[This is an archived post. Please check out our more recent articles on Holiday Events and Winter Activities in NYC]
The Rink at Rockefeller Center officially opens this Saturday October 12th. for its 2019-2020 season. First opened on Christmas Day in 1936, this marks the 83rd year of skating at New York’s most famous ice rink.
According to legend, “the skating pond” was first conceived after John D. Rockefeller Jr. witnessed a traveling ice skate salesman demonstrating his products in the fountain on the lower promenade. Originally meant to be a temporary promotion to drive business to the stores on the lower level of the building, this yearly tradition is still going strong with over 150,000 people visiting annually.
While the famous 70+ foot Christmas tree won’t be on display until the Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4, 2019, you can still strap on some skates to get into the Christmas Spirit a little early. There are several skating packages available, including the opportunity to learn from Olympic medalists or even have a private marriage proposal on the ice. Plus, there’s always a chance you’ll see Tina Fey visiting 30 Rock or the cast of SNL filming a skit on the ice.
If you want some more pop-up skating options, Wollman Rink at Central Park opens October 20, Skating at Bryant Park Winter Village begins on October 31 and the Rink at Brookfield Place starts in November. See you on the ice!
Want to transform your home into a winter wonderland this holiday season?
Rent-A-Christmas can help!