The Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink in New York City, a famous landmark, will open on October 10th to kick off the 2026-2027 skating season. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the rink’s opening, and the season will run until March 27th next year, marking the start of New York’s annual winter and holiday activities.
According to the latest official information from Rockefeller Center, the skating rink will be open every day from 9 am to midnight this season. General admission tickets start at $22 per person, with each skating session lasting 60 minutes and skate rental fees additional. Visitors can bring their own skates or reserve rental services when purchasing tickets. It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during weekends, school holidays, and peak holiday season.
Located in Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan, between 49th and 50th Streets, during the period from October 10th to November 13th, visitors will check in at the temporary entrance near 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Daily Provisions; starting from November 14th, the new “Skate House” will open, with the entrance located between 49th Street, Fifth Avenue, and Sixth Avenue.
In addition to regular admission tickets, Rockefeller Center also offers VIP skating experiences. The current VIP ticket prices listed on the official ticketing page start at $131, including 60 minutes of skating, priority entry, skate rental, and access to a VIP lounge with hot drinks.
To coincide with the opening of the skating season, Rockefeller Center is also hosting a public art exhibition by artist Kenny Scharf titled “Scary and the Dancers!” The exhibition will run from October 9th to November 1st, featuring a 34-foot tall inflatable sculpture “Scary” surrounded by six vibrant “dancer” sculptures; other murals and sculptural works are also displayed in various buildings within Rockefeller Center.
Additionally, on October 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st from 10 am to 12 pm, Rockefeller Center will host free “Art Sundae” children’s art workshops, allowing kids to engage in creative activities inspired by the artist’s work. The workshops will be held at the South Plaza outside 10 Rockefeller Plaza, moving indoors in case of inclement weather.
The Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink first opened on Christmas Eve in 1936, originally as a temporary attraction to draw visitors to the plaza, gradually becoming one of New York’s most iconic winter traditions. Officials stated that now over 250,000 people skate here annually. For ticket purchases or more information, you can visit the official Rockefeller Center ticketing website.