Hit the Ice Under the City Lights at These Downtown Skating Rinks 

Grab your scarves and brace your ankles: skating season is back! Gliding on the ice under the city skyline while surrounded by twinkling holiday lights is a top-tier iconic holiday activity for locals and tourists alike, whether you’re on a romantic date or a family outing, or just want to show off your skating skills. Plus, it’s a great way to appreciate New York in the winter, even when the temps get a little too chilly (do they even do that anymore?). 

This year, you have plenty of skating options in Lower Manhattan, which include a rooftop rink, riverside skating and a chance to get your glide on inside the Oculus. 

The Rooftop at Pier 17 

Spice up skating season with a dash of Irish whiskey at the Rooftop at Pier 17; the venue is partnering with legendary Irish pub the Dead Rabbit for a holiday pop up dubbed “Jingle Jangle.” An embrace of nostalgic Irish holiday festivities, the pop-up includes kitschy cocktails from the Dead Rabbit, private cozy dining cabins, over-the-top decorations and the centerpiece: an ice skating rink. Admission ranges from $13 to $40, and it’s open seven days a week, with hours stretching until 11 p.m. on Saturdays. Find more info and reserve a spot here. 

The Rink at Brookfield Place

Brookfield Place will set up holiday activities under its iconic palm trees inside, but outside, you’ll find a seasonally appropriate winter wonderland. The complex’s riverside skating rink is now open for the season for public skating and private lessons. One-hour sessions start at $15 on weekdays and $17 on weekends. Find the full schedule and book a spot on the ice here. 

Winter Whirl Roller Rink at the Shops at the Oculus 

The Oculus’s much-loved Winter Whirl Roller Rink returns for its second season starting November 22, giving skaters the opportunity to glide around (on wheels) amid the building’s breathtaking architecture. The rink is open Wednesdays through Sundays until January 5 and runs $30 for adults, $25 for children under 13. Book your spot here. 

photo: iStock