 Hours: Thu–Fri 4PM to 8PM, Sat–Sun 10AM to 8PM
💵 Price: $15 admission ($10 on Thursdays), $10 skate rental
🔗 Website: industrycity.com

13. Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers

The Sky Rink is a beloved neighborhood favorite, as it’s open year-round. It’s indoors, meaning you can visit no matter what happens with the weather, making it one of the best ice rinks in NYC to go when it’s raining or snowing.

📍 Address: Pier 61, Chelsea Piers (23rd St. & Hudson River), Manhattan
📆 Dates: open year round
🕒 Hours: varies daily
💵 Price: $23 (holiday rate from November 25th, 2026- January 2nd, 2027)
🔗 Website: chelseapiers.com/skyrink-chelsea

🧥 Wondering how to dress for the cold in NYC? Don’t miss out on our free packing list!

winter in NYC packing list

The Best Ice Rinks in NYC: Final Thoughts & What’s Next

Ice skating in NYC is one of the best ways to enjoy New York in the winter, whether you are looking to loops around for fun, work on your skating skills, or to just soak up the icy magic.

Most ice rinks in NYC are seasonal, so if you are visiting New York in winter, then you’re going to find plenty of incredible places to skate both indoor and outside, with scenic landscapes, twinkling lights, and cute eateries next to them.

Some of the best ice rinks in NYC are available during the holiday season and appear every year in the city, while some others are pop-ups or just make their appearance every few years. This year, 11 of these ice rinks are in service, and each year we will be updating the timetables, dates, and prices.

Want to save the article for later? Pin it!

ice rinks in NYC pin

👀 What’s Next?

Now that you know all of the best ice rinks in NYC, you’re probably wondering all of the other great things to do during winter in New York.

Here are some other Christmas in NYC guides that will help you plan your trip:

🍸 22 Christmas Bars in NYC
🍴 17 Christmas Restaurants in NYC
🏨 Top 10 Hotels in NYC for Christmas
🎅🏻 29 Christmas Activities in NYC
🎄 The Top Christmas Trees in NYC
✨ The 8 Best Locations for Christmas Lights in NYC
🪟 The Best Window Displays in NYC
🎁 Where to Find the Best Christmas Decorations in NYC
📆 52 Fun Things to Do This December in New York
📕 Ultimate Christmas in NYC guide
❄️ A guide for winter in NYC

Want to learn more about visiting NYC? Here are our other New York guides:

✈️ How to Get from EWR to NYC
🛫 How to Get from LGA to NYC
🛬 How to Get from JFK to NYC
🌷 Guide for Spring in NYC
📆 Unmissable Spring Events in NYC
🍝 30 Cool Restaurants in New York City You Need to Try
🌸 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in NYC
💧 The 19 Best Waterfalls in New York
❄️ Visiting NYC in Winter
📸 16 Favorite Instagrammable Places in NYC
💝 The Best Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in NYC
🤑 10 Things to Do in NYC for Free
📖 The Ultimate New York City Travel Guide
🚇 How to Get Around NYC Like a Local
🎾 Experiencing the US Open in New York
🍁 20 Amazing things to do in fall in NYC
🎟️ 25 Fall events in New York
🍂 A guide for visiting New York in Fall
🎃 Halloween in NYC guide
🪦 Sleepy Hollow day trip from NYC
👻 Halloween in the Upper West Side

…and more coming each week!

Hudson Yards - Christmas lights in NYC
NYC during the holidays
Ralph's coffee - winter in NYC
NYC during the holidays

We hope you enjoyed our guide for experiencing the best ice rinks in NYC! As a local, I love sharing about the best places to stay, see, and do in the city, especially during the holiday season.

Looking for other ways to enjoy the holidays in New York? Don’t miss out on our other Christmas in New York travel guides! As well, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter, so you can get updates on our latest articles every week, and receive exclusive content and discounts.

Ready to start booking the most unforgettable trip to New York? Let us help! From customized itineraries to finding you affordable flights, Scratch Your Mapa Travel Planning takes care of it all, with a truly special local touch. Want to learn more? Take a peak at our travel planning packages.

About the author - Danni

Here are some other articles you’ll love:

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts