Best ice skating rinks in New York, 2026.

2025 Dates. October through mid-March

Found in the southeastern corner of Central Park, the city skyline serves as a magnificent backdrop to one of the most famous ice rinks in New York City. The rink is open from late October through early March so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the experience after the holiday crowds depart.

Better still, I suggest visiting in early November so you can enjoy ice skating in Central Park surrounded by beautiful fall foliage. If your schedule is flexible, visit during a weekday to avoid mind-boggling crowds.

Dates. October through March 2, 2025

Bryant Park is a popular destination year-round but there’s something special about the holiday season when the park transforms into a European-inspired holiday market with more than 100 vendors. The best part? The 17,000-square foot ice skating rink which is free to use (but skate rentals run $20-$36 per person).

Afterward, grab a hot chocolate from No Chewing Allowed (my favorite in the city!) as you make your way around one of the best Christmas markets in New York City.

The vibe here is reason enough to come back.

Dates. October to March

I’ve been here in every season. My favorite? Fall, when the light hits just right.

The Rockefeller Center inevitably comes to mind when people ask about iconic ice skating rinks in New York City. When the rink first opened on Christmas Day in 1936, it served as temporary solution to attract shoppers to the high-end retail shops in the area during the Great Depression.

Fast forward to present day and the once-temporary ice rink has become a permanent staple in the city’s holiday arsenal. Admission gets you an hour of skating in the shadow of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and Midtown’s soaring skyscrapers.

But take note, with select admission packages clocking in around $80, this one of the most expensive ice skating rinks in New York City. If you find yourself debating famous NYC ice skating rinks worth the expense, I’d suggest the Wollman Rink in Central Park instead because the views are just as epic but admission is more reasonable.

Dates. November 25, 2025, February 2, 2026

My adviceMost people rush through here. Take your time. It’s worth it.

Debuting in 2023, Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park is the newest addition to New York City’s ice skating scene. Skate underneath an famous landmark while the city’s epic skyline flickers to life in front of your eyes. If you need a break, pop upstairs to the cafe to sip on some hot chocolate while you warm up.

Dates. Open all winter

Tucked into Prospect Park, Lakeside is an ambitious 26-acre effort to transform the southeast corner of the park into a recreational destination for families. The LeFrak Center at Lakeside is home to two ice skating rinks open during the winter months.

The open air-rink is prime for ice skating, while the covered hockey rink accommodates winter sports like curling and hockey. An invaluable public resource, this one of the most affordable ice skating rinks in New York City.

Beloved by the community, LeFrak Center was awarded the 2015 Honor Award by the American Institute of Architects, (the highest honor bestowed in the architecture world). Did I mention that there were nearly 500 candidates? Impressive!

Dates.Mid-November to early March

If you only do one thing on this list, make it this one.

Industry City is a sprawling 35-acre waterfront complex of converted warehouse in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Full of restaurants, breweries, art galleries and stores, the area seems to get cooler by the day so nobody was too surprised when a skating rink was added to the mix.

The rink is open from November through early March and admission starts at $15 per person (skate rentals available for $10). Further removed from Manhattan, this one of the most affordable places to go ice skating in New York City.

If you find yourself needing a break, there’s a charming little outdoor bar selling mulled wine, hot chocolate and snacks. The heated seating area is a nice touch too.

Dates.November through March

Ice skating in New York City is high on everyone’s bucket list while visiting NYC during the holidays. As such, most rinks get crowded out, which takes away from the overall experience. You have a higher chance of avoiding the crowds at the rink at Manhattan West.

Admittedly, this might be a better option for locals because the views aren’t as spectacular as the other options mentioned on this list. However, what the rink lacks in famous buildings it makes up for with more space to prance about.

Dates.November through March

Located in Lower Manhattan, the 7,350-square-foot ice rink at Brookfield Place allows you to show off your skills while soaking up views of the Hudson River, One World Trade Center and New Jersey. My suggestion is to visit during sunset when the cotton candy sky makes ice skating in New York City all the more romantic.

Dates. Year-round

Chelsea Piers Sky Rink is a year-round ice skating rink in New York City that has been charming locals for more than five decades. A staple for New Yorkers with kids, the covered rink plays host to a variety of programs for skaters of all levels, from private lessons and summer camps to public skating on the weekends.

Dates. All year

Officially named Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, the sizable covered ice rink at Riverbank State Park is open to the public Friday through Sunday. The park itself is worth a detour, inspired by urban rooftop parks in Japan, the 28-acre park rises nearly 70 feet above the Hudson River.

Whatever you do, don’t sleep on a meal from Sofrito (Cuban restaurant) while you’re in the park, it’s the perfect way to cap an exciting day of ice skating in New York City.