Rockefeller Center has run a public rink on this sunken plaza since 1936, and opening day is the moment the city's winter calendar quietly flips over, weeks before the tree arrives. Skating it in October means crisp fall air and a first-weekend buzz before the holiday season takes over Midtown. If you have ever wanted the postcard skate, opening weekend is the moment to book a slot.
What to expect
You arrive at the Rink Level entrance on 49th Street, check in for a timed 60-minute session and step onto the ice beneath the plaza and the surrounding Art Deco towers. General Skate covers the session itself; the VIP tier adds priority entry, rental skates and access to a heated lounge with warm drinks.
Good to know
- Tickets are timed sessions sold online; reserve ahead for opening weekend.
- The entrance is on the Rink Level via 49th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
- The B, D, F and M trains at 47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Center stop steps away.
- Seasonal hours were still to be announced when this was listed, so check the rink page before you go.
- The VIP tier bundles skate rental; check what General Skate includes when booking.
- Good for first-timers, families and anyone chasing the classic Midtown skating photo.
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Common questions
How long is a skating session?
Standard General Skate tickets cover a 60-minute session on the ice.
Do I need to bring my own skates?
The VIP Skate package includes skate rental; check the ticket page for what the General Skate tier includes before you book.
Where is the entrance?
The Rink is entered from the Rink Level via 49th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
