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There’s nothing like spending the holidays in New York– from the countless movies that are set in the city, to the even more innumerable people dressed up as Santa and holiday cheer throughout the streets, it truly is a magical time of year. And with it comes all of the winter wonderland activities, especially ice skating.
For the first time ever, New Yorkers and visitors alike can bask in all of the beauty that the city skyline has to offer while ice skating directly underneath the Brooklyn Bridge. In its debut season, “Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park” set up shop in mid-November is now in full holiday swing– and you should absolutely put it on your holiday in New York bucket list.
The location truly adds to the whole experience: nowhere else and never before could someone have a true winter oasis experience under the Brooklyn Bridge – that is, until now. With views of downtown Manhattan just peaking behind the ever-stoic Brooklyn Bridge, skating on what would normally seem like just a big frozen block of ice becomes that much more significant when you sneak views of Jane’s Carousel, the ever-growing line for Grimaldi’s, or any glimpse of the buildings lining the East River.
The Knockturnal got a special inