
Bryant Park Ice Rink
Iconic NYC winter wonderland with a free-admission ice rink, festive market, and unique attractions like bumper cars on ice.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother ice

Bryant Park Ice Rink
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother ice

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic NYC winter wonderland with a free-admission ice rink, festive market, and unique attractions like bumper cars on ice.
"Ice skating at Bryant Park should be high on your list for a breathtaking NYC Christmas experience."

🎯 Book Online to Skip Lines
Secure your spot and avoid queues by booking your ice skating session online in advance.
⛸️ Bring Your Own Skates
For comfort and potentially free admission, bring your own skates. Rental skates can be uncomfortable.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Ice Rink
Center of Bryant Park
Glide across the ice with stunning skyscraper backdrops. A quintessential NYC winter experience.

Bumper Cars on Ice
Adjacent to the ice rink
Add a playful twist to your ice skating with these fun bumper cars. A unique thrill for all ages.

Winter Village Market
Surrounding the rink
Explore festive stalls offering unique gifts, delicious food, and holiday cheer. Perfect for browsing.

The Lodge & Igloos
Near the rink
Cozy up with hot drinks in private igloos or enjoy the warm ambiance of The Lodge. A perfect retreat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Skate Time in Advance
Consider Bringing Your Own Skates
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Online to Skip Lines
Secure your spot and avoid queues by booking your ice skating session online in advance.
⛸️ Bring Your Own Skates
For comfort and potentially free admission, bring your own skates. Rental skates can be uncomfortable.
🚗 Bag Check Fee
Be aware of the bag check fee if you bring belongings. Unattended bags may be confiscated.
☕ Warm Up at The Lodge
Escape the cold in The Lodge, offering food, drinks, and a cozy atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Online to Skip Lines
Secure your spot and avoid queues by booking your ice skating session online in advance.
⛸️ Bring Your Own Skates
For comfort and potentially free admission, bring your own skates. Rental skates can be uncomfortable.
🚗 Bag Check Fee
Be aware of the bag check fee if you bring belongings. Unattended bags may be confiscated.
☕ Warm Up at The Lodge
Escape the cold in The Lodge, offering food, drinks, and a cozy atmosphere.
📱 Slow Park WiFi
Park WiFi can be slow, so download any necessary info or tickets beforehand.
🛷 Try Bumper Cars on Ice
Experience the unique 'Spintastic' bumper cars on ice for a fun, playful time.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors love the magical atmosphere of the Bryant Park Ice Rink, especially with its stunning city skyline views and the surrounding Winter Village market. It's a quintessential NYC holiday experience. However, the rink can get very crowded, and some find the rental skates uncomfortable, leading many to recommend bringing your own.
"If you're visiting NYC for Christmas, ice skating at Bryant Park should be high on your list. The view is breathtaking and the location is awesome.
We've been here 3 times so far in December for ice skating. It's pretty fun. Definitely gets very overcrowded every time. The ice skates they have hurt my feet. Usually only get about 25-30 min of time on the ice."
Tony Pigeon
"I came during Thanksgiving weekend and they also have winter village nearby for all the holidays shopping. The ice skating rink is very picturesque with great skyscraper in the backgrounds. They clean and smooth out the rink surface very often. They also have an igloo tent nearby where they serve hot chocolate inside."
Soraya Kaoroptham
"IF YOU HAVE SMALLER FEET- bring your own skates. The ones they provided me were not worth the $23 rental, I’m a six in women’s.
Their prices vary during the week and time you come, so the earlier the better. I was a bit annoyed because the staff by the booth where you scan the QR code weren’t exactly helpful. I didn’t understand why two people where there if the tickets couldn’t only be bought online. And then on top of that the park WiFi was terribly slow.
I went with my partner who can already ice skate, and they have been teaching me at other locations. The staff who gave us our skates didn’t come across as welcoming (the place was NOT crowded. If it was I would have understood), and I even heard the lady who attended us saying she was being sent home early to other guests.
The skates that I was given were so disappointing that I was ready to ask for a refund, my partner convinced me not to and helped me put my skates on because the laces were not in their correct place. Bag fee is $15 and up, and if you leave your bag unattended the staff WILL take it and hold on to it until you pay the fee. A bunch of security around the rink for no reason, cameras at the rink as well as staff…..which kinda made we wonder why hire staff and have technology do the same job. This is a ice skating rink, not an airport.
Overall the rink was decently seized, our time frame was only for an hour. There are lockers if you wanna bring a lock. There are also unisex bathrooms that were clean. I dunno if I’ll come back here though. This was my first time here and I could only think of how much better other locations are."
Iraiz Cristina Hernandez Solano
