Nothing says Christmas in New York City like slipping on a pair of ice skates and doing a few laps around Central Park’s Wollman Rink or the Ice Skating Rink at Rockerfeller Center. But with throngs of visitors mixed with the inevitable slew of mid-ice marriage proposals (hey, it’s only $300), these landmarks aren’t exactly conducive to actual ice skating.
Stop wondering how many tourists’ photos you’ll appear in and visit these less trafficked ice skating rinks.
Standard Hotel Ice Skating Rink and Kaffeehaus
After its debut beneath The High Line last year, the Standard Hotel’s 3,000 square foot ice rink is back for another season of late-night skating with an all new menu, chock full of warm, boozy beverages like Sparkling Hard Apple Cider ($11), the Standard Hot Toddy ($11) and Steamed Egg Nog ($7). Rent a pair of skates ($3), order up a libation (or create your own… for $4, a shot can be added to any drink) and propel yourself to mind-boggling speeds. After working up an appetite, crêpes filled with Nutella and bananas and savory ham and Gruyère await. Once you’ve skated (and drank) yourself silly, email your snapshots to Live@StandardHotel.com, so you may forever live in infamy on The Standard’s blog.
Admission is $12 per person. Open from 9 a.m. ’til midnight Monday through Thursday, from noon ’til 1 a.m. on Friday, from 9 a.m. ’til 1 a.m. on Saturday, and from 9 a.m. until midnight on Sunday. 848 Washington Street, 212-645-4646.
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
As part of Chelsea Piers sprawling 28-acre waterfront complex, Sky Rink’s two rinks are home to recreational skaters, hockey players and figure skaters. From December 12 until January 1, holiday hours are in effect, so if you had too much fruitcake on Christmas Eve, grab your skates and head toward the Hudson, as the rink is open Christmas Day from 12:00 p.m. until 5:20 p.m. While you’re there, pop into Wonderland, Sky Rink’s skate shop that boasts 40 years of experience, and pick up hockey and figure skating apparel while getting your skates sharpened.
Admission is $11 for children and $13.50 for adults. Discounted passes are available for frequent skaters. Skate rental is $8 and helmet rental is $4. Pier 61, Chelsea Piers (23rd St. & Hudson River), #200A, 212-336-6100.
Aviator Sports and Event Center
Built on the grounds of New York City’s first municipal airport, Floyd Bennett Field, this must-see rink is housed in an old airplane hangar. History buffs and hockey fans alike can lace up their skates (skate rental is $5) and channel Amelia Earhart, who participated in the 1933 Annette Gipson All-Woman Air Race held there, as they glide on one of the twin NHL-sized ice rinks.
Admission is $7 for children and $9 for adults. Public skating is offered seven days a week, call for times. Floyd Bennett Field, 3159 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-758-7567.
City Ice Pavilion, Long Island City
Just off the 7 train, City Ice Pavilion isn’t just for winter skating, they’re open all year. This NHL-sized rink sits on a rooftop in Long Island City (need a mattress? There’s a Sleepy’s below). If the idea of cascading on ice for fun induces nausea, City Ice Pavilion offers a free 15-minute instructional class to ease first-time skating anxiety (skate rental is $5). It’s a popular spot for birthday parties and private events, so be sure to call before you take the trip.
Admission is $5 Monday through Friday and $8 Saturday and Sunday. 47-32 32nd Place, Long Island City, 718-706-6667.
