Wollman Ice Rink Central Park NYC: 2025 Winter Skating Guide
Wollman Ice Rink Central Park NYC is one of the city’s most iconic winter attractions. Surrounded by the Manhattan skyline, it offers an unforgettable ice skating experience in the heart of New York. Each year, locals and visitors come here to glide across the ice, take in the views, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
In 2025, Wollman Rink continues to welcome thousands of skaters with its central location, well-maintained ice, and family-friendly facilities. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned skater, the rink’s setting makes it a must-do winter activity in NYC. From weekday afternoons with fewer crowds to sparkling evenings under the city lights, every visit feels special.
If you are planning your holiday trip, explore our complete guide to the best things to do in New York City at Christmas and check our holiday season timeline for all key dates. For daily tips, updates, and festive inspiration, follow us on Instagram.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you go, including opening dates, prices, ticket options, and tips for the best experience. You’ll also find details about on-site rentals, nearby attractions, and even which movies have featured this famous ice skating spot. By the end, you’ll be ready to plan your perfect day on the ice at Wollman Ice Rink Central Park NYC.
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2025 Wollman Ice Rink Central Park NYC Opening Dates and Hours
Wollman Ice Rink Central Park NYC is a winter tradition that attracts skaters from around the world. The venue stays active year-round with community events, artistic performances, and seasonal programming. During the ice skating season, it comes alive with festive energy and a magical winter atmosphere.
In 2025, the ice rink opens on Saturday, October 25, and runs through Saturday, March 14, 2026, weather permitting. These dates match recent seasons and offer nearly five months of skating in one of New York’s most famous winter locations. Morning and afternoon sessions run early in the week. Evening hours extend midweek. Fridays and Saturdays offer the longest skating times. On Sundays, the rink closes a bit earlier so the team can prepare for the week ahead.
The schedule has stayed consistent for many years. Unless there are unusual weather conditions, visitors can expect a similar timetable this season. Special events, themed nights, and holiday celebrations bring extra excitement during the winter. Each visit feels unique, whether you skate during the day or under the lights at night. For the latest details on hours, weather conditions, and special events, check the official Wollman Rink website before visiting.
How Much is Ice Skating at Wollman Rink?
In 2025, admission to Wollman Ice Rink Central Park NYC starts at around $15 for adults during off-peak hours, increasing to about $27 on peak days and $38 on holidays. Children aged 4 to 12 pay around $10 at any time, while seniors enjoy the same reduced rate. Children under three can skate for free, making it an affordable family outing.
Skate rentals are available for about $12, with smaller skate aids for beginners costing around $25. Lockers are available for a small fee, and skate sharpening is offered on select days. For a more comfortable experience, a Premier Pass can be purchased, which includes admission and access to a heated area with reserved seating.
Frequent visitors can choose a season pass, priced at roughly $275 for adults and $100 for children and seniors, offering unlimited entry for the entire season with no blackout dates. The rink also hosts community days and discounted admission programs, making it accessible to a wider audience. With a range of options, it’s easy to plan a visit that suits your budget and schedule.
How to Buy Central Park Ice Skating Tickets
Buying tickets for Wollman Ice Rink Central Park NYC is quick and easy. You can purchase them online through the rink’s official website or at the on-site box office. Buying in advance online is the best way to secure your preferred date and time. This is especially important on weekends, holidays, and school breaks. If you prefer flexibility, same-day tickets are available at the rink, depending on availability.
Always buy tickets directly from the official Wollman Rink channels. This guarantees correct pricing and access to official promotions. It also protects you from inflated costs or invalid tickets sometimes found on third-party websites.
When booking online, you can add extras like skate rentals or premium seating packages. This saves time when you arrive. Large groups, private events, or special sessions should contact the rink in advance to arrange bookings. Buying through official channels ensures a smooth entry so you can focus on enjoying your skating experience in the heart of Central Park.
Facilities, Rentals, and On-Site Services
Wollman Ice Rink Central Park NYC offers everything you need for a smooth and magical skating experience during the Christmas season. The crisp winter air and snow-dusted trees create the perfect holiday mood as soon as you arrive. Skating here feels like stepping into a festive movie scene. The Manhattan skyline twinkles behind you while Christmas music plays across the ice.
If you don’t have skates, the rink provides well-maintained rentals in many sizes. Young children and beginners can use skate aids to gain confidence. Experienced skaters can choose skate sharpening to keep their blades in top shape. Lockers are available so you can glide across the ice without carrying personal items.
Heated seating areas offer a warm place to relax between sessions. During the holidays, seasonal treats and hot drinks add to the festive atmosphere. Staff are friendly and ready to help, offering guidance on rentals or tips for the best time to skate.
From practical services to charming seasonal touches, Wollman Ice Rink Central Park NYC makes your visit stress-free and memorable. Every detail is designed to let you enjoy the joy of skating in one of New York’s most magical winter settings.
Best Times to Skate at Wollman Ice Rink Central Park NYC
Timing your visit to Wollman Ice Rink Central Park NYC can make the difference between a calm glide and a crowded shuffle. Weekday mornings and early afternoons are usually the quietest. These times offer plenty of space to practice your moves and take uninterrupted photos with the skyline behind you. Ticket prices are often lower then, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious visitors.
For the full Christmas magic, aim for late afternoon into early evening. Watch the sun set behind the city and see the rink lights sparkle to life. Festive music fills the air while the skyline glows. Arriving about an hour before sunset gives you daylight for sightseeing and twilight for atmosphere.
Weekends and holidays bring a lively buzz but also bigger crowds. Book your tickets in advance if you plan to skate during these times. The busiest period is usually between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Visitors from all over the world come to enjoy Central Park’s winter charm.
