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The 7 Best Ice Skating Spots in NYC

By: Sabrina Ziccardi By: Sabrina Ziccardi | November 20, 2023 | People Lifestyle

It's that time of year again! There's nothing better than bundling up, putting on your skates and soaking in the holiday cheer with some ice skating in NYC. Whether you're in the mood for some serious skating, a simple afternoon with friends or an entire day full of festivities, these seven rinks are the very best that New York has to offer.

See also: Bank of America Winter Village At Bryant Park Returns To NYC

The Rink at the Rockefeller Center

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45 Rockefeller Plaza / 212.588.8601 / Website

Rockefeller Center is home to the city's most famous ice skating spot during Christmas. The rink is a 22-acre complex located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, between 48th and 51st Street. Featured as a famous destination in different movies and TV shows, this is a New York City can't-miss experience. Want to catch a glimpse of the world-renowned Rockefeller tree? Be sure to secure your spot on the ice. During the holiday, it can get very busy and if you want a guaranteed slot to skate, consider reserving a VIP package, which includes skate rentals, refreshments and full access to their VIP Igloos.

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park Rink

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42nd Street 6th Ave / 212.768.4242 / Website

Located in Midtown West, this 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink is the highlight of Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. Enjoy the holidays with some shopping, skating and a view of a beautifully lit Christmas tree. Since there is so much to do at Bryant Park this winter, grab your skates and enjoy family-friendly fun. The Bryant Park skating rink is free to the public for those who bring their own skates, but be sure to book your tickets online ahead of time.

Industry City Ice Rink

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51 35th St., Brooklyn / 332.268.0395 / Website

Located in Sunset Park, Industry City's seasonal ice skating rink allows locals and visitors alike to indulge in hot cocoa, snacks and more. The rink will be open all winter long on Thursday-Sunday, with holiday decor and Industry City's outdoor heating system boosting your spirits.

Winterland Rink at Pier 17

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89 S St. / 212.732.8257 / Website

Winterland Rink at Pier 17 is a rooftop ice skating rink that has a beautiful picturesque view of the city skyline overlooking the Brooklyn bridge. The Winterland Rink is open seven days a week, with a fun, themed playlist as you skate. This experience is truly a winter wonderland and a place to bring family and friends, so enjoy skating at night and enjoy the holiday market filled with food, fun and festive beverages.

The Rink at Brookfield Place

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Three World Financial Center / 212.978.1673 / Website

The Rink at Brookfield Place is one of the best ice skating experiences in New York City. Want to take skating lessons? This is the place to learn how to ice skate, as the rink offers specific upscale private programs hosted by Olympians Melissa Gregory and Denis Patuhov. Holiday skating is available, and you get a front-row view of the water. This rink hosts shows for ice skating fans, including Olympic skaters. The rink is also open to the public and has different groups and private skating lessons, making it the perfect place for skating, shopping and getting a warm beverage.

The Rink at Manhattan West

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385 9th Ave. / Website

Open all week long, The Rink at Manhattan West offers public skating hours. This family-friendly event also features skating sessions with Santa and the opportunity to catch two of his solo performances on the ice. Just one block from Madison Square Garden and The New York Ranger's home turf, this makes The Rink at Manhattan West an even cooler spot to check out.

Wollman Rink

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830 5th Ave. / Website

Wollman Rink is a massive 30,800-square-foot rink located in the southern part of Central Park. During the fall and winter months, Wollman Rink is one of the most popular things to experience among locals and tourists. Surrounded by the Manhattan buildings and skyline, people will experience skating fun and rinkside igloos. Also, don't miss a stop at Harlem's famed Melba's Restaurant, located just above the rink at The Overlook offering flavorful and affordable southern flare all season long.

No matter what part of town you're in, these rinks promise the perfect winter's day of good skating, great times and excellent company. See you at the rink!


Photography by: Colin Miller; courtesy of Industry City