Many people will tell you that visiting New York City in the winter is something special. It is almost like the city adopts a new personality and becomes even more magical than it already is.
There are lots of things you can do in NYC in the winter that will bring you a lot of fun. But definitely one of the more exciting ones is ice skating. After the cold weather sets in, ice skating rinks pop up on almost every corner, setting the stage for a perfect way to spend your afternoon or evening. These are the top ice skating rinks you should visit in NYC.
The Rink at the Rockefeller Center
We’ll start with the classic, the No. 1 spot, the place where everyone wants to skate. The Rink at Rockefeller Center is synonymous with ice skating culture in NYC and that is for a reason. You get to skate under the statue of Golden Prometheus and be a part of one of the most recognizable New York City traditions. The rink operates from early November to mid-April and is open every day between 9 a.m. and 12 a.m.
Wollman Rink
Located in Central Park, Wollman Rink provides a unique experience. You get to skate while surrounded by tall trees and even taller buildings, which team up to deliver quite impressive scenery. The experience becomes even better at night when the surrounding lights create a great atmosphere. Wollman Rink operates from late October to early April and is usually open between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
The Rink at Manhattan West
This is one of the newer rinks in New York City, but it is becoming quite popular among locals, and the tourists seem to follow. It offers a great overall experience that includes an NHL shop and private skating lessons by Olympian skaters. The rink operates from November to April and is open from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m.