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bryant Park Ice Rink is easily accessible via multiple subway lines. Consider taking the B, D, F, M to 42nd St-Bryant Park, or the 7 to 5th Ave. Many visitors also find it convenient to walk from Times Square or Grand Central Terminal.
While there are parking garages near Bryant Park, they can be expensive. Public transportation is generally the most convenient and cost-effective way to reach the rink.
Yes, Bryant Park is centrally located in Manhattan. It's a pleasant walk from popular spots like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Grand Central Station.
On weekends, especially during the holiday season, public transport is highly recommended due to potential traffic and crowds. The subway is your best bet.
Yes, Bryant Park offers clean, unisex bathrooms that are accessible to visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the rink is free if you bring your own skates. Skate rentals cost $23, and online reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot.
Yes, booking your skating session online in advance is strongly advised, especially during peak times, to guarantee your entry and preferred time slot.
You can get free admission if you bring your own skates and book a reservation online.
The rink typically operates from late October through early March. Hours vary, but it's often open until midnight on weekends and later evenings during the week. Check the official Bryant Park website for exact times.
While there are no strict age restrictions for skating, children should be supervised. Bumper cars on ice have specific height or age recommendations, so check on-site.
🎫 ⛸️ Onsite Experience
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for weekday mornings or late weeknights after 9 PM. Weekends and evenings during the holiday season are typically the busiest.
These are fun bumper cars that operate on the ice rink, offering a unique and playful experience. Rides are typically 10 minutes long and require advance booking.
The Lodge is a cozy, heated space near the rink where you can enjoy food, drinks, and relax. It's a great spot to warm up after skating.
Yes, lockers are available for rent if you need to store your belongings. You can bring your own lock or rent one.
The rink surface is generally well-maintained and smoothed out frequently by staff, though ice quality can depend on weather conditions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Winter Village features a wide array of food vendors offering diverse options, from classic holiday treats to international cuisine. Popular choices include hot chocolate, s'mores, and various savory snacks.
Yes, hot chocolate is a popular offering at the Winter Village, with various vendors serving it, often with creative toppings.
The Winter Village typically has a variety of food vendors, and you can usually find vegetarian and vegan options among the diverse offerings. It's best to check individual vendor menus.
Food prices at the Winter Village are comparable to other popular NYC markets and attractions. While some items can be pricey, there are options for various budgets.
Yes, The Lodge provides a warm and comfortable indoor space where you can enjoy food and drinks purchased from the surrounding vendors.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are with the ice rink in the foreground and the iconic NYC skyline, including the Empire State Building, in the background. The festive market stalls also make for great shots.
Yes, the rink is beautifully lit at night, creating a magical atmosphere. The city lights provide a stunning backdrop for evening photos.
While you can try, it's challenging and potentially unsafe to take photos while actively skating. It's best to capture moments before or after your session, or have someone else take them.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional or commercial photography may require permits. Always be mindful of other visitors.
Both daytime and nighttime offer unique photographic opportunities. Daytime provides clear views of the skyline, while nighttime offers a magical, illuminated ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
👫 Couples
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Bryant Park Winter Village Experience
Beyond the ice, the Winter Village boasts a bustling holiday market featuring over 100 vendors offering unique gifts, artisanal crafts, and festive treats. This makes it a prime destination for holiday shopping and soaking in the seasonal spirit. For those seeking a more unique experience, 'Spintastic' Bumper Cars on Ice offer a playful twist on traditional ice skating, and private igloos and The Lodge provide cozy spots to warm up with hot beverages and snacks.
Visitors often praise the picturesque setting, with the rink framed by impressive Manhattan skyscrapers, making it a quintessential New York City winter experience. However, it's important to note that the rink can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends and during peak holiday hours. Some visitors have also noted that the rental skates can be uncomfortable, leading many to suggest bringing your own.
Navigating the Ice Rink and Beyond
For those looking for alternative fun, the Bumper Cars on Ice offer a unique, albeit brief, thrill. These are popular and require booking. If you need a break from the cold, The Lodge provides a warm, communal space with food and drinks, and private igloos offer a more intimate experience for small groups. Remember that while the park WiFi can be slow, it's a good idea to have any necessary digital tickets or information downloaded beforehand.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit