Christmas in Manhattan
Free and Central: This is New York's Favorite Ice Rink
The skating rink The Rink at Bryant Park is located just a few steps from Times Square and has views of the Empire State Building.
Winter arrives and New York fills with ice skating rinks. Romantics will kick off the season at Wollman Rink, located in the heart of Central Park, considered the most beautiful in the Big Apple for its movie-like setting. Classics will flock to the Rockefeller Center rink where they can admire the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, the largest and most impressive in Manhattan. However, true New Yorkers lace up their skates at The Rink at Bryant Park, whose spaciousness and location just steps from Times Square has made it a favorite among city residents.
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An Ice Rink with Views of the Empire State
This pristine 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink is set up in the center of Bryant Park, in the grassy area that, during the rest of the year, serves as an oasis for New Yorkers who take advantage of the space to read or enjoy a coffee in the sun. Surrounding it are the New York Public Library and the black and gold Bryant Park Hotel, which enclose the rink, sheltering it from the other buildings in the city. And in the distance, one of the most famous and photographed skyscrapers by visitors can be seen: the Empire State Building.
Surrounding the rink is also the Bryant Park Christmas market, the Winter Village, a European-style outdoor market, ideal for grabbing a hot drink after a skating session or doing last-minute Christmas shopping. Highlights of the market include the outdoor café The Lodge, the private igloos for rent, and the Curling Café & Bar, where you can practice the sport that the bar is named after.
Free Admission and Skate Rentals
Beyond its perfect location and wonderful views, one of the elements that has made this the most beloved ice rink by New Yorkers is that admission is free. The only thing one needs to do to enjoy a day at The Rink at Bryant Park is to reserve in advance on the Winter Village website and either bring skates from home or rent them on-site.
The rental price for skates varies depending on the season, which began on October 27 and will last until March 3, 2024, and the hours of operation, which are from 8 AM to 10 PM (except on some days when the rink closes at midnight). Generally, the best time to visit The Rink at Bryant Park is early in the morning, between 8 AM and 10:30 AM, as that is when the rink is least crowded and the rental price for skates is usually cheaper.
Lockers and Accompaniment of Minors
Another service not included in the admission is locker rental. Although skaters are given a free bag to store their shoes and carry on their backs before entering the rink, larger bags (such as backpacks or handbags) must be left in the lockers, with a fee ranging from $5 to $15.
It's also important to know that children under 14 must be accompanied either by a skating adult (who has reserved the normal admission and rented skates) or simply by an adult who will not skate but will be with them during the time they enjoy this ideal holiday experience.