The Bryant Park rink sits right in the middle of Winter Village and is one of my favorite places to go ice skating in New York.
What to expect
Admission to the ice is technically free, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your visit won’t cost anything. Unless you bring your own skates, skate rental starts from $18, with prices depending on the date and time. You still need a reservation if you bring your own pair. Those free time slots are released one week ahead.
Try a morning or weekday session: skate rentals are often cheaper, and the rink tends to be a little less busy.
If you’d like less waiting and more skating, the paid Express Lane option gives you 75 minutes on the ice. The Premium package includes rental skates, bag check, extended ice time, snacks, a drink, and access to the Polar Lounge.
The rink stays open after the main holiday market finishes. So you can still come skating later in the winter, once the Holiday Shops have closed.
Good to know
- For standard bookings, ice time starts 20 minutes after your ticket time, allowing you to check in and put on skates. Most sessions then give you 50 minutes on the ice; the first session of the day is longer.
- Rental skates use US sizes. If you normally use European sizing, ask the staff for help finding the right fit.
- Bags aren’t allowed on the ice. Wear your coat or check it. Lockers are limited; bring a lock or buy one onsite.
- Shoe check is free. Bag check starts from $6 for a regular item or from $18 for oversized items or the fill-a-bag option.
- Phones and cameras aren’t allowed on the ice.
- Bumper Cars on Ice are also planned to return after the new year. Exact dates will be announced separately.
