If Oscar the Grouch could do it, so can we.

September 8, 2008 7:42 AM

Chirstmastime ice skating at Rockefeller Center: Pro tips?

My mom has had a lifelong wish to skate at the Rockefeller Center ice rink under the big Christmas Tree at Christmastime. I'd like this to be the year we do it. However, I have never seen the rink without an enormous long line of would-be skaters spending most of the day waiting. I don't want to plan what is supposed to be a delightful magical experience only to end up in a long, exhausting wait on concrete steps.

So I decided I'd start my research now.

Is there a day of week or time of day at which the line will be shorter?
How long can the wait be? I've read that the rink can hold 150 skaters at a time.
Is there any advantage to bringing your own skates?
Other than an engagement on ice, is there any way to get a pass to bypass the line?
Does the whole skating party have to wait on line, or can one person placehold while others wander the plaza?

Any other ideas for making this a smooth experience would be most welcome. We're flexible as to time and day, just wanting to be sure to skate when the tree and decorations are up. Thank you!

posted by Miko to travel & transportation (5 comments total)

Here's what Google turned up:

Says About.com:

You don’t need skates or reservations to skate at the Rockefeller Center Ice-Skating Rink. You can rent your skates, but the rink can get crowded, especially during the holiday season when tourists flock to Rockefeller Center. Your best bet is to skate in the early morning or on weekdays before 4 p.m.

Here's an old schedule from from 2006/2007 that includes rates and skating session schedules. So I guess, go early on a weekend or on a weekday. Bring your own skates (I'm guessing the rental rate will go up to $9 or $10 this year). Looks like admission is $18 or so (and may probably go up this year as well), which is on top of skate rentals. Apparently there is a Monday to Thursday lunchtime session for only $5 but I can't find official information on that one. This TripAdvisor page seems to back up that it can get pretty crowded and pricey, and there are complaints about the uncomfortable and shoddy skates available for rental. From a November 2007, TripAdvisor review:

We arrived at Rockefeller Center just in time for the 4:30 - 6:00 session on a Sunday. Be sure to check the Holiday Schedule on their website, as the times are different than their normal hours.

There were tons of people everywhere, and we had to ask where to get tickets to ice skate, as there were no visible signs. The tickets are down the stairs and to the right and inside a door. It's a VERY small room with ticket sales, skate rentals, coat checks, lockers (only for use with your own lock), and benches.

(By the way, after you're done, I'd slip inside the Concourse mall and stop off at La Maison du Chocolat for some hot chocolate. Very high quality chocolate that is made in France.) Otherwise, I've found the concessions there...lacking. Be sure also to allow extra time for pushing through the crowds to actually get to the rink itself.
posted by kathryn at 9:38 AM on September 8, 2008

This is a little vague because it is my wife who usually deals with this type of stuff, but there is a good Sunday brunch place that has windows looking in at the rink that I went to once. Reservations need to be made well in advance and ask for a window table. Then after skating, you can watch the others slip and slide.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 10:14 AM on September 8, 2008

Are you talking about the Sea Grill? It's a seafood restaurant on the level of the skating rink and some tables have a great view of the skaters. It serves lunch only on weekdays, however.
posted by kathryn at 11:38 AM on September 8, 2008

I used to work at Rockefeller Center and I'd sit in my boss's office during meetings and gaze out the window at the skaters instead of paying attention. My advice would be to bring your own skates, plan on going for the first session of a weekday, and aim for sometime early in December. The closer it gets to Christmas, the more crowded the whole area becomes. That said, avoid the time right around Thanksgiving which is really nuts there with the tree-lighting.

If you bring your own skates, you'll be out on the ice before everyone else who is renting them and they'll almost certainly be better skates. It isn't as pretty and romantic in the morning but it is for sure less crowded. You'll have a really great time .. it's such a beautiful setting and and a nice way to get into the winter holiday season.
posted by Kangaroo at 12:54 PM on September 8, 2008

Thanks all. I appreciate the advic. We'll plan on a weekday morning with skates in hand!
posted by Miko at 1:36 PM on September 8, 2008