Ice Skating At Rockefeller Center

Happy New Year! I cannot think of a better way to introduce the new year and to say good bye to the old. To celebrate the end of the year, we took a short trip to New York City to go ice skating. Ice skating at the rink at Rockefeller Center in New York City is a bucket list goal for many people around the world every year in winter time, and my friend Mary Catherine was no exception. A few months ago she confided that she had always dreamed of ice skating at the rink and we made plans right then and there to make it come true this winter. We made it into the city for one of the busiest weekends of the year; right before New Year’s Eve, with one mission and one mission only: to skate!

If you’re planning an excursion to the rink, you will want to arrive early (preferably before 9:30) to avoid long lines and wait times. You do not need to reserve a spot, but you can choose from a collection of packages with meals at this link for the ice rink. The entrance to the line is located right in front of Tiffany and Co. at Rockefeller Center. It took us less than an hour to make it all the way through. The rink does limit the number of people on the ice at a time to keep it from becoming too crowded. It costs $33 per person during peak season and an additional $12.50 for skate rentals. You’re welcome to bring your own skates if you have skate guards and aren’t opposed to carting them around the city with you for the duration of your stay. But most of all, bring at friend or two! Robby, Mary Catherine, Matthew, and I had a blast at Rockefeller Center. And with such incredibly warm weather for late December, it was a day to remember.

Every so often they clear off the ice to remove the snow created by skates on the ice and to rewet and freeze the surface. 

Once you make it to the front of the line you will squeeze into the narrowest little locker room to buy your tickets and put on your skates. The rink employees will hold onto your shoes in a cubby and there are lockers you can rent. Then it is time for fun!

#skategoals

And if you’re lucky you might see a magical proposal on the ice! (P.S. She said yes! I did give this lucky couple a card in case they want t contact me of the pictures. I hope they reach out because I have a few magical moments that I caught for them. Funny story; the man that took the above group shot for us was this lucky guy pictured here! We had no idea he was about to propose.)

After leaving Rockefeller Center we walked to Bryant Park to see the Winter Village. They have huts all around the park selling coffee, hot chocolate, treats, art, and gifts. And yes, there is another rink! This one is free to skate on, but the skate rentals cost $20. The rink does not limit skaters so it is a lot more crowded, but the rink itself is also much larger too. This rink might just end up on our bucket list this new year. 

My favorite part about watching people ice skate, especially so many people in a big city, is that everyone is simply having a good time. Watching strangers have fun together is one of the best parts about ice skating in New York City. 

Then all too soon it was time to make our way back to Connecticut through Grand Central Station. 

Have you ever ice skated in New York? Which rink is your favorite? I heard that there are quite a few outdoor rinks in the city, including one at Central Park.