Discover NYC

Rockefeller Center Ice Skating: 2023 NYC Rink Tickets and Price

The Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink is an extraordinary experience to live in NYC during the 2023 Christmas season. So, welcome to My Christmas Blog about New York! In this article, I will guide you through the extraordinary experience of ice skating at the Rockefeller Center in 2023. Rockefeller Center Ice Skating is a must-see event in Manhattan, especially during Christmas in New York. Located near the 5th Avenue Lights and decorations, this area in Midtown Manhattan is famous for its NYC ice skating rink and the Iconic Christmas Tree. After a fun afternoon of open-air skating, you can dine at one of the many restaurants nearby. Don’t miss the opportunity to also visit the 2023 Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show and the Christmas decorations around Times Square, both just a short walk away. Make sure to get your tickets for the Rockefeller Center in 2023 and experience the magic of Christmas in New York. Rockefeller Center Ice Skating is an experience not to be missed in NYC!

While in the area, don’t miss our 2023 article showcasing the best restaurants near the Rockefeller Ice Skating Rink for an unforgettable holiday feast!

People Ice Skating at the Rockefeller Center with the Christmas Tree full of lights in the background and expensive tickets for a 60 minutes session in NYC

Ice Skating at the Rockefeller Center: the most iconic rink in Manhattan

Ice skating at the Rockefeller Center is a unique and unmissable experience. This rink, located right beneath the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, is undeniably the most famous in New York. However, it’s also the most expensive, especially in the evenings, on weekends, or during holidays. Therefore, it’s crucial to book tickets online to secure a spot during the 2023 Christmas season.

Despite its popularity, the Rockefeller Center is not the only option for ice skating in New York. The city offers many other equally fascinating rinks. I invite you to read my article on the best ice skating rinks in New York to discover other fantastic options.

If you’re interested in skating at the Bryant Park Winter Village or the Central Park Wollman Rink, I’ve written specific articles on these holiday locations. Be sure to check them out to make the most of your Christmas in New York in 2023.

Opening Day view of the Christmas Rink at the Rockefeller Center in NYC, few minutes from Times Square, without the Christmas Tree in early November each year

When does ice skating at Rockefeller Center start?

The Rockefeller Center Ice Skating rink will open on November 4, 2023, marking the beginning of NYC’s Christmas season. Other famous skating rinks in Midtown Manhattan open around the same time. For instance, Central Park’s Wollman Rink opens on October 23, and the Bryant Park Winter Village opens on October 27.

This early schedule allows those visiting New York for the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade to also soak in a Christmas atmosphere thanks to the ice skating rinks. This transformation turns the streets of Midtown Manhattan into a magical winter scene.

However, the Christmas Tree will only arrive at the Rockefeller Center on Saturday, November 11, 2023. Therefore, to ice skate under the shade of NYC’s most famous Christmas tree, you’ll have to wait a week after the rink opens. During this time, you can purchase tickets for the ice rink and check the opening hours.

Make sure you read my Rockefeller Center 2023 Christmas Tree Guide for all the info, dates and events about the most famouse Holiday Tree in NYC

Just a short walk from 5th Avenue, the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink is a unique experience during the holiday season. Don’t miss the opportunity to have an unforgettable Christmas experience in New York in 2023.

Tickets: How much does it cost to book my ice session?

The cost to book an ice-skating session at the Rockefeller Center Ice Skating rink ranges from $11 to $73 per person. The cost depends on the date, time of day, and skater’s age. Skate rentals are available at an additional cost of $11. Local residents can also purchase a membership for unlimited skating access throughout the 2023 Christmas season.

Ice skating at Rockefeller Center is a symbolic experience. In fact, it allows you to fully immerse in the essence of Christmas in NYC. Despite being the most expensive rink in Midtown Manhattan, its charm and location, just a short walk from 5th Avenue, make it an unmissable attraction during the Holiday Season.

However, New York also offers more affordable ice-skating options. For instance, access to the Bank of America Bryant Park Winter Village is free, and you only pay for skate rentals. Remember to purchase your tickets in advance to secure a spot, and check the opening hours.

Ice skating here costs a lot: but is it really worth it?

Yes, ice skating at the Rockefeller Center does come with a higher price tag compared to other rinks, but it’s an experience that’s truly worth every penny. It’s not just about the skating; it’s about being part of a time-honored NYC tradition, one that’s steeped in holiday spirit and enchanting history.

As you glide across the ice, surrounded by the iconic New York City skyline and beneath the dazzling Rockefeller Christmas Tree, you’ll find yourself in a living postcard of a quintessential New York Christmas. The Midtown Manhattan location, just off 5th Avenue, puts you right in the heart of the city’s holiday festivities.

Moreover, if you plan your visit at the Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink right, you can even catch the breathtaking 2023 Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show. In fact, this is just a short walk away. It’s not just an ice-skating session; it’s a magical holiday experience that you’ll cherish forever. While the cost may be higher, the memories you’ll make are priceless.

People Ice Skating at the Rockefeller Center Rink during the 2023 Holiday Season in New York

Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink Hours of Operations

The Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink welcomes visitors with broad and flexible hours, suitable for all needs. In fact, you can ice skate here from 9 in the morning until 11 at night, every day. These extended hours allow you to enjoy the ice skating experience both under daylight and the magical atmosphere of evening lights.

An additional benefit of these wide-ranging hours is the opportunity to save on costs. Do you want to experience ice skating at the Rockefeller Center without spending too much? Then the solution is to skate in the early morning hours, especially on weekdays such as Monday and Tuesday. These are the times when prices are generally lower.

So, the Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink is ready to welcome you in 2023. It does not matter whether you’re an early bird or prefer evening hours. Remember to always check the opening hours and book your tickets in advance. This way you secure a spot on NYC’s most famous ice, right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

How long is an Ice Skating Session at the Rockefeller Center?

The duration of an ice-skating session at Rockefeller Center is 60 minutes. This time starts from the arrival time indicated on your ticket. Therefore, it’s crucial to be punctual to make the most of the entire one-hour period on the ice rink. Remember, time spent on the ice is precious, especially when it comes to such an iconic place in NYC. Don’t miss a single minute of this extraordinary experience in 2023!

Timeline: when does the Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink close in 2024?

The Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink closes in early April 2024. This key detail allows visitors to fully enjoy the thrill of the world’s most famous ice rink, even beyond the end of the 2023 Christmas season in New York.

We remind you that the opening date is November 4th. This dates marking the beginning of the magical Christmas season in the Big Apple. Therefore, the experience of ice skating at the Rockefeller Center extends for five months, allowing everyone to enjoy the magnificent atmosphere, regardless of the time of their trip.

Once the festive season has ended and the Christmas tree has been removed, the cost to skate here decreases. This makes the experience even more accessible to all those who wish to live the magic of skating on the historic rink in Midtown Manhattan, without having to bear the typical costs of the holidays.

In conclusion, the timeline of the Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink is as follows: opening in November 2023 to mark the start of the holiday season, and closing in early April 2024. This offers a unique opportunity to live an authentic and unforgettable experience. In fact, both during the holiday season and in the following months, ice skating here in the beating heart of New York City is simply unique.

Beautiful view of the most famous Holiday Tree in the World in Midtown Manhattan

Conclusion: the most amazing ice skating experience in the Big Apple

In conclusion, the Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink is more than just a skating venue. In fact, it’s a hallmark of the NYC holiday season. From the grand opening on November 4, 2023, through the daily operations from 9 AM to 11 PM, it offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas in Midtown Manhattan.

Remember, despite the higher ticket prices, the magic of ice skating at the rink under the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is unique. You will have fun amid the hustle and bustle of 5th Avenue, is an experience that is priceless and not to be missed. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or trying on ice skates for the first time, the rink is suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Be sure to check the Rink Schedule. In fact, skating early in the morning, especially on weekdays like Monday and Tuesday, can offer a quieter and less expensive experience. Don’t forget to book your 60-minute skating session in advance. This way you will secure your spot on the most famous ice in NYC.

As you plan your visit, remember to also check out other holiday attractions in the vicinity. For example, Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show, Times Square, and the many lights and shops on 5th Avenue.

So get ready to lace up your skates and step onto the ice. Make unforgettable memories at the Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink during the 2023 holiday season. Enjoy the magic of Christmas in New York City!