Take in Sweeping Views and Iconic Landmarks at These Downtown Skating Rinks 

Nothing says winter like lacing up a pair of skates and gliding around the ice to festive music, the promise of a post-skate cozy cup of hot chocolate on the horizon. Sure, Central Park’s Wollman Rink and the Rink at Rockefeller Center get a lot of seasonal fanfare, but you needn’t hit the subway to get your skate on — there are plenty of enchanting skating rinks right here in Lower Manhattan. 

From a North Pole-inspired rink with sweeping views to a one-of-a-kind experience inside an iconic New York landmark, here are three downtown skating spots to check out this season.

Winter Whirl Holiday Roller Rink at the Oculus 

For the first time ever, visitors will have the chance to skate within the extraordinary architecture of the Oculus. You can cruise around the indoor rink on roller skates while enjoying live music and other special events throughout the season. When you’ve had your fill of skating, feel free to do some holiday shopping at the dozens of stores located in the Westfield World Trade Center. 

Winter Whirl is open Wednesday through Sunday beginning on Friday, November 24 and continuing through January 31. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m and tickets are $25 to $30 per person for 45 minutes of skating and skate rental. Pre-purchasing your tickets is recommended; you can do so here.  

The Rink at Brookfield Place 

If your idea of a perfect day involves ice skating along the NYC waterfront, you’ll want to head to the Rink at Brookfield Place. The outdoor ice rink is located on a terrace that affords you a perfect view of the boats crisscrossing the Hudson River, as well as the sparkling skyline across the way. If you’re serious about skating, the rink also offers private and semi-private lessons with Olympians Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov. 

The Rink at Brookfield Place is open for public skating seven days a week starting November 18 and continuing through March 31, 2024. Weekend and holiday hours are 9 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. and weekday hours are 2 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Public skate pricing is $15 to $17 for admission and $5 to $7 for skate rentals. You can purchase tickets here. 

Disney’s The Santa Clauses’ Winter Wonderland

This season, step into Santa’s workshop, which just so happens to be located at the Rooftop at Pier 17. The venue has undergone a magical transformation inspired by Disney’s “The Santa Clause.” Visitors can enjoy the city’s only rooftop skating rink and take in the breathtaking views of Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges as they spin around the (synthetic!) ice. When it’s time for a break, you can check out Santa’s sleigh, zoom down a mini slide, and munch on seasonal treats from the adjoining Judy’s Hot Cocoa-inspired cafe. Don’t forget to take a few pictures in Santa’s living room before you go. 

Disney’s The Santa Clauses’ Winter Wonderland is open seven days a week from November 22 through January 7. Weekend hours are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Monday – Thursday hours are 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday hours are 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $19.71 to $64.57 and can be purchased here. 

photo: Brookfield Place