Few things feel more like a New York winter than gliding across the ice with the city lit up around you. Whether it’s a few wobbly laps beneath the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, a free skate in Bryant Park, or a sunset session with the Manhattan skyline across the river, ice skating is one of the best ways to soak up the holiday season in New York City.
This guide covers the best places to go ice skating in NYC for the 2026–2027 season, from the famous Midtown rinks to quieter neighborhood options in Brooklyn, Queens, Harlem and Staten Island. Each rink includes where it is, when it’s open, what it costs, who it’s best for, and a practical tip for avoiding the crowds. For everything else happening this season, see our list of the best Christmas things to do in NYC.
Quick answer: The most famous place to ice skate in NYC is The Rink at Rockefeller Center, open since October 10, 2026. For free skating, head to Bryant Park’s Winter Village (October 28, 2026 to February 28, 2027), where admission is free if you bring your own skates. Wollman Rink in Central Park has the best skyline views, and the outer-borough rinks are the cheapest and least crowded.
Quick Picks
- Most iconic: The Rink at Rockefeller Center
- Best free option: Bryant Park Winter Village (bring your own skates)
- Best views: Wollman Rink in Central Park
- Best waterfront skating: SKATE at Domino Park in Williamsburg
- Best budget option: Davis Center at the Harlem Meer
- Best for beginners and kids: LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park
- Best rainy-day option: Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers (indoor)
In This Guide
- NYC Ice Rinks at a Glance
- Midtown and Central Park Rinks
- Lower Manhattan and Harlem Rinks
- Brooklyn Rinks
- Queens and Staten Island Rinks
- Indoor Rinks
- Which Rink Should You Choose?
- Tips for Skating in NYC
- Frequently Asked Questions
NYC Ice Rinks at a Glance
| Rink | Neighborhood | 2026–27 Season | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Rink at Rockefeller Center | Midtown | Opened Oct 10, 2026 | $$$ (varies by date) |
| Bryant Park Winter Village | Midtown | Oct 28, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027 | Free (rentals extra) |
| Wollman Rink | Central Park | Late October – March | $$ |
| Davis Center at the Harlem Meer | Central Park (north) | Mid-November – early March | $ |
| The Rink at Brookfield Place | Lower Manhattan | November – early March | $$ |
| Riverbank State Park | Harlem | Winter season | $ |
| SKATE at Domino Park | Williamsburg | Nov 9, 2026 – Feb 21, 2027 | $$ |
| Roebling Rink | DUMBO | Late November – early February | $$ |
| LeFrak Center at Lakeside | Prospect Park | Early November – March | $ |
| Abe Stark Rink | Coney Island | Winter weekends | $ |
| World Ice Arena | Flushing, Queens | Year-round (indoor) | $ |
| Clove Lakes Park Rink | Staten Island | Mid-November – March | $ |
| Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers | Chelsea | Year-round (indoor) | $$$ |
$ = under $15 · $$ = about $15–$25 · $$$ = $25 and up. Skate rentals are usually extra. Prices are based on last season and may change.
Midtown and Central Park Rinks
These are the rinks most visitors picture when they think of skating in New York. They’re also the busiest, so timing matters.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
The most famous ice rink in the world, and for good reason. It’s small, sunk below street level, and surrounded by flags, the golden Prometheus statue and, from early December, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Skating here has been a tradition since 1936, and doing a few laps with crowds watching from the railing above is a true New York moment.
- Where: Rockefeller Plaza, between 49th and 50th Streets, Fifth and Sixth Avenues
- When: Open for the 2026–27 season since October 10, 2026. Last season it was open daily from 9 a.m., with the last skate at 11 p.m.
- Cost: Timed tickets vary widely by date and time. Last season, general admission ranged from about $22 to over $120, with December evenings the most expensive. Skate rental was $12 extra.
- Best for: A bucket-list experience and a once-in-a-lifetime photo
- Tip: Book an early-morning weekday session for the lowest prices and the most space on the ice. Skating in November, before the tree is lit, is also far cheaper than in December.
