From Central Park’s First Frozen Lake to Skating Under the Brooklyn Bridge
Few things feel more like Christmas in New York than skating under the lights, with skyscrapers all around you. But this is not a modern tourist attraction: New Yorkers have been gliding on ice for more than 160 years, and some of the city’s rinks are part of its history.
In this guide we tell you how that tradition was born, the story behind the five rinks we recommend most to our travelers, and then everything practical: 2026‑27 dates, prices, the best times to go and how to fit each one into your day in the city.
Last updated: October 19, 2026.
A New York Tradition on Ice
Ice skating became a passion in New York in the middle of the 19th century. In Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux’s original plan for Central Park, the Lake was called the “Skating Pond,” and it was the first part of the park to open to the public, in 1858. That Christmas morning, an estimated 8,000 people went out onto the ice, and in the years that followed, as many as 30,000 visitors a day came to the park during the skating craze.
Skating was one of the most democratic pastimes of the era: one of the few places where rich and poor, men and women, shared the same space. Neighborhood ponds multiplied across the city, and in Brooklyn the streetcars raised a red ball to announce that the ice was ready for skating.
In the 20th century the tradition moved to artificial rinks, which no longer depended on a hard frost. That is how the rinks you can enjoy today were born, each with a story of its own.
1. The Rink at Rockefeller Center (Midtown)
The story: the most famous rink in the world was born as an experiment. On Christmas Day of 1936, Rockefeller Center opened a temporary “skating pond” in its sunken plaza to attract more people to the complex. It worked so well that it became permanent, and in 2026 it celebrates its 90th season. Today it sits on 49th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, below the golden statue of Prometheus and, from early December, under the giant Christmas tree.
What to know: the 2026‑27 season opened on October 10. General sessions last 60 minutes and start at $22, with peak weekend prices of up to $74, and skate rental costs $12. Every guest who enters the rink area needs a ticket, even if they do not skate, and small lockers are free.
Tip: it is the most exclusive rink and capacity is limited. Weekends and December dates sell out fast, so book your date and time as soon as you know your plans.
2. The Rink at Bryant Park Winter Village (Midtown)
The story: Bryant Park, behind the New York Public Library, was a reservoir square in 1847, hosted the Crystal Palace in 1853 and went through decades of decline before its restoration in 1992. In 2002 it welcomed its first European-style holiday market, and in 2005 the rink arrived, turning the park into one of the city’s favorite winter traditions.
What to know: it is the rink with the best overall holiday atmosphere and the most accessible one. Bryant Park calls it New York’s largest free‑admission rink: you only pay if you rent skates, from about $18.72. All around it are more than 180 holiday market kiosks, international food stalls and its own Christmas tree. The season runs from October 28, 2026 to February 28, 2027, and if you bring your own skates, you need a free ticket released one week in advance.
Tip: go first thing in the morning to avoid lines, and pair your visit with a food crawl through the Winter Village stalls. We cover everything in our Bryant Park Christmas guide.
3. Wollman Rink in Central Park
The story: in the park where New Yorkers first skated in 1858, Wollman Rink opened on December 21, 1950, thanks to a donation from philanthropist Kate Wollman. It was rebuilt and reopened in 1986, and it has appeared in movie classics like Home Alone 2, Serendipity and Love Story.
What to know: it sits at the southeast corner of Central Park, and the closest entrance is at 59th Street and Sixth Avenue. Its magic is the contrast between the winter landscape of the park and the skyscrapers of Central Park South and Billionaires’ Row in the background, and it is much roomier than Rockefeller Center. The 2026‑27 season runs from October 24 to March 16. Adult tickets cost $16 off-peak, $28 peak and $40 prime, children and seniors pay $12, kids 3 and under skate free, skate rental is $12 and lockers cost $8. On Mondays and Tuesdays it closes early, at 2:30 p.m.
Tip: it is ideal for families and easy to combine with a walk through Central Park, the Plaza Hotel and the holiday windows on Fifth Avenue.
4. Roebling Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park (DUMBO, Brooklyn)
The story: this rink takes its name from Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, which honors the woman who played a key role in completing the Brooklyn Bridge after her husband, the chief engineer, fell ill. Skating here means skating beneath one of the great engineering works of the 19th century.
What to know: it is the most scenic rink on the waterfront, right under the bridge’s stone arches, with direct views of the Lower Manhattan skyline and the East River. It is run by the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy and offers skate, helmet and skate aid rentals. The 2026‑27 season runs daily from November 14, 2026 to January 31, 2027. Prices had not been published at the time of writing.
Tip: perfect for an itinerary that combines walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, photos in DUMBO and dinner at Time Out Market.
5. The Rink at Brookfield Place (Battery Park City)
The story: Battery Park City is one of the youngest neighborhoods in Manhattan, built in large part on landfill along the Hudson River. Today its waterfront, next to the World Trade Center, hosts one of the city’s calmest winter rinks.
