Skating Season

The weather outside is, well, cold; little white lights and snowflakes are twinkling along Fifth Avenue; and the tree in Rockefeller Center has been lit. What does all of this mean? That the holidays are just a few weeks away, of course, and that the city is abuzz with the shoppers, sightseers, and show-goers who flock into town to experience the magic that is Manhattan during Christmastime. And while it may not be the best time of year for finding a non-metered parking spot on the street, it is the perfect time for an activity that, for many of us, is associated with fond childhood memories; for some of us, is considered impossibly frightening; and, for all of us, is a sure sign of winter. That activity is none other than ice skating.

As a child, I owned a pair of white ice skates that I eagerly anticipated lacing up as soon as the pond in my town froze over, prompting the “No Skating” sign to be flipped to its “Yes” side and summoning swarms of local kids who couldn’t wait to slide, glide, and practice the occasional (and unsuccessful) triple lutz. While tricks involving jumping or excessive spinning weren’t exactly my style, I was quite proud of my ability to skate backwards, and I gladly stayed on the ice until my fingers began to feel frostbitten or my mom said it was time to go, whichever came first.

Though it has been quite a while since I’ve last owned a pair of skates, I do get the urge to skate—forwards and backwards—right around this time every year; and, this year, I’m determined to do so once again. Whether you’re feeling the same way, or you’ve resolved to finally overcome your fear of hovering over a frozen body of water on a pair of sharp metal blades, there are a number of spots where you can don a pair of skates and hit the ice here in the city.

Rockefeller Center: This is definitely the go-to spot for skaters—and tourists—during the holiday season. While the crowds and the cost can be quite a deterrent, nothing compares to skating beneath the towering Rockefeller tree. Just be prepared for long lines and high prices. The rink is open daily through January 9, with 90-minute sessions available from 8:30 a.m. to midnight. Each session is $19 for adults, $12.50 for seniors and children under the age of eleven, and skate rentals are $9 per session.

The Pond at Bryant Park: A fun, festive, and, most importantly, free alternative to Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park features skating daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (midnight on Fridays and Saturdays) now through January 25. While admission to the rink is free, there is a $12 charge for skate rentals, as well as a fee to use the lockers that are provided. And when you’re done skating, you can browse the holiday shops or warm up over a drink at Celsius, the elevated restaurant and lounge that overlooks the pond, the park, and the holiday tree.

The Polar Rink at the Museum of Natural History: For the first time ever, the Museum of Natural History has opened an outdoor skating rink on its Arthur Ross Terrace. Replete with a café and a seventeen-foot-tall polar bear, the rink is open from noon to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, noon to 10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and holidays, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays now through February 28. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children, and $9 for students and seniors and include skate rentals, with discounts for members. Just a warning, however, that the rink’s recyclable synthetic surface may not feel quite like the ice you’re used to.

Wollman Rink: Located in Central Park near the 59th Street and 6th Avenue entrance, Wollman Rink provides a more spacious, outdoorsy skating spot on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Prices (for a full-day of access) are $10 for adults, $5.25 for children, $4.75 for seniors, and $6 for skate rental Monday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday, the prices go up to $14 for adults, $5.50 for children, and $8.25 for seniors. There are lockers available for rental. Oh, and spectators beware, as Wollman Rink charges a spectator fee.

Lasker Rink: The more ice-hockey-friendly alternative to Wollman Rink is located near the 110th Street and Lenox Avenue entrance to Central Park. Though hours are limited (see the website for details), prices are only $6 for adults, $3.50 for children, $2.25 for seniors, and $5.25 for skate rental.

Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers: For the cold-weather-averse, Chelsea Piers’ indoor skating facility provides a warmer alternative to the outdoor rinks. Rates are $12.50 for adults, $10 for children, and $7 for skate rental. Click here for the extended holiday session schedule.

Seaport Ice: Located on South Street Seaport’s Pier 17, the brand-new Seaport Ice Rink opens to the public this month and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. General admission is only $5, with a $7 skate rental fee, and the rink promises free lockers, live music, and a snack shop.

Happy skating!