The Rink at Rockefeller Center
A New York City Winter Icon
The Rink is closed for the 2025-2026 season.
Become part of one of New York City’s most cherished traditions. From first-time visitors to lifelong New Yorkers, The Rink remains the city’s most enchanting winter experience.
Hours
Directions & Contact
FAQs
When does The Rink open for the season?The Rink is closed for the 2025-2026 season. For any updates on opening and closing dates, and for information about events at The Rink throughout the season, join our newsletter, The Center.
The Rink is closed for the 2025-2026 season. For any updates on opening and closing dates, and for information about events at The Rink throughout the season, join our newsletter, The Center.
Are tickets refundable or exchangeable?- All ticket and Chalet purchases are final sale. No refunds or reschedules will be provided.
- In the rare event of a weather-related closure, guests will be notified by email and a refund will be automatically processed. You may also visit our website for updates regarding weather-related closures.
- All ticket and Chalet purchases are final sale. No refunds or reschedules will be provided.
- In the rare event of a weather-related closure, guests will be notified by email and a refund will be automatically processed. You may also visit our website for updates regarding weather-related closures.
When should I arrive at The Rink?- Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled session. Guests may begin queuing 10 minutes before their ticket time.
- General Admission skaters will be let into the venue at the start of their ticket time.
- If you arrive late, you may still enter, but your remaining skate time will be reduced accordingly. Entry cannot be guaranteed for guests who miss most of their reservation window.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled session. Guests may begin queuing 10 minutes before their ticket time.
- General Admission skaters will be let into the venue at the start of their ticket time.
- If you arrive late, you may still enter, but your remaining skate time will be reduced accordingly. Entry cannot be guaranteed for guests who miss most of their reservation window.
What if I’m running late?Your time in the skate house is 60 minutes from the arrival time on your ticket. Late entry is permitted within your reserved time, but the total skate time will be reduced for late arrivals. There is no guaranteed entry for late arrivals who have missed the majority of their reservation time. There are no ticket refunds or exchanges for late arrivals.
Your time in the skate house is 60 minutes from the arrival time on your ticket. Late entry is permitted within your reserved time, but the total skate time will be reduced for late arrivals. There is no guaranteed entry for late arrivals who have missed the majority of their reservation time. There are no ticket refunds or exchanges for late arrivals.
Do I need a ticket to enter The Rink area?Yes. All guests entering the Rink area—whether skating or accompanying someone—must hold a valid ticket. Non-skating chaperone tickets are available.
Yes. All guests entering the Rink area—whether skating or accompanying someone—must hold a valid ticket. Non-skating chaperone tickets are available.
What happens if it rains or snows?The Rink operates outdoors in most weather conditions. In case of heavy snow, rain, or extreme temperatures, sessions may be delayed or canceled. Guests will be notified by email if their session is canceled and will receive a refund.
The Rink operates outdoors in most weather conditions. In case of heavy snow, rain, or extreme temperatures, sessions may be delayed or canceled. Guests will be notified by email if their session is canceled and will receive a refund.
What are the locker or storage policies?Day lockers are available free of charge to store personal items while you skate. Large bags, strollers, and oversized items are not permitted inside The Rink area.
Day lockers are available free of charge to store personal items while you skate. Large bags, strollers, and oversized items are not permitted inside The Rink area.
What items are prohibited at The Rink?For safety reasons, guests will be refused entry if they are in possession of any prohibited items. If found inside the venue with a prohibited item, the item will be confiscated, and the guest may be ejected. The following items are not permitted:
- Alcohol, bottles, cans, coolers, Thermoses, etc.
- Animals other than trained service animals.
- Balls of any kind.
- Illegal substances.
- Laser pens.
- Oversize bags or luggage.
- Projectiles.
- Signs and banners.
- Weapons of any kind, including pocket and pen knives.
- Any other item deemed inappropriate or unsafe by management.
For safety reasons, guests will be refused entry if they are in possession of any prohibited items. If found inside the venue with a prohibited item, the item will be confiscated, and the guest may be ejected. The following items are not permitted:
- Alcohol, bottles, cans, coolers, Thermoses, etc.
- Animals other than trained service animals.
- Balls of any kind.
- Illegal substances.
- Laser pens.
- Oversize bags or luggage.
- Projectiles.
- Signs and banners.
- Weapons of any kind, including pocket and pen knives.
- Any other item deemed inappropriate or unsafe by management.
Can I bring in food or drink?Food and beverages are not permitted inside the venue or on the ice. You will be asked to dispose of any food and drink before entering.
Food and beverages are not permitted inside the venue or on the ice. You will be asked to dispose of any food and drink before entering.
What are the age requirements for skating?- Children under 6 years old must be accompanied by an adult (18+).
- Children under 13 must be supervised, whether skating or not.
- Adults supervising but not skating must hold a chaperone ticket.
- For safety reasons, children cannot be carried on the ice.
- Children under 6 years old must be accompanied by an adult (18+).
- Children under 13 must be supervised, whether skating or not.
- Adults supervising but not skating must hold a chaperone ticket.
- For safety reasons, children cannot be carried on the ice.
Is The Rink wheelchair accessible?Yes. The Rink is ADA-compliant. Wheelchair users are welcome and may enter with assistance from staff. Electric wheelchairs must be placed in manual mode while on the ice.
Yes. The Rink is ADA-compliant. Wheelchair users are welcome and may enter with assistance from staff. Electric wheelchairs must be placed in manual mode while on the ice.
Are strollers allowed in the VIP Skate area?No, strollers are not allowed inside the VIP Skate lounge and area.
No, strollers are not allowed inside the VIP Skate lounge and area.
Are pets allowed?Only trained and licensed service animals are permitted on-site. Service animals are not allowed on the ice and must remain under control at all times.
Only trained and licensed service animals are permitted on-site. Service animals are not allowed on the ice and must remain under control at all times.
History
Legend has it that the idea for The Rink was inspired by a Depression-era skate salesman who demonstrated his product by skating on the frozen water of the Rockefeller Center fountain. However the idea came about, The Rink was the perfect fit for the sunken plaza, which was struggling to attract shoppers as the entrance to the high-end retailers in the underground concourse. The Rink, or “skating pond” as it was first known, officially opened on Christmas Day 1936. Originally planned as a temporary exhibit, The Rink was so popular it became a permanent addition, with the Prometheus Statue and the Christmas Tree providing one of the most familiar backdrops in the world.
