Updated September 2026
Get your tickets for The Rink's 2026-2027 season here.
At the heart of New York City, beneath the golden statue of Prometheus, lies The Rink at Rockefeller Center: one of the city's most iconic winter destinations and traditions. Since opening to the public on Christmas Day in 1936, it has welcomed celebrities, hosted thousands of proposals, and appeared in countless films. In 2026, it turns 90. But beyond the history and holiday crowds, locals, like Correll "CJ" Jones, the official Mayor of Rockefeller Center, know a few secrets that make skating here truly special.
Together with CJ, we're sharing insider tips and tricks that'll help you make the most of your time on the ice so you can experience The Rink just like the locals do. Read on for the best times to glide, where to eat, seasonal activations, private celebrations, and more.
How to Get to The Rink
NYC's Rockefeller Center spans Fifth and Sixth Avenues between 48th and 51st Streets in Midtown Manhattan, with The Rink right in the center between West 49th and 50th Streets. If you're driving, the SP+ parking garage is nearby, though spots aren't guaranteed during peak hours.
For the 90th-anniversary season, how you check in changes partway through: from October 10 through November 13, skaters enter through the temporary setup under 30 Rock, on the lower level near Daily Provisions. Starting November 14, the completely rebuilt Skate House takes over, with its own VIP lounge, dedicated storage, and concessions, and the main entrance moves to 49th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. There's also a lower-level, ADA-accessible entrance through The Rink Shop on the plaza's southeast side.
"If you're already on campus, I usually tell people to walk through the Channel Gardens between 49th and 50th Streets and take the stairs down to the Skate House," he said.
Insider tip
For the 2026–27 season, every Top of the Rock ticket from December 3, 2026 through January 2, 2027 includes the Tree Viewing Experience, an up-close visit with the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree before heading up to the observation deck. Top of the Rock is also debuting a North Pole Experience for the 90th-anniversary season, transforming all three levels of the deck into an immersive holiday activation.
How to Get Tickets to The Rink
Skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center requires a timed ticket, which can be purchased in person at the box office or online.
"Go online and reserve your time slot for your ice skating session," CJ suggested. "I used to bring my daughter when she was young, and we got timed tickets in advance, so we didn't have to wait in the box office line."
Timed tickets are your best bet for skipping crowds, especially on weekends or during the holiday season. Even if your ticket is reserved, it's best to arrive 15 minutes early; you can start queuing up 10 minutes before your ticket time. If your preferred time is sold out, stop by The Rink Box Office for a limited number of immediate-access Skate Now tickets, priced $25–$40 above the standard rate.
General admission prices start at $22 for adults and children, and $12 for tots (ages five and under). You can bring your own skates or rent skates for $12. Penguin Skate Aids for kids can also be rented on-site.
Insider tip
Make your visit even more memorable with a VIP Skate ticket, starting at $112 for the 90th-anniversary season. On top of a 60-minute skate session with priority ice access, the experience includes a complimentary skate rental, complimentary warm beverages and snacks, a 20% discount at The Rink Shop, and access to two VIP spaces, including the all-new heated VIP Lounge with plush seating.
The Best Time to Skate at The Rink
Whether you're looking for a peaceful solo glide, a family outing, or a romantic evening on the ice, choosing the right time makes all the difference. Weekends and holiday peak periods tend to be the busiest, so planning ahead with timed tickets is key. As the official Mayor of Rockefeller Center, CJ notes mornings as the ideal window.
"This way, you can enjoy yourself because you have The Rink almost to yourself," he explained.
If mornings aren't possible, late evenings are your next best option.
"If not in the morning, then come two hours before we close," said CJ. "It's a nice nightlife skate."
Insider tip
Locals typically combine their ice skating sessions with a walk around Center Plaza and the Channel Gardens, taking in the architecture, public art, and legendary holiday decorations, like the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
What to Wear When Ice Skating at The Rink
Because The Rink is open in New York from October through March, your outfit will depend on the season, but don't overdress. It's best to wear comfortable layers you can peel off once you're moving.
"When you're skating, you get hot," CJ said. "I've noticed a lot of people come in and they've got on a heavy coat…and then after a while, they'll be down to a t-shirt. I recommend you go out with some jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, and you'll be fine."
Insider tip
If you need an extra pair of gloves or a warm hat, the shop at The Rink has you covered, along with holiday souvenirs and unique gifts to take home. For the 90th-anniversary season, that includes a limited-run 90th Anniversary collection, plus the seasonal beanie ($20) and ornament ($19), both discounted 20% when purchased online in advance. You can also plan ahead and add either one to your ticket if purchasing online, which lets you grab special keepsakes before the crowds and skip the checkout lines.
Special Experiences at The Rink
Skating isn't the only way to make memories here. True-blue New Yorkers know The Rink has long been a backdrop for birthdays, date nights, and even proposals: a tradition dating back decades alongside the Christmas Tree. Rockefeller Center's Private Events team offers packages for celebrations big and small. For those extra-special moments, like a surprise engagement, they'll even clear The Rink so you have the ice to yourselves.
This season, the Holiday Chalets presented by Balsam Hill open November 6, 2026 and run through January 2, 2027 (closed December 1–2 for the Tree Lighting). Each chalet features its own festive decor and seating for up to six people, making it an intimate way to warm up between laps. The 50-minute reservations include two digital chalet photos, with food and beverage service curated by Chef Greg Baxtrom available for purchase (a $25 per-person minimum applies). Walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability, though reservations are recommended. Private bookings start at $70.
New for the 90th-anniversary season, groups wanting more room can book one of the larger 90th Anniversary Lodges instead: up to eight guests, a champagne toast, commemorative photos beneath the Tree, the same Greg Baxtrom-curated menu (a $50 per-person minimum), and its own entrance on 50th Street, opening November 20, 2026. Locals love booking either one early in the day or late at night for a calmer atmosphere.
Insider tip
Pair your visit with the VIP Rock Pass: Holiday Edition, available December 3, 2026 through January 2, 2027 starting at $300. The two-hour guided tour includes an up-close viewing of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, access to one of Rockefeller Center's hidden rooftop gardens, a champagne toast, and VIP access to SKYLIFT and The Beam Experience at Top of the Rock, plus a Photo Pass for the full visit.
Food and Drinks at The Rink
After you hang up your skates, you'll exit through the Rink Level, one of Rockefeller Center's more secluded corners. This is where you'll find endless places to refuel, and locals know the best stops: munch on classic New York fare at Lobel's Original, indulge in Italian cuisine at Jupiter, or try international candy at Lil Sweet Treat.* For something faster, the new Skate House has its own concessions, curated by Chef Greg Baxtrom, so you can refuel without leaving the ice level.
For a good end to your visit, toast at one of Rockefeller Center's many drink spots. During the winter season, many on-campus restaurants and shops serve specialty sips for every palate, from rich hot cocoa to holiday-themed cocktails.
Insider tip
Plan your visit like a local and sign up for The Center Newsletter to stay updated on seasonal treats, dining deals, and special offers.
Seasonal Activations and Events at The Rink
The Rink isn't just for skating. It's the heart of Rockefeller Center's holiday magic, made for everything the season has to offer, from Santa Claus meet-and-greets to live festive performances, all with the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree as your backdrop.
Insider tip
New Yorkers usually visit during early mornings or weekday evenings to enjoy the festivities without the crowds. Keep an eye on Rockefeller Center's events calendar (or sign up for The Center Newsletter) to be the first to hear about seasonal activities, including family-friendly activations and this year's 90th anniversary programming.
The Rink, Rockefeller Center's iconic ice-skating rink, is located at Rockefeller Plaza between 49th and 50th Streets. For the 90th-anniversary season, it opens October 10, 2026 in a temporary setup and moves into the new Skate House on November 14, running through March 27, 2027 (closed December 1–2 for the Tree Lighting). However you spend it, the ice is only steps from Rockefeller Plaza. Buy tickets here for current hours and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does The Rink at Rockefeller Center open?
For the 2026–27 season, The Rink opens October 10 in a temporary setup, then moves into its newly rebuilt Skate House on November 14.
How much are tickets to The Rink at Rockefeller Center?
General admission starts at $22. A VIP Skate ticket, which includes priority ice access, a skate rental, and lounge access, starts at $112. Skate rentals run $12 on their own, and walk-up Skate Now tickets cost $25 to $40 more than the standard rate.
Do you need a reservation to skate at The Rink?
Not strictly. The box office sells a limited number of walk-up Skate Now tickets, but booking a timed ticket online is the more reliable way to lock in your preferred time, especially on weekends and during the holidays.
What should you wear to skate at The Rink at Rockefeller Center?
Dress in light layers you can shed once you're moving. Jeans and a long-sleeved shirt are usually enough, even in December.
What's new at The Rink for its 90th-anniversary season?
The biggest change is the completely rebuilt Skate House, opening November 14 with its own VIP lounge and concessions. The season also introduces the larger 90th Anniversary Lodges alongside the returning Holiday Chalets, plus a limited-run 90th Anniversary merchandise collection.
