The Rink officially opens on October 12, 2024.

At the heart of Rockefeller Center lies The Rink. First made available to the public on Christmas Day in 1936, The Rink at Rockefeller Center has since become an iconic symbol of the city that never sleeps. Famous figures, including Truman Capote, Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy, Serena Williams, and Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, have all taken a turn on the ice. It’s been watched over by monumental trees (one measuring 100 ft in height), been host to thousands of marriage proposals, and played the backdrop in countless movie productions.

The Rink opens for the season on October 12, and it’s ready to revive a cherished New York City tradition. We asked Correll Jones, known as CJ, the official Mayor of Rockefeller Center (yes, this is a real title), for some insights into visiting The Rink. CJ, a lifelong New Yorker, is responsible for welcoming visitors, making everyone feel comfortable, and, above all, sharing the joy of Rockefeller Center. Who better to get the inside scoop from than the human information hub?

Read on for CJ’s tips and tricks for making the most of your time at The Rink — and get your tickets for the 2024-25 season here.

How do you get to The Rink?

Rockefeller Center spans Fifth and Sixth Avenues between 48th and 51st Streets. The Rink is located right in the center between West 49th and 50th Streets. Visitors can take the BDFM trains, which stop at Rockefeller Center, or the NRW, which stops just a few blocks away at 7th Avenue. There is also the SP+ parking garage for those who choose to drive, although spots are not guaranteed during peak hours.

Once on campus, CJ recommends entering from 49th Street or, if you’re already there, through the Channel Gardens between 49th and 50th Streets and taking the stairs directly down to the skate house.

How do you get tickets to skate at The Rink?

Here’s a top-secret courtesy of the Mayor: Get your tickets, including general admission, online. “Go online and reserve your time slot for your skating session,” explains CJ. Tickets can be reserved here, and visitors can select the time of their visit. “When my daughter was young, I used to bring her,” says CJ. “[When we got] timed tickets, we never waited [in a line].”

If your ticket is reserved, CJ recommends showing up a few minutes beforehand. Walk right in and present your tickets. “I always say people see a line, and they just stand in it,” CJ says. “But now, if you’ve got a timed ticket, you come here ten minutes before, and you just go right in.”

Ticket prices start at $21 for adults and children, and $11 for tots (ages 5 and under) and increase depending on the day and time; during peak hours, tickets cost $54. Avid skaters can also purchase a seasonal membership starting at $550 for unlimited access to the ice, and skates can be rented for $12. You can purchase tickets here.

When is the best time to go to The Rink?

The most popular time to experience this tradition is, of course, during the holiday season when the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree towers above and lights twinkle along the streets. For those looking to relish in the skating, CJ suggests coming in the morning. “This way you can enjoy yourself,” he explains, “because you have The Rink almost to yourself.” If mornings aren’t possible, late evenings are the second-best bet. “If not in the morning, then come two hours before we close. It’s a nice nightlife skate.”

What should you expect once you get to The Rink?

CJ sums up the experience in one word: “Fun!” He continues, “Now we’ve got LED lights and a great sound system. We’re going to give people a great experience this year. Everybody knows we all need it.”

When it’s time to hang up your skates, you’ll exit through the Rink Level. Here, you can grab a bite from The Tipsy Baker, a warm drink from Café Grumpy, something sweet at Chip City, or even a whole pizza from Ace’s Pizza. See all of Rockefeller Center’s Under 30 Rock offerings here.

What’s new at The Rink in 2024?

The Après Skate Chalets presented by Balsam Hill will return to The Rink on November 1. Located on the South Esplanade with a view of the Christmas Tree, the chalets each have a different theme featuring Balsam Hill’s holiday décor. Accommodating up to six people, the 40-minute reservation includes two non-alcoholic beverages (hot cocoa, coffee, tea, and water); drinks and light bites from Other Half Brewing and another Rockefeller Center eatery will also be available for purchase. Private bookings start at $45, and walk-ins are welcome pending availability. The chalets will be open from 2pm to 10pm between November 1 and 21, and from 10am to 11pm from November 22 to January 10. Book your reservations here.

Balsam Hill trees, greenery, and other festive decorations will also be found throughout the Rink Level, so be sure to sign up for The Center Newsletter to hear about other soon-to-be-announced activations (including Family and Kids Day and opportunities to take photos with Santa).

The Rink is located at Rockefeller Plaza between 50th and 49th Streets, and, during the season, it’s open daily from 9am until midnight. The 2024-25 season begins on October 12. Get your tickets here.