Returning for its second year, The Rink at Manhattan West is a sleek option for skaters of all levels and features impressive offerings like private lessons hosted by Olympic figure skaters and clinics led by the New York Rangers. To kick off their winter season, head over on Tuesday, November 29, from 2 pm to 7 pm, for a day of free skating, holiday treats, and special performances at the Manhattan West Community Day.

Boasting a celestial light display and free skating, the Ice Rink at The Seaport returns this year with a new location and a freshly reimagined look. Now located between Piers 16 and 17, guests can push around the rink while (carefully) gazing up at the overhead Aurora light show designed to emulate the Northern Lights. After your skating expedition, take some time to explore the major glow-ups that are redefining the The Seaport neighborhood.

This winter, opt for a quick getaway (via a ferry ride from Manhattan or Brooklyn) to escape the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle at the Governors Island Winter Village. In addition to seasonal touches like sled rentals, fire pits, sparkling holiday lights, and interactive games like cornhole and Jenga, the island also sports a 7,500-square-foot skating rink. Also, drop by on Thursdays for free rink admission.

Think Coney Island is all about cotton candy, roller coasters, and boardwalk strolls in the summer sun? Think again. The Abe Stark Rink is the hidden gem of New York City’s skating scene, with a vast indoor surface for all ages and abilities—from pros looking to escape the city crowds to first-timers who’d rather slip and tumble in private. The rink is mostly booked up by local hockey teams, but the Saturday afternoon public skating session offers some time to get on the ice.

With a twinkling Christmas tree, holiday market, and a 17,000 square-foot ice skating rink, it’s no wonder why Bryant Park is such a popular winter destination. Admission to the rink is free, but visitors will need to make a reservation in advance and pay a fee to rent skates and learn-to-skate equipment on site. After you wrap up on the ice, the Bank of America Winter Village has plenty to offer including a market with more than 170 vendors that’s perfect for holiday shopping.

This indoor rink has plenty of space to skate, whether you want to practice twirls and jumps or just need some extra real estate to cling onto. At City Ice Pavilion in Long Island City, expect public skate sessions on weekend afternoons when the space isn’t being used for local hockey games and there’s also a studio rink available for figure skaters to rent a dedicated practice area.

Right in the center of Industry City’s bevy of restaurants, bars, and shops, an open-air skating rink will once again take up residence this winter. The rink is situated under twinkling lights and next to an outdoor bar operated by Frying Pan Brooklyn that'll serve up hot cocoa and snacks, so there are plenty of opportunities for holiday cheer.

The southeast end of Prospect Park is home to not one, but two ice rinks at the LeFrak Center. The open-air rink is perfect for brisk afternoons or taking in holiday lights, while the covered option is ready for days when the weather refuses to cooperate. The rink also offers rentals and skating classes that range from a 15-minute crash course to a multi-day clinic. And when you’re ready for a break, The Bluestone Cafe is located onsite offers hot cocoa, Brooklyn Brewery beers, and bites.

This rink on the banks of the Hudson River has one standout feature: It is indoors, so you can enjoy it even as snow falls or the temperature drops to stay-inside numbers. Its Upper Manhattan location is easily accessible but still far enough away from the holiday decorations and destinations in Midtown, so you don’t have to worry about this spot becoming an overcrowded, touristy rink.

Perhaps one of the city’s most iconic venues, the Rockefeller Center rink offers plenty of ice for skating under the glow of the legendary Christmas tree and bronze statue of Prometheus. The Rink first opened on Christmas Day in 1936 and was meant to be a temporary installment, but it remains one of the Big Apple’s most popular places to lace up. Also, if you’re looking for a post-skate place to dine, drop by the newly debuted Rink Level eatery, Jupiter, for seasonal Italian pastas and wine.

While this indoor destination is often used for hockey games and figure skating practice, the Staten Island Skating Pavilion shifts its focus to offer a few public skating sessions throughout the winter. Its regulation size means there’s plenty of elbow room to learn, and the rink offers lessons for all ages through Learn to Skate USA, an organization endorsed by US Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and US Speedskating. Check the website for special events throughout the holiday season.

For a quintessential NYC skating experience, look no further than Wollman Rink to have your own main character moment. This picturesque stalwart located in Central Park features daily skating sessions, rental skates, and gorgeous views of the park, plus the rinkside cafe offers a menu from Harlem’s iconic soul food spot, Melba’s, that includes Crispy Fish Strips, the restaurant’s famous mac ‘n cheese, a Brown Butter Ice Cream & Eggnog Waffle Sandwich, and more.