The Ultimate Guide to Bryant Park's Ice Skating Rink, NYC
Priya Johnson
One of the busiest public places in the world, Bryant Park of New York City is visited by over 12 million people every year. This 9-acre park houses an ice rink which is the epicenter of holiday excitement in Manhattan.
Main Attraction of Winter Village
Bank of America’s Winter Village encompasses Holiday Shops, the Ice Skating Rink, and The Lodge. However, the highlight of the Winter Village is The Rink, which attracts over 1 million visitors every holiday season.
This 100 by 170-foot skating rink has 360-degree viewing access and can accommodate about 500 people at a time.
At night, this Olympic-size rink looks like a sparkling winter wonderland; imparting a magical feel to the entire skating experience.
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Free-Admission Ice Skating Rink
Open from October to March, Bryant’s Skating Rink at the Bank of America Winter Village is the only free admission ice skating in New York City.
Skates and helmets are available on rent at reasonable prices. Lockers to keep valuables are available for free. Professional coaches are also available for lessons at a reasonable fee.
Ice-Skating-Based Exercise Classes
Veteran ice hockey players and skaters provide free ice-skating-based exercises at the rink. It’s a great way to have some fun and brush up on your ice-skating skills. However, you need to be a confident ice-skater for this.
Opening Day Frenzy
Ice skating season opens on 27 October, and every year on opening day the first 100 people get free hot chocolate, skate rentals, and gloves by Bank of America.
The atmosphere at the opening is full of excitement and cheer and a wonderful way to welcome the winter months of snow and ice skating.
Holiday Skating
The rink is open all year round including Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The annual lighting of the 50-foot tall Christmas tree adjacent to the rink has become a popularly-loved tradition in the city.
As professional skaters perform Christmas-themed performances on the ice, the tree is lit along with fireworks in a grand tree-lighting ceremony.
Skating Showcases
Watch exemplary skating performances by Olympic ice skaters and world-class professionals for free at skating showcases held here.
The rink turns into this magical stage showcasing expert ice skaters gliding beautifully past the ice.
Overlook Observatory
Situated on the second floor of the Skating Pavilion, this observation deck enables you to sit back, relax and watch the skaters skate on the rink below while being warm and comfortable.