When it comes to where to go ice skating in NYC, The Rink at Rockefeller Center is easily one of the top ice-skating spots in Manhattan and it’s many visitors' dream to glide along the ice in front of the Rockefeller Christmas tree. Opened on Christmas Day in the 1930s, this rink was never meant to be a permanent fixture of the city, however it's now a holidaytime favorite. Book your slot ahead of time to avoid battling the crowds or missing your chance to skate.

Moviegoers might recognize Wollman Rink, as it was featured in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Here, you can enjoy ice skating in Central Park while surrounded by snow-covered trees in the middle of the city's iconic skyline. As an added bonus, at this family-friendly ice-skating rink there’s also a café where you can grab a bite to eat afterward, such as a classic New York hotdog. Just keep in mind that the rink hosts occasional events and themed evenings, and plan accordingly.

The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is a staple during the winter holiday season, thanks to its popular ice rink, as well as its own Christmas tree, specialty hot chocolates, market vendors, food, and more. Notably though, this ice rink offers free admission ice-skating in NYC, which is not easy to find. After you take a spin, stroll to nearby department stores for some festive window shopping, or tour the Dyker Heights Christmas lights in Brooklyn, with drop-off in Bryant Park.

Certain rinks throughout the city are considered hidden gems, and the Rink at Brookfield Place is the ideal example. This rink offers beautiful views of the North Cove Marina, a waterfront complex that hosts events and includes food courts and shopping opportunities. However, its location steers you away from the major holiday crowds that flock to other ice-skating rinks, but still allows you to snap great winter photos among the annual Winter Garden decorations.

Go ice skating and enjoy some unusual West Village offerings to boot at The Rink at Manhattan West. With general admission skating, you can enjoy a romantic ice-skating experience in NYC, plus you also have the option to sign up for ice-skating lessons in New York City led by the Olympians Denis Petukhov and Melissa Gregory. For a real bucket-list opportunity, know that private lessons are also available.

For indoor hockey-size rinks that really go full-throttle, look no further than the Sky Rink at the Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex, which is actually open year-round. But being inside doesn’t mean you sacrifice the views. Giant windows offer vistas of the Hudson River while you skate. Can’t get enough of the sights? Book a helicopter tour for a bird’s-eye glimpse of the Manhattan skyline.

It’s easy to focus on Manhattan, where a lot of the action takes place, but don’t forget about the other boroughs when looking for places to ice skate in NYC. Prospect Park in Brooklyn is an ideal location to take in stunning views of the city skyline while skating on the ice rink situated within the park at The Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak Center at Lakeside. In addition to ice skating, the rink is also used for events such as hockey and curling, and is a roller rink in the warmer months.

The weather can change on a dime in New York, so it’s not a bad idea to have a few indoor rinks in your back pocket. Near Coney Island, the building that was once the Ravenhall Baths (prior to a fire in the 1960s) has now been rebuilt and transformed into an indoor ice-skating rink. At the Abe Stark Rink you can enjoy the ice on a budget via public skates, sporting events, and lessons.

For a true hidden gem, visit the Riverbank State Park ice-skating rink. Take advantage of the sizable open-air covered rink, plus enjoy views of both the George Washington Bridge and the riverfront. Whether a visitor or a local, sometimes you just need to escape New York City’s holiday crowds, and this option gets you into a park that’s far less populated than others. Just be sure to check the schedule for holiday public skating hours.