Ice-skating in New York City this Christmas and beyond
Your complete guide to ice-skating in New York this Christmas and beyond. Discover the best indoor and outdoor ice-skating rinks in NYC.
Thu Nov 1 2012
Citi Pond at Bryant Park
When the temperature drops, it's time to strap on the blades and hit the slick stuff. Here are the top places to go ice-skating in New York, whether you want to skate at Rockefeller Center in the shadow of the Christmas tree, take in the Central Park views, or cap off a shopping trip at the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park. If exposure to the elements isn't your style, you can also check out one of the city's many all-weather indoor rinks.
Recommended: Christmas in New York guide
Bryant Park ice-skating
Citi Pond at Bryant Park
- Critics choice
- Free
Bryant Park’s 17,000-square-foot outdoor rink may be free, but you’ll have to shell out $14 to rent skates (or BYO). Still, it’s a veritable winter wonderland: After your skate, warm up at spacious rinkside restaurant Celsius, or browse the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park. If you want to practice your lutzes and axels with ample spinning room, try visiting during off-peak hours.
- Citi Pond at Bryant Park Sixth Ave, between 40th and 42nd Sts
- Until Sun Mar 3
Chelsea Piers ice-skating
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
- Price band: 1/4
There’s no need to wait until winter to glide across the two NHL-size rinks at this megacomplex—they’re open year-round for general skating as well as hockey and figure skating. Unlike most indoor ice arenas, this one doesn’t feel like a cave; ample windows afford sweeping views of the Hudson River to the west.
- 61 Chelsea Piers (Hudson River), 23rd St at the Hudson River, 10011
Prospect Park ice-skating
Sneak peek: Prospect Park's new Lakeside complex
The Kate Wollman Rink at Prospect Park won't be open in 2012. However, it will reopen in 2013 as part of Prospect Park's new Lakeside complex. Learn more by reading our preview of the new space in the Brooklyn park.
More outdoor ice-skating rinks in New York
- Abe Stark Rink 1902 Surf Ave, at 19th St, 11224
- Sun Mar 10
Riverbank State Park Ice Skating Rink
- Price band: 1/4
- Critics choice
This sizable outdoor rink has a roof to prevent December snows and April showers alike from raining on your ice capades.
- Riverbank State Park Ice Skating Rink Riverside Dr, between 137th and 145th Sts
- Fri Mar 15
Indoor ice-skating rinks in New York
Aviator Sports and Events Center
- Price band: 2/4
These two NHL-regulation rinks offer public skating year-round; at least one open-rink session is held every day.
- Floyd Bennett Field, Hangar 5, 11234
City Ice Pavilion
- Price band: 1/4
The five boroughs’ only rooftop rink, it stretches to NHL size under a weatherproof air dome.
- 47-32 32nd Pl, (between 47th and 48th Aves)
Staten Island Skating Pavilion
- Price band: 1/4
This indoor ice arena is the only rink on Staten Island to stay open year-round, with public skating on the weekends.
- 3080 Arthur Kill Rd, (between Shore St and Clay Pit Rd)
World Ice Arena
- Price band: 1/4
This Queens arena offers dozens of weekly classes are available in addition to daily open sessions.
- 13135 Avery Ave, (at Van Wyck Expwy)