- Official site: rockefellercenter.com
Bryant Park Winter Village
New York’s only free-admission ice rink, set in the middle of Bryant Park’s Winter Village, with the New York Public Library and Midtown towers all around. At 17,000 square feet, it’s much bigger than Rockefeller’s rink, and the holiday market and rinkside lodge make it easy to turn a skate into a whole evening.
- Where: Bryant Park, Sixth Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets
- When: October 28, 2026 through February 28, 2027. The rink is typically open into the late evening, with extended hours through much of December.
- Cost: Free if you bring your own skates. Skate rental and premium packages are extra (last season, rentals started around $18).
- Best for: Budget-conscious skaters, groups, and pairing skating with holiday shopping
- Tip: Reserve a skate time online in advance, even though admission is free. Early mornings on weekdays, before Thanksgiving, and after New Year’s are the least crowded times.
- Official site: wintervillage.org
Wollman Rink in Central Park
Open since 1950, Wollman Rink has the best backdrop of any rink in the city: bare winter trees all around, and the towers of Central Park South and Billionaires’ Row rising above the ice. It’s bigger and more relaxed than Rockefeller, and especially beautiful at dusk.
- Where: Southeast corner of Central Park, nearest entrance at 59th Street and Sixth Avenue
- When: Usually late October through mid-March
- Cost: Last season, adult admission started at about $16, with higher prices on weekends and holidays. Skate rental was about $12.
- Best for: Date night, skyline views, a classic Central Park experience
- Tip: Book a session around sunset to see the skyline in daylight and lit up at night. Weekend afternoons sell out, so reserve ahead.
- Official site: wollmanrinknyc.com
Davis Center at the Harlem Meer
Central Park’s newest rink, at the Davis Center on the north end of the park, opened in 2025 and is one of the best skating deals in the city. The Gottesman Rink overlooks the Harlem Meer, with a relaxed, community feel and plenty of lessons for kids and adults.
- Where: Davis Center, 106-51 East Drive, Central Park, near 110th Street and Fifth Avenue
- When: Last season it ran from mid-November to early March
- Cost: Last season, community skate sessions were $5 for kids ages 4 to 16 and $5 for adults ($10 at peak times). Skate rental was $10.
- Best for: Families, beginners, budget skaters
- Tip: Pair your skate with a walk to the Harlem Meer to see the floating holiday trees that the Central Park Conservancy lights each December.
- Official site: daviscenter.centralparknyc.org
Lower Manhattan and Harlem Rinks
The Rink at Brookfield Place
An outdoor rink on the waterfront terrace at Brookfield Place, looking out over the yachts of North Cove Marina and the Hudson River. It’s small and charming, and you can warm up afterward inside the glass Winter Garden, where the Luminaries holiday light installation glows overhead.
- Where: Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey Street, Battery Park City
- When: Usually November through early March. Last season it ran weekday evenings (about 4 to 9 p.m.) and from morning to night on weekends and holidays.
- Cost: Last season, admission was about $15 to $17, with skate rental extra
- Best for: Lower Manhattan visitors, families, a calmer alternative to Midtown
- Tip: Weekday sessions only start in the late afternoon, so plan for an evening skate if you’re visiting midweek.
- Official site: bfplny.com
Riverbank State Park Ice Rink
A covered outdoor rink perched above the Hudson River in West Harlem, with views of the George Washington Bridge. It’s one of the cheapest places to skate in Manhattan and is popular with neighborhood families.
- Where: Riverbank State Park, 679 Riverside Drive at 145th Street, Harlem
- When: During the winter season; check the park’s schedule for this year’s public sessions
- Cost: Last season, adult admission was about $5, with skate rental around $6
- Best for: Budget skaters, families, Upper Manhattan visitors
- Tip: The rink’s roof keeps the ice usable in light rain, making it a good backup when other outdoor rinks close for weather.
- Official site: parks.ny.gov
Brooklyn Rinks
Brooklyn’s rinks are generally cheaper and less crowded than Manhattan’s, and several have outstanding views of the Manhattan skyline.
SKATE at Domino Park
A 7,000-square-foot rink on the Williamsburg waterfront, with the Manhattan skyline and the Williamsburg Bridge across the East River. Sunset sessions here are some of the most photogenic in the city.
- Where: Domino Park, Williamsburg. Main entrance on South 3rd Street between Kent Avenue and River Street.
- When: November 9, 2026 through February 21, 2027. Weekdays 2:30 to 9 p.m. and weekends 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with daily hours of 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. from December 23 to January 3.
- Cost: 2026 prices haven’t been announced yet; last season, sessions started at about $18
- Best for: Skyline views, date night, photographers
- Tip: Arrive at least 10 minutes early. Late arrivals are admitted but lose part of their skate time.
- Official site: dominopark.com
Roebling Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park
A seasonal rink tucked beneath the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO, with the bridge towering overhead and the Manhattan skyline just across the water. It’s one of the most dramatic settings for skating anywhere in New York.
- Where: Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, Brooklyn Bridge Park, DUMBO
- When: Last season it ran from late November to early February
- Cost: Last season, a 60-minute session was $16, with skate rental at $8. Limited free tickets were offered to New York City residents during select sessions.
- Best for: Couples, photographers, combining skating with a walk around DUMBO
- Tip: Tickets reserve a two-hour arrival window for a 60-minute skate, so you don’t need to arrive at an exact time.
- Official site: brooklynbridgepark.org
LeFrak Center at Lakeside, Prospect Park
A large, family-friendly rink in the southeast corner of Prospect Park, with a covered rink and an open-air rink side by side. It’s a roller rink in the warmer months and switches to ice each November.
- Where: 171 East Drive, Prospect Park, Brooklyn (near the Ocean Avenue and Parkside Avenue entrance)
- When: Usually early November through March. Last season it opened on November 1 with free skating for opening weekend.
- Cost: Last season, admission was about $5 to $15 depending on the day, with skate rental around $10
- Best for: Families, beginners, budget skaters
- Tip: Watch for free opening-weekend skating in early November, and weekday afternoons are usually quiet.
- Official site: prospectpark.org
Abe Stark Rink, Coney Island
A no-frills neighborhood rink just off the Coney Island boardwalk, where you can skate in winter and then take a walk along the empty beach.
- Where: Coney Island Boardwalk at West 19th Street, Brooklyn
- When: Weekends and select holidays during the winter season
- Cost: Last season, admission was about $14, with skate rental around $7
- Best for: Locals, a quiet skate away from the tourist crowds
- Tip: Check the schedule before you go, since public sessions are limited to weekends and holidays.
Queens and Staten Island Rinks
World Ice Arena, Queens
An indoor rink in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, near the Unisphere, with daily public skating and a big schedule of classes. Because it’s indoors, it’s open regardless of the weather.
- Where: 131-04 Meridian Road, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens
- When: Year-round, with daily public sessions
- Cost: Last season, admission was about $8 to $12, with skate rental around $7
- Best for: Families, lessons, rainy days
- Tip: Combine your skate with a look at the Unisphere, a short walk away.
WWII Veterans War Memorial Rink, Clove Lakes Park
Staten Island’s only outdoor rink, set inside wooded Clove Lakes Park. It’s a peaceful, local spot that feels far removed from the Manhattan crowds.
- Where: Victory Boulevard, west of Clove Road, Clove Lakes Park, Staten Island
- When: Usually mid-November through March, with public skating on weekends and select holidays
- Cost: Last season, admission was about $15, with skate rental around $7
- Best for: Staten Island locals, families
- Tip: If you’re coming from Manhattan, take the free Staten Island Ferry and enjoy the harbor views on the way.
Indoor Rinks
Outdoor rinks can close for rain or warm weather. When that happens, these indoor options are reliable backups.
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
Two NHL-size indoor rinks on the Hudson River waterfront, used for public skating, hockey and figure skating year-round. It’s not a holiday-themed experience, but the ice is excellent and it’s open no matter the weather.
- Where: Pier 61, Chelsea Piers, at West 23rd Street and the Hudson River
- When: Year-round; public session times vary by day
- Cost: Last season, public sessions started at about $33
- Best for: Serious skaters, rainy days, lessons
- Tip: Public session times change around hockey and lessons, so check the schedule the day you plan to go.
- Official site: chelseapiers.com
City Ice Pavilion, Long Island City
A rooftop rink in Long Island City, Queens, covered by a weatherproof dome. Public skating is offered on select days.
- Where: 47-32 32nd Place, Long Island City, Queens
- When: Year-round, with public skating on select days
- Cost: Last season, admission was about $12, with skate rental around $8
- Best for: A quick, affordable indoor skate
- Tip: Check the online calendar before heading out, since public sessions don’t run every day.
Which Rink Should You Choose?
- First time in New York at Christmas: Rockefeller Center for the experience, or Bryant Park for the holiday atmosphere at a lower cost.
- On a budget: Bryant Park (free with your own skates), the Davis Center, LeFrak Center, or Riverbank State Park.
- Best views: Wollman Rink for Central Park and the skyline, Domino Park or Roebling Rink for the Manhattan skyline across the water.
- With young kids or beginners: LeFrak Center, the Davis Center, or World Ice Arena, which are less crowded and offer lessons.
- Bad weather: Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers or World Ice Arena (indoor), or Riverbank (covered).
- Date night: Wollman Rink at sunset, or Domino Park followed by dinner in Williamsburg.
Tips for Skating in NYC
- Book ahead. Most rinks now use timed tickets, and December weekend sessions sell out, especially at Rockefeller, Bryant Park and Wollman.
- Skate early in the season. Prices are lower and crowds are smaller in October, November and January than in December.
- Check the weather. Outdoor rinks may close or delay sessions for rain or warm temperatures. Check the rink’s website or social media the day of your visit.
- Bring your own skates if you have them. You’ll save on rentals, and at Bryant Park, admission is free.
- Dress in layers. Wear gloves (they protect your hands if you fall), a warm hat and thick socks. Avoid long scarves that can get caught.
- Arrive early. Allow time to pick up rentals and lace up, since many rinks don’t extend your session if you’re late.
- Bring a lock or travel light. Lockers often cost extra, so leave bulky bags at your hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to ice skate in NYC at Christmas?
The Rink at Rockefeller Center is the most iconic, especially once the Christmas tree is lit in early December. Bryant Park’s Winter Village offers the most festive atmosphere for free, and Wollman Rink in Central Park has the best views.
Is there free ice skating in NYC?
Yes. Bryant Park’s rink at the Winter Village is free if you bring your own skates, and it’s open from October 28, 2026 to February 28, 2027. Some rinks, including LeFrak Center and Roebling Rink, have also offered free sessions on select days.
When does the Rockefeller Center rink open in 2026?
The Rink at Rockefeller Center opened for the 2026–27 season on October 10, 2026, and usually stays open into early spring.
How much does it cost to ice skate at Rockefeller Center?
Prices vary by date and time. Last season, general admission ranged from about $22 on quiet weekday mornings to over $120 at peak December times, plus $12 for skate rental. Check the official site for current pricing.
Do I need to book ice skating in advance in NYC?
For the major rinks, yes. Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Wollman and Domino Park use timed tickets or reservations, and popular December sessions sell out. Neighborhood rinks are usually easier to visit on short notice.
What happens if it rains?
Outdoor rinks may pause or cancel sessions in rain or warm weather. Indoor rinks like Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers and World Ice Arena, and the covered rink at Riverbank State Park, are good backups.
We update this guide throughout the season as rinks announce their 2026–27 dates, hours and prices.
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