Winter can truly be a magical time in New York City. And nothing says “holiday season” in the Big Apple like outdoor ice skating under the glow of some famous Christmas trees. So bundle up and get ready to glide into some special family memories.
Annual Tradition
My husband, Douglas, and I have made visiting the trees in New York City an annual tradition since we started dating. And it’s been even more fun since we had our kids! Their faces light up when they see the thousands of colorful dancing lights adorning trees that seem to touch the sky. And adding some time on the rink makes the visit even more memorable.
There are several spots to choose from for your winter adventure, all within a 20-block radius in midtown Manhattan. The most popular destination is arguably the most famous Christmas tree in the world … the Rockefeller Center tree. It is decorated with more than 30,000 multi-colored lights and crowned by a Swarovski star. But you won’t be the only ones admiring it! Be prepared for tightly packed crowds throughout December.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center is in a plaza below the tree. My 5-year-old daughter, Ava, loves to peer down and watch all of the ice skaters doing their fancy tricks. A lot of the skaters here seem to be a little more experienced, but there are certainly novices, too. With all of the crowds, be ready to wait a long time to get on the ice. But you can people watch or take advantage of the shops and restaurants (and restrooms!) on either the street or concourse levels. In the concourse, you can warm up with a cup of soup from my personal favorite, Hale & Hearty, and wash it down with some hot chocolate from Starbucks.
Minus Crowds
If you want a similar experience, but perhaps a little less overwhelming, check out Citi Pond at Bryant Park. The huge rink there includes a gift for skaters – free admission! When we visited, it was a more relaxed atmosphere than Rockefeller Center. The tree there is still beautiful, but does not provide the same “wow” factor. Still, it’s a pretty place to enjoy the holiday spirit and practice your own skating moves.
You can also easily shop for holiday gifts while you’re at Bryant Park. There are more than 100 boutique-style shops in the park to choose from. Douglas and I enjoyed some delicious cookies at one shop and Ava got an adorable pair of bear claw gloves at another.
Wollman Rink
Rounding out my top choices for skating in the city is at the Wollman Rink in the one and only Central Park. There’s no specific Christmas tree to see here but there is beautiful park scenery and a view of some of the city’s skyline, including the Plaza Hotel. Wollman can get pretty crowded as well and we were caught off guard by a few speed skaters on the rink. But we didn’t have to wait too long to get on the ice. Beware, just to enter and watch others skate, you must pay a spectator fee.
Whichever rink you choose, you must pay a skate rental fee. There are also lockers you use to hold your belongings. And remember, make sure to wear layers (it’s even colder on the ice) and wear socks.
My family and I will definitely be visiting the holiday trees and skating rinks in New York City again this year. The experience is like a yearly gift we can’t wait to unwrap. I hope you and your family can enjoy them, too.
Andrea White is a writer and mom who enjoys to ice skate.
THE RINK AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER. 5th Ave. between 49th & 50th St., New York, NY. 212-332-7654; www.therinkatrockcenter.com
Hours: Daily Sessions through Jan. 7, 2013 run for 90 minutes each and start at: 7, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.; 12;30, 2;30, 4;30, 6;30, 8;30 and 10:30 p.m.
Rates (per session): Adults: $25; Children under 11: $15. Skate rental: $10. Skate Lessons Daily from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. $35. Includes 30 min. instruction & 60 min. free skating time. Call 212-332-7655 for lesson appointments.
CITIPOND AT BRYANT PARK. 42nd Street between 5th & 6th Ave., New York, NY. 212-661-6640; www.CitiPondatBryantPark.com
Hours: Sunday–Thursday: 8.a.m.–10.p.m. Friday–Saturday: 8 a.m.– midnight.
Rates: General Admission – free. Skate rental – $14; Locker Use – free.
WOLLMAN RINK IN CENTRAL PARK. Enter park at 59th St. and 6th Ave. (Wollman Rink is a two minute walk into Central Park from this entrance). 212-439-6900; www.wollmanskatingrink.com
Hours: Monday and Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m – 9 p.m.
Rates: Monday – Thursday. Adults: $11; Children, ages 11 and under: $6. Friday – Sunday Adults: $17; Children: $6.00. Skate rental: $7 (tax included). Locker rental: $5 plus $6 deposit (returnable). Spectator: $5.