What to know: the rink sits on the waterfront terrace of Brookfield Place, facing the North Cove marina. Last season it opened from November to March 1, with weekday sessions in the evening only, from 4:00 to 8:45 p.m., and sessions all day on weekends and holidays. The 2026‑27 dates had not been announced at the time of writing.
Tip: a strategic stop if you are visiting the World Trade Center, the Oculus, One World Observatory and Wall Street on the same day. Inside Brookfield Place, the Winter Garden is usually decorated for the holidays.
The 5 Rinks at a Glance
| Rink | 2026‑27 season | Price from | Best for |
| Rockefeller Center | Open since October 10, 2026 | $22, plus $12 skate rental | The classic photo under the tree |
| Bryant Park | October 28, 2026 to February 28, 2027 | Free admission, rental from $18.72 | Holiday market atmosphere and value |
| Wollman Rink, Central Park | October 24, 2026 to March 16, 2027 | $16 adults, $12 kids and seniors, plus $12 rental | Space, families and Central Park views |
| Roebling Rink, Brooklyn Bridge Park | November 14, 2026 to January 31, 2027 | To be announced | Skating under the Brooklyn Bridge |
| Brookfield Place | To be announced (last season ran November to March) | To be announced | A calmer rink on the Hudson River |
Free vs Premium: Which Rink Fits Your Budget?
If you want to spend the least, Bryant Park is the clear winner: admission is free, and if you bring your own skates you pay nothing. Wollman Rink is a good middle option, especially for children and seniors at $12. Rockefeller Center is the premium photo experience: it costs more, especially on weekends, but nothing compares to skating under the most famous tree in the world.
Best Time to Go
Weekday mornings are the time for open ice and short lines at every rink. At sunset and at night you get the holiday lights, which arrive early: in December the sun sets before 4:30 p.m. Avoid weekends and the week between Christmas and New Year’s if you can, since those are the busiest days.
Lockers and Bags: What to Know
No rink allows bags, backpacks or food on the ice, and some do not allow phones either. Locker policies vary: at Rockefeller Center small lockers are free, at Wollman Rink they cost $8 and at Bryant Park bag check costs $6.24 per item, while shoe check is free. Travel light and bring a small lock if you have one.
Skate by Day, See the Christmas Lights by Night
Skating is the perfect daytime plan, and the night belongs to the most famous Christmas lights in New York. Our Christmas Lights Tour in New York City: Dyker Heights stops in DUMBO, steps from Roebling Rink, takes you walking among the lights of Dyker Heights and ends near Rockefeller Center. If you want to see much more of the city on the same day, the New York City Contrasts Tour + Dyker Heights Lights combines the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn, passes the 9/11 Memorial near Brookfield Place and ends among the Christmas lights. Both are guided in Spanish and run in heated vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did people start ice skating in New York?
In the 19th century. Central Park’s Lake opened for skating in 1858, and on that first Christmas morning about 8,000 people went out onto the ice.
Where can I go ice skating for free in New York?
At the Bryant Park Winter Village rink. Admission is free, and you only pay if you rent skates. If you bring your own, you need a free ticket released one week in advance.
How much does it cost to skate at Rockefeller Center?
General sessions start at $22 and can reach $74 on peak weekends. Skate rental costs $12.
Which is the best rink for kids?
Wollman Rink in Central Park: it is spacious, children pay $12 and kids 3 and under skate free. Bryant Park is also a good option thanks to its free admission and skate aids for beginners.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially at Rockefeller Center and on weekends or in December. All the rinks sell timed tickets online.
Can I bring a backpack onto the ice?
No. Bags and backpacks are not allowed on the ice. Rockefeller Center offers free small lockers, Wollman Rink charges $8 and Bryant Park charges $6.24 per bag.
Can I skate under the Brooklyn Bridge?
Yes. Roebling Rink, in Brooklyn Bridge Park, opens from November 14, 2026 to January 31, 2027, right under the bridge.
Related Articles
Bryant Park Christmas Guide 2026: Free Ice Skating, Winter Village and Season Calendar
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 2026: Lighting Date, Hours & History
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights: Complete Guide and House Map (2026)
Sources
Sources: Central Park Conservancy, The History of Ice Skating in Central Park (centralparknyc.org); 6sqft, A history of ice skating in NYC; Rockefeller Center, The Rink at Rockefeller Center’s 90th anniversary and tickets page (rockefellercenter.com); Hoodline, Rockefeller Center’s ice rink returns for its 90th season (October 2026); Bryant Park Corporation, The Rink at Bank of America Winter Village (bryantpark.org); Wollman Rink, Plan Your Visit (wollmanrinknyc.com); Wikipedia, Wollman Rink and Bryant Park; Brooklyn Bridge Park, Ice Skating, and Roebling Rink (roeblingrink.com); Brookfield Place New York, The Rink (bfplny.com). Dates, hours and prices are subject to change.
Real’s Tours NYC is not affiliated with Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park Corporation, Wollman Park Partners, Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, Brookfield Place or any organization mentioned in this article. Dates, hours and prices may change, so please confirm current information on each rink’s official website before your visit.
