Ice-Skating

The outdoor rink in Rockefeller Center, open from October through early April, is much smaller in real life than it appears on TV and in movies—though it is as beautiful, especially when Rock Center's enormous Christmas tree towers above it. Tickets are first-come, first-served, so be prepared to wait—especially around the holidays. Be prepared to pay, too: skating rates are $27–$30 for adults, which doesn't include skate rental ($12), and that only pays for admission during a single 90-minute skating session. The city's outdoor rinks, open from roughly November through March, all have their own character. Central Park's beautifully situated Wollman Rink has skating until long after dark beneath the lights of the city. Be prepared for daytime crowds on weekends. The Lasker Rink, at the north end of Central Park, is smaller and usually less crowded than Wollman. Chelsea Piers' Sky Rink has two year-round indoor rinks overlooking the Hudson. Skate rentals are available at all rinks. The skating rink at the Winter Village at Bryant Park has "free" skating, although this doesn't include skate rental ($15–$19) or the likely fee to either buy a lock for a locker or have bags checked ($8–$10). Winter Village's rink is open from November through early March, daily from 8 am to 10 pm. A FastPass (available online, includes skate rental and bag check) allows you to skip the line; it costs $22–$28. Every winter the trendy Standard Hotel, in the Meatpacking District near the High Line, makes its own tiny ice rink. Skate tickets are $12 and skate rental is $3; the rink, at 848 Washington Street at West 13th Street, is open from 9 am until at least midnight on weekends and from noon on weekdays. When you're done, hot chocolate, toddies, waffles, and doughnuts are ready to take the edge off any chill.

Lasker Rink. The Lasker Rink, at the north end of Central Park, is usually less crowded than Wollman. Midpark near 106th St., Upper West Side, New York, New York, 10065. 917/492–3856; www.laskerrink.com.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center. The outdoor rink in Rockefeller Center, open from October through mid-April, is much smaller in real life than it appears on TV and in movies, with only 150 skaters permitted at a time—though it is as beautiful, especially when Rock Center's enormous Christmas tree towers above it. Reservations can be booked in advance via the website and are recommended—especially around the holidays. Otherwise, tickets are first-come, first-served, so be prepared to wait (early morning is the best time to get on the ice quickly). Be prepared to pay, too: skating rates are $25–$33 for adults, which doesn't include skate rental ($12.50). 5th Ave., between 49th and 50th Sts., lower plaza, Midtown West, New York, New York, 10020. 212/332–7654; www.therinkatrockcenter.com.

Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers. Chelsea Piers' Sky Rink has two year-round indoor rinks overlooking the Hudson. Pier 61, W. 21st St., at the Hudson River, Chelsea, New York, New York, 10011. 212/336–6100; www.chelseapiers.com/sr.

Wollman Skating Rink. One of two ice-skating rinks in Central Park, Wollman is more centrally located. Be prepared for daytime crowds, especially on weekends. North of 6th Ave. and Central Park S. entrance, between 62nd and 63rd Sts., Central Park, New York, New York, 10065. 212/439–6900; www.wollmanskatingrink.com.

The Rink at Winter Village at Bryant Park. The skating rink at the Winter Village at Bryant Park has "free" skating, although this doesn't include skate rental ($15–$19) or the likely fee to either buy a lock for a locker or have bags checked ($10–$15). Winter Village's rink is open from November through early March, daily from 8 am to 10 pm. A FastPass (available online, includes skate rental and bag check) allows you to skip the line; it costs $30. 476 5th Ave., between 40th and 42nd Sts. (closer to 6th Ave.), Midtown West, New York, New York, 10018. 917/438–5170; wintervillage.org/skate.