Manhattan on Ice
December 2018
The ice-skating rink is a cultural phenomenon in New York. A great social equalizer, it’s the one place where everyone you know, from your boss on down to your high school arch nemesis, becomes humble – everyone takes a fall eventually. The rink is also a great place to meet family and friends for some winter fun, whether you plan to brave the ice or simply sit on the sidelines with a steaming cup of hot cocoa to people watch. And if you call Hudson Yards’ 555TEN luxury rentals your home, you have quick and easy access to Manhattan’s premier skating rinks. So, strap on your skates, cue up some Mariah Carey, and head on out to these world-famous rinks this season:
Classic Rockefeller
The Rink, now in its 82nd year, is open at Rockefeller Center. This classic skating destination is just a short walk from 555TEN. New Yorkers have been skating here since “The Wizard of Oz” hit theaters, but there aren’t any faux wizards, just the iconic bronze statue of Prometheus watching over the skaters. When you step onto the ice at Rockefeller Center, you join an elite club of former skaters that includes Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Truman Capote, Lucille Ball, and, of course, Olympic medalists Michelle Kwan and Kristi Yamaguchi. Nothing worth having comes easy, as they say, so expect crowds; only 150 skaters are allowed on the ice at one time. And remember, the rink is open until midnight, so it’s just as good a spot for a late-night date as it is for a family outing.
A Storied Central Park Rink
One stop away on the A train is the beautifully appointed Wollman Skating Rink in Central Park. When this rink opened in 1949, it was an instant hit, gracing photo albums and post cards, and playing a starring role in movies. The setting couldn’t be more picturesque. The rink is surrounded by Manhattan’s most generous offering of nature, and provides the dramatic backdrop of the iconic Central Park South skyline. It’s a sight not to be missed. Go ahead and make a day of it: Head to the Central Park Zoo to greet talented sea lions, grab lunch at Tavern on the Green, and peruse the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, open through Dec. 24.
Skating Free
Looking for something closer to home? How about something free, while we’re at it? No, it’s not too good to be true. The annual Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park offers free skating to all (but you must bring your own skates or rent them for a small fee). The Winter Village hosts a 17,000-square-foot skating rink alongside a collection of custom jewel box kiosks that house a smorgasbord of food vendors and a host of holiday shops. It’s a great place to take the family for an afternoon of hot chocolate, Instagram-worthy food, gift shopping, and, of course, ice skating. (We won’t tell anyone if you fall.) Best of all, after you land your triple Axel and have your fill of delicious food, your cozy Hudson Yards home at 555TEN is just a short stroll down 41st Street.
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