Skating at Wollman Rink is about as close as you can get to the New York winter you’ve seen in movies. The rink sits in a hollow at the southeast corner of Central Park, ringed by trees, with the hotels and towers of Central Park South and Billionaires’ Row rising above the ice. At dusk, when the skyline lights up and the skaters circle below, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the city.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Wollman Rink for the 2026–27 season: opening dates, tickets and day types, skate rentals, lessons, the best times to go, how to get there, and what to see nearby. To compare it with other rinks around the city, see our guide to ice skating in NYC.
Quick answer: Wollman Rink in Central Park opens for the 2026–27 season in late October, with its first public skating days listed for October 28–30 and a Community Day on October 31, 2026. Tickets are timed and priced by day type (Off-Peak, Peak and Prime), so weekdays are cheapest. The rink usually stays open until mid-March.
Wollman Rink 2026–27: Quick Facts
| Season | Late October 2026 to mid-March 2027 (first open days October 28–30) |
| Community Day | Saturday, October 31, 2026 |
| Tickets | Timed sessions, priced by day type: Off-Peak, Peak and Prime |
| Price guide | Last season, adult admission started at about $16; skate rental was about $12 |
| Where | Southeast Central Park, between about 62nd and 63rd Streets |
| Nearest entrance | Sixth Avenue and Central Park South (59th Street) |
| Nearest subway | 5 Av/59 St (N, R, W) and 57 St (F) |
| Official site | wollmanrinknyc.com |
In This Guide
- About Wollman Rink
- 2026–27 Season Dates
- Tickets, Prices and Day Types
- Skate Rentals and Facilities
- Lessons and Programs
- Food and Drink
- Best Times to Skate
- Getting There
- What to See Nearby
- Wollman vs. Rockefeller vs. Bryant Park
- Practical Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
About Wollman Rink
Wollman Rink opened on December 21, 1950, named for Kate Wollman, whose family donated the money to build it. New Yorkers had been skating on the frozen lakes of Central Park since the 1850s, but Wollman gave the city a dependable, refrigerated rink right next to the park’s southern edge.
It’s much larger and more spacious than the famous rink at Rockefeller Center, which makes it a better choice if you actually want room to skate. And because it sits inside the park, the setting is greener and calmer, with the city’s skyline as a backdrop instead of the surrounding plaza crowds.
The rink has appeared in countless films and TV shows, from Love Story to Serendipity, and it’s one of the most photographed winter spots in New York.
In the warmer months, the rink becomes a space for pickleball, concerts, outdoor movies and family events. It’s run by Wollman Park Partners under a license with NYC Parks. The city has selected a new operator for a 20-year contract starting in May 2027, so the 2026–27 ice season will run as usual.
2026–27 Season Dates
- Opening: The rink’s 2026 calendar lists its first public skating days as Wednesday, October 28 to Friday, October 30.
- Community Day: Saturday, October 31, 2026, a special day the rink describes as open to everyone. Last season’s opening Community Days offered free admission with tickets reserved online in advance. Check the official site for this year’s details.
- Holiday season: Late November through early January is the busiest stretch, with themed skate nights and holiday events.
- Closing: The rink usually stays open until mid-March, weather permitting.
Hours vary by day and season, and sessions can pause for ice resurfacing or bad weather. Check the calendar on the official site before you go.
Tickets, Prices and Day Types
Wollman Rink sells timed tickets online, and prices depend on the day you skate. The calendar sorts each date into one of four types:
- Off-Peak: Mostly weekdays outside the holidays. The cheapest option.
- Peak: Busier days, including many weekends.
- Prime: The highest-demand dates, such as holiday weekends and the weeks around Christmas and New Year’s. The most expensive option.
- Community Day: Special days open to everyone, such as October 31, 2026.
Price guide: Last season, adult admission started at about $16 on off-peak days, with higher prices on peak and prime dates, and skate rental cost about $12. The official site lists this season’s exact prices when you choose a date.
Season passes are available for the 2026–27 season if you plan to skate regularly, and the rink offers group bookings and private parties.
Tip: Buy tickets online in advance. December weekends, school holidays and the weeks around Christmas often sell out.
Skate Rentals and Facilities
- Skate rental: Available on site for an extra fee. Add it when you buy your ticket online to save time.
- Your own skates: Welcome. Bringing your own saves the rental fee and the rental line.
- Lockers: Usually available for a fee. Travel light, since space is limited.
- Restrooms and warming areas: On site, in the rink building.
- Accessibility: Contact the rink in advance for details on accessible entrances and assistance.
Lessons and Programs
Wollman Rink runs an Ice Skating School for all ages and levels:
- Group lessons for beginners and improving skaters
- Private lessons with an instructor
- Figure skating programs
- Hockey programs
Lessons are a great option for first-time skaters, especially kids. Sign-ups are handled through the official site.
