We don’t know how we got here either, folks, but the Wollman Rink 2024-2025 skating season is about to begin.
While some of us are still mourning the loss of summer, others are ready to lace up their skates and embrace the cold weather. If you find yourself in the latter portion, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about one of the most iconic ice rinks in NYC reopening. Consider this time to find your coziest scarf and hat combo.
(And before you venture on the ice, you can check out Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, which reopens a day prior to the rink on Friday, October 25th.)
When does Wollman Rink open? 2024-2025 tickets are live
A community weekend will take place on Saturday, October 26th and Sunday, October 27th from 12-1:30 pm, which includes free admission, live performances, a DJ, face painting, complimentary lessons, and a costume contest, where the winner will take home an annual skate pass for the season! Free admission tickets for opening weekend can be reserved beginning Saturday, October 19th, according to the attraction.
“We are thrilled to welcome skaters back to Wollman Rink with an exciting two-day celebration,” said Bret Pidgeon, general manager of Wollman Rink. “To provide an even more magical winter experience, Wollman Rink is introducing upgraded igloos and expanded skate school offerings this season, ensuring that everyone from first-time visitors to seasoned skaters can enjoy the beauty of Central Park in the winter.”
The ticketed season will follow on Monday, October 28th. Adult tickets for general admission skating are $15 off-peak, $27 peak, $38 prime, and children and seniors are $10 during all parts of the season. If you aren’t coming equipped with your own skates, rentals — which range in size from US youth 8 to adult 14 —are $12. Should you need, $8 locker rentals are also available.
Throughout the winter, the Central Park hotspot will also delight visitors throughout the winter with themed skating nights, live performances, and lessons, to name a few offerings. Should you be more inclined to watch a Rangers game than figure skating, be sure to have a glimpse at the rink’s hockey offerings as well, which caters to all skill levels.
And once the ticketed season kicks off, Wollman Rink’s Access Program (WRAP) will continue to make skating more accessible by offering free skating admission tickets online for New Yorkers with a NYPL card. Additionally, Each day, Wollman Rink has WRAP packages for New York Public Library or ID NYC card holders to purchase at the box office on a first-come, first served basis. The WRAP package is priced at $15 and includes admission, skate rentals and hot cocoa.
“Each year, the return of Wollman Rink’s ice season marks the start of wintertime recreation in New York City,” said NYC Department of Parks & Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “The rink will offer free and discounted tickets to New Yorkers through Culture Pass and IDNYC, ensuring that this favorite wintertime activity remains increasingly accessible to all New Yorkers.”
While it’s hard to believe that the cold weather is approaching and we’re nearing the end of the year, there’s plenty to enjoy about NYC during the wintertime, and the rinks are proof. If you really can’t wait to get your triple axel on, you’ll be pleased to know that the rink at Rockefeller Center opens two weeks prior to Wollman Rink, giving you ample time to practice your moves.
📍 Enter the park at 59th St. and 6th Ave.
⏰ Mon-Tues 10am-2:30pm, Wed-Thurs 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-1opm, Sunday 10am-2:30pm
🗓️ Free community weekend at 12pm on Saturday, October 26th, and Sunday, October 27th; ticketed season from Monday, October 28th