5 Ice Skating Rinks in Manhattan, New York

It's the holiday season once again, and that means winter is just around the corner. One fun way to enjoy the cold weather is by ice-skating. Check out five of New York City's best ice skating rinks.

Rockefeller Center Ice-Skating Rink

Skating at the Rockefeller Center's ice rink is the quintessential New York City winter experience. Both tourists and locals can enjoy the lights and atmosphere. Open daily, the ice rink is perfect for parties, and even offers engagement packages. Group rates and skating lessons are also available. See more details below.

Holiday Season Hours (now through January 7):

8:30 a.m to 10 a.m.
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

From January 7 until April 2011, the rink will remain open, but will operate during different hours.

Adult Admission: $15.50 Monday through Thursday, $19 Friday through Sunday
Children Under 11 and Seniors: $12.50
Skate Rentals: $9

Group rates available.

Location: 5^th Avenue, between 49^th and 50^th Street
Telephone: (212) 332-7654

Citi Pond at Bryant Park

The Pond is the only free admission ice skating rink in New York City. Although admission is free, you can choose to pay $20 for VIP access. The Pond also offers skating lessons and is available for parties. More details are below.

Open daily until February 27.

Hours:

Sunday through Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Admission: Free
Skate Rentals: $13
Small Bag Check: $7
Large Bag Check: $20

Location: Between 40^th and 42^nd Street and 5^th and 6^th Avenue

Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers

Sky Rink is open for business now until December 19. In addition to general skating, Sky Rink offers skating lessons and functions as a place for adult hockey, youth hockey, figure skating practice, camps, and parties. Here are the details:

General Session Hours

Monday: 1:30 p.m. to 5:20 p.m.
Tuesday: 3:00 p.m. to 5:20 p.m.
Wednesday: Not open for general skating
Thursday: 3:00 p.m. to 5:20 p.m.
Friday: 1:30 p.m. to 5:20 p.m.
Saturday: 1:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Adult Admission: $13
Youth and Senior Admission: $10.50
Skate Rental: $7.50
Helmet Rental: $4.00

Group rates are also available.

Location: Pier 61 on 23^rd Street and the Hudson River
Telephone: (212) 336-6100
Email: skyrink@chelseapiers.com

Wollman Ice Skating Rink in Central Park

From now until April 2011, there are ice skating rinks in Central Park. Open every day of the week, the Wollman Ice Skating Rink has a skating school and is open for ice hockey and parties. Here are the details.

Hours:

Monday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Adult Admission Monday through Thursday: $10.50
Adult Admission Friday through Sunday: $15
Child Admission Monday through Thursday: $5.50
Child Admission Friday through Sunday: $5.75
Senior Admission Monday through Thursday: $4.75
Senior Admission Friday through Sunday: $8.25
Skate Rental: $6.25
Spectator Fee: $5

Location: Central Park South, on 59^th Street and 6^th Avenue
Telephone: (212) 439-6900

Lasker Ice Skating Rink in Central Park

The second ice skating rink in Central Park is located on the North end. Like it's counterpart, it offers skating lessons and is open for ice hockey and parties. But admission is a little cheaper.

Hours:

Monday: 10:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday: 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Adult Admission: $6.50
Child Admission: $3.50
Senior Admission: $2.25
Skate Rental: $5.50

Adult admission on Tuesday nights in November is $5 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Location: North end of Central Park, at 110^th Street and Lenox Avenue
Telephone: (917) 492-3857