Events and themed nights
Through the season, the rink hosts themed skate nights, live performances and holiday celebrations. Special events are announced on the official site and the rink’s social media.
Food and Drink
You don’t need to leave the rink to warm up. There are two places to eat on site:
- Wollman Café: Rinkside snacks and hot drinks, including hot chocolate
- Melba’s: An outpost of the beloved Harlem restaurant, serving Southern comfort food. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tip: Melba’s is a good place to grab a meal before or after an afternoon session, so you can enjoy the view of the skaters without rushing.
Best Times to Skate
- Weekday mornings and early afternoons: Off-Peak prices and the most space on the ice.
- Sunset: Book a late-afternoon session to see the skyline in daylight, at dusk, and fully lit. Sunset in December is around 4:30 p.m.
- Before Thanksgiving and after New Year’s: Smaller crowds and lower prices than in December.
- Times to avoid: Weekend afternoons in December and the week between Christmas and New Year’s, when demand and prices are highest.
Getting There
Wollman Rink is inside Central Park, near the southeast corner, between about 62nd and 63rd Streets. It’s a short walk from the park’s southern edge.
- From Sixth Avenue: Enter the park at Sixth Avenue and Central Park South (59th Street) and follow the path north and slightly east. The rink is about a 5-minute walk.
- From Fifth Avenue: Enter at Fifth Avenue and 60th Street, near the Plaza Hotel, and walk past The Pond toward the rink.
- Subway: 5 Av/59 St (N, R, W) is the closest station. 57 St (F) and 59 St–Columbus Circle (A, B, C, D, 1) are also within walking distance.
- By car: Not recommended. Parking near the park is limited and expensive, especially in December.
What to See Nearby
- The Pond and Gapstow Bridge: A few steps south of the rink, the stone Gapstow Bridge over The Pond is one of the most photographed views in Central Park, especially in winter.
- Central Park Zoo: Just east of the rink, with penguins, snow leopards and sea lions. A good pairing for families.
- The Plaza Hotel: At Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, with a grand lobby decorated for the holidays.
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market: At the park’s southwest corner, usually open throughout December. See our guide to NYC Christmas markets.
- Fifth Avenue holiday windows: Bergdorf Goodman’s famous windows are at Fifth Avenue and 58th Street, just outside the park. See our guide to NYC holiday window displays.
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: About a 15-minute walk south. See our Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree guide.
Wollman vs. Rockefeller vs. Bryant Park
| Wollman Rink | Rockefeller Center | Bryant Park | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting | Inside Central Park, skyline views | Under the Christmas tree in a busy plaza | In a holiday market in Midtown |
| Size | Large and spacious | Small | Large (17,000 sq ft) |
| Cost | Moderate; priced by day type | Highest, especially in December | Free with your own skates |
| Best for | Views, date night, actually skating | The iconic photo | Budget, shopping, atmosphere |
If you want the classic Christmas photo, choose Rockefeller Center. If you want free skating with a holiday market, choose Bryant Park Winter Village. If you want the most beautiful setting and room to skate, choose Wollman.
Practical Tips
- Book online. Timed tickets often sell out on weekends and holidays.
- Arrive early. Allow time to pick up rentals, lace up and store your bags before your session starts.
- Wear gloves. They keep you warm and protect your hands if you fall.
- Dress in layers. The rink is open-air, and the park can feel colder than the streets around it.
- Check the weather. Sessions may pause or close for rain or warm temperatures. Check the official site or social media on the day.
- Bring a camera. The best skyline photos are taken from the rink’s edge, looking south toward Central Park South.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Wollman Rink open in 2026?
Wollman Rink’s 2026–27 calendar lists its first public skating days as October 28 to 30, followed by a Community Day on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The rink usually stays open until mid-March.
How much does it cost to skate at Wollman Rink?
Prices depend on the day type: Off-Peak, Peak or Prime. Last season, adult admission started at about $16 on off-peak days, with skate rental around $12. Check the official site for this season’s prices.
Do I need to book Wollman Rink tickets in advance?
It’s strongly recommended. Tickets are sold for timed sessions online, and weekends and holiday dates often sell out.
Can I bring my own skates to Wollman Rink?
Yes. You can bring your own skates, which saves you the rental fee and the rental line.
Where is the entrance to Wollman Rink?
The rink is inside the southeast corner of Central Park, between about 62nd and 63rd Streets. The easiest way in is through the park entrance at Sixth Avenue and Central Park South, about a 5-minute walk away.
Is Wollman Rink better than Rockefeller Center?
It depends on what you want. Wollman Rink is larger, less crowded and usually cheaper, with views of the Central Park skyline. Rockefeller Center is smaller and pricier, but you skate under the famous Christmas tree.
Does Wollman Rink offer lessons?
Yes. The Ice Skating School offers group and private lessons, plus figure skating and hockey programs, for kids and adults.
We update this guide throughout the season as Wollman Rink announces new details, including prices, hours and special events.
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