5 Great Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks to Check Out in N.Y.C. This Winter

If there was ever a quintessential New York holiday moment to be had, it would be right here in the heart of Midtown, under the world famous tree. Photo opps, galore!

Open: Daily, 8:30 a.m. to midnight, with breaks in between. Call 212-332-7654 for daily hours or visit Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center for more information. 

Rates: Adults, $25 to $32 depending on time of year (check schedule); Children (under 11) and seniors, $15. Skate rental, $12. 

The rink in Battery Park City offers shoppers respite from all the glorious retailers inside the luxurious Brookfield Place, which also houses one-stop gourmet favorites Hudson Eats and Le District. Come at dusk for stunning views across the Hudson River.

Open: Weekdays, 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Weekends, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Nov. 14, 2015 to March 2016)

Rates: $15 for a 90-minute session. Skate rental: $5.

At Central Park’s Wollman Rink, you get a classic outdoor skating experience, as well as a magnificent New York City skyline backdrop.

Open: Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Rates: Adults: $11.25 Monday to Thursday, $18 Friday to Sunday; Children (11 and under): $6 daily; Seniors: $5 Monday to Thursday, $9 Friday to Sunday. Skate rental: $8. Spectator fee: $5. Cash only.  

This Midtown rink is centrally located and features a holiday bazaar along its perimeter. Admission is free.

Open: Daily, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Rates: Free admission. Skate rental: $15 (Oct. 30 to Nov. 19, 2015); $19 (Nov. 20, 2015 to Jan. 3, 2016); $15 (Jan. 4 to March 6, 2016).

The Meatpacking District, usually known for its trendy restos and bars, is also home to a 3,000-square-foot rink at the hip Standard Hotel. Bonus points for its late night hours and genius après-skate menu, which features tasty nibbles and hot Arctic beverages—spiked and unspiked.

Open: Monday to Thursday, noon to midnight; Friday, noon to 1 a.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to midnight.

Rates: Adults, $13 admission and $4 skate rental; Children (under 12), $6 admission and $4 skate rental.