New York Dearest
The guide, $35
A rink · Central Park · on nine New York Dearest lists

Wollman Rink

Worth it. The entire experience is enchanting, which is why I consider it one of the best things to do in New York City at Christmas.

Address
830 5th Ave Directions
Hours
Mon and Tue 10 am to 2.30 pm
Wed, Thu and Sun 10 am to 9 pm
Fri and Sat 10 am to 10 pm
season opens October 28
Subway
N, R, W to 5 Av/59 St, 4 min
Cost
Adults $16 off-peak to $40 prime, seniors and children $11, skate rental $12
Tickets
Get tickets
Website
wollmanrinknyc.com

Wollman Rink, in my photographs

Two more from my visits

Every list it’s on

Worth it. Been? Say if you agree.

Of the dozen ice skating rinks open for the season, there’s one you can’t afford to miss — The Wollman Rink in Central Park.

What I wrote thereFold it away

New York City transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays. Of the dozen ice skating rinks open for the season, there’s one you can’t afford to miss — The Wollman Rink in Central Park.

Found in the southern end of the park, the stunning Manhattan skyline serves as a breathtaking backdrop while classic Christmas tunes serenade chipper ice skaters. The entire experience is enchanting, which is why I consider it one of the best things to do in New York City at Christmas.

Read it on the list
  • This yearOct 28 to Mar 16 · Wollman Rink Central Park opensannounced
  • Checked September 18, 2026.
Worth it
What I wrote thereFold it away

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.

Worth it

Ice skating is one of the most popular things to do in New York City in the fall, and few locations are as iconic as the breathtaking Wollman Rink in Central Park.

Visiting Central Park

No. 13 on that list
Worth it

The rink is open from late October through early March, so there’s plenty of time to partake in this famous New York City Christmas activity.

What I wrote thereFold it away

Found in the southern part of Central Park, the city skyline serves as a breathtaking backdrop to one of the most famous ice rinks in the city. The rink is open from late October through early March, so there’s plenty of time to partake in this famous New York City Christmas activity.

My suggestion is to visit in early November so you can enjoy ice skating in Central Park surrounded by beautiful fall foliage. Try to visit during the week and arrive early to avoid mind-boggling crowds!

Wollman Rink is without a doubt one of the top photo locations in Central Park, especially around the time they first open for the season (end of October or beginning of November).

What I wrote thereFold it away

Is there anything more enchanting in New York City than Christmas? The holiday season brings out the best in everyone, even the parks. Wollman Rink is without a doubt one of the top photo locations in Central Park, especially around the time they first open for the season (end of October or beginning of November).

With the iconic Plaza Hotel in the background and trees clinging to their remaining autumn hues, it’s truly a dreamy setting. A useful tip: avoid the ice rink on weekends for photos, as the crowds can be overwhelming. Instead, plan your visit early in the week to capture iconic shots in Central Park.

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