The Rink at Rockefeller Center: What You Need to Know for 2020

The iconic ice-skating rink at Rockefeller Center will open Nov. 21, but tickets go on sale Nov. 12.

By Katelin Walling November 16, 2020

The Rink at Rockefeller Center announced it will open for the season on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 2pm—just in time for your Thanksgiving staycation—and will remain open through Jan. 17, 2021! An annual tradition since 1939, skating policies will look a little different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Rink is operating at limited capacity and ice-skating sessions are limited to 40 minutes to allow for social distancing inside and on the ice (skating is outdoors, but all guests are admitted through the indoor skate house). Masks and social distancing are required at all times, and guests are asked to wash or sanitize hands before entering, use credit/debit or contactless payment methods, and stay home of they’re not feeling well. Guests will also be subject to a health screening prior to entry; symptomatic guests and their parties will not be permitted to enter. The Rink staff pledges to wear face masks, wash hands frequently, perform wellness checks, and stay home if sick. In addition, all surfaces and common areas will be cleaned and sanitized regularly.

The Rink will be open daily from 9am-12am. Tickets must be purchased to gain entrance to the Rink, and guests are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to guarantee skate time. Tickets are currently on sale online. And after Dec. 2, you can skate under the illuminated Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree!

General Admission tickets are:

$25-$35 for anyone ages 6 and older
$10 for children ages 5 and younger
free for non-skating chaperones of children

In addition to General Admission, the Rink is offering special tickets:

VIP: This includes skating, followed by a drink and small plate at City Winery’s rink-side bar (perfect for a date night!). Tickets are $85-$95.
First and Last Skate: By skating first thing in the morning or later in the evening, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds and discounted pricing. Tickets are $15 for anyone ages 6 and older, $5 for children ages 5 and younger, and free for non-skating chaperones of children.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center is ADA-compliant, and guests in wheelchairs are invited to participate on the ice (staff assistance is available if needed). Children ages 6 and younger must be accompanied by an adult on the ice, while children ages 6-12 must be supervised.

Day lockers to use during skating sessions are available for free. Skates are available to rent for $15, though guests are welcome to bring their own skates.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center is located at Fifth Avenue, between 49th and 50th streets, in Rockefeller Plaza, right below the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. The closest subway stop is 4-50 Sts-Rockefeller Center on the BDFM, though the 5 Avenue-53 St E stop and 49 St station on the NRW are just a few blocks away.

For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit skatingatrockcenter.com.

Main image from the 2019 skating season, courtesy Tishman Speyer

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