For a memorable day, pair your visit with a stroll through Central Park’s snowy paths or nearby holiday attractions. Whether you choose a quiet weekday morning or a festive evening under the lights, Wollman Ice Rink delivers one of the most iconic ice skating experiences in New York City.
How to Get to Wollman Ice Rink in Central Park
Wollman Ice Rink Central Park NYC is located at the park’s southern end, making it one of the easiest attractions to reach in Manhattan. The main entrance is at 59th Street and 6th Avenue (Central Park South), just a short walk from major Midtown landmarks like The Plaza Hotel and Fifth Avenue. Once inside the park, follow the signs or pathways north and slightly east. The walk takes about five minutes.
The rink is well-served by public transportation. The closest subway stations are 59th Street–Columbus Circle (A, B, C, D, 1 trains) and 5th Avenue–59th Street (N, R, W trains). From either station, it’s a quick walk to the park entrance. Several city buses also stop nearby, including the M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, and M7. For those arriving from outside Manhattan, Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station are both a short subway ride away.
Taxis and ride-shares can drop you off directly at the park entrance on Central Park South. If you prefer to walk, the rink is within easy reach of Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and many of New York’s top hotels.
Driving to the rink is not recommended due to limited parking, but nearby garages in Midtown offer hourly rates. During the holiday season, allow extra time for travel as the area gets busy with visitors heading to Central Park, Fifth Avenue holiday windows, and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed at Wollman Ice Rink Central Park NYC
Wollman Ice Rink Central Park NYC has been a backdrop for some of the most memorable winter scenes in film and television. Its blend of sparkling ice, the Manhattan skyline, and the charm of Central Park has made it a favorite for directors looking to capture the magic of New York in winter.
Perhaps one of the most famous appearances is in the romantic comedy Serendipity, where the rink plays a part in the characters’ fateful encounters. It has also been featured in classics like Love Story and in family favorites such as Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, where Kevin enjoys the park during his holiday adventures. Over the years, countless TV shows, commercials, and holiday specials have used the rink as a quintessential NYC winter setting.
Seeing the rink in person, especially during the Christmas season, can feel like stepping right into a movie scene. And while Wollman is just one of many iconic filming spots in New York, it’s a perfect example of how the city transforms into a real-life film set during the holidays.
Fans of movie magic will find plenty of other cinematic landmarks across Manhattan to explore during the winter months. Our New York Movie Tour with a Christmas Twist highlights some of the city’s most famous holiday film locations, making it a perfect complement to a visit to Wollman Rink and other festive spots in New York.
Who Owns Wollman Ice Rink Today?
As of 2025, Wollman Ice Rink Central Park NYC is operated by Wollman Park Partners. This group manages the venue under a contract with the City of New York. They run the rink year-round, hosting the winter ice skating season as well as community programs, cultural events, and recreational activities in warmer months.
Over the decades, several groups have operated the rink. From the late 1980s until 2021, the Trump Organization managed it at different times under agreements with the city. That contract ended in 2021. Since then, Wollman Park Partners has overseen all operations.
The current operator focuses on keeping the rink in excellent condition while making it accessible to both locals and visitors. Their approach includes affordable ticket options, community days, and partnerships with local organizations. These efforts ensure Wollman Ice Rink remains a central and welcoming part of Central Park.
Why Wollman is the Most Famous Ice Skating Rink in NYC
Wollman Ice Rink Central Park NYC is one of the most famous ice skating rinks in New York. Its reputation comes from both its breathtaking location and its rich history. The rink opened in 1950 as a gift to the city from philanthropist Kate Wollman, whose family funded its construction. It quickly became a beloved winter tradition, offering a place to skate with the Manhattan skyline and snow-covered Central Park trees as a backdrop.
The rink sits at the southern end of Central Park, adding to its appeal. Central Park, designed in the 19th century by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, was always meant to be a year-round gathering place for the city. Winter skating has been part of its charm since the park’s earliest days, when frozen ponds welcomed skaters. Building Wollman Rink created a more reliable and modern skating space, letting visitors enjoy the magic of Central Park even in the coldest months.
Over the decades, Wollman Rink has welcomed generations of families, romantic dates, and film crews. Its appearances in movies and television have only added to its fame. During Christmas, twinkling lights, festive music, and the park’s peaceful winter landscape create a setting unmatched anywhere in Manhattan. This mix of history, scenery, and holiday spirit is why Wollman remains the most famous ice skating rink in NYC.
Tips for Visiting and Nearby Attractions
Planning ahead can make your visit to Wollman Ice Rink Central Park NYC even more memorable. For the smoothest experience, arrive early for morning sessions if you want fewer crowds, or aim for late afternoon to enjoy the rink as the city lights begin to sparkle. Always dress in warm, layered clothing. Central Park can feel colder than the surrounding streets, especially on windy days. Waterproof gloves and thick socks will make your time on the ice more comfortable.
Booking tickets in advance through the official Wollman Rink website is highly recommended during the Christmas season, when weekends and holiday dates often sell out. If you are visiting during peak times, give yourself extra time to enter the park and walk to the rink, as nearby paths can be busy with both skaters and sightseers.
After skating, take advantage of the rink’s location at the southern end of Central Park. Just steps away, you can stroll along The Mall and Literary Walk under twinkling trees, visit The Plaza Hotel, or explore the festive window displays on Fifth Avenue. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Bryant Park Winter Village, and holiday shopping along 57th Street are all within walking distance.
Visiting Wollman Rink during the holiday season offers more than just ice skating. It’s a chance to experience some of the most iconic Christmas sights in New York. By combining your time on the ice with nearby seasonal attractions, you can turn one magical activity into a full day of festive memories.
Author: Written by Dora Formica on behalf of My Christmas in New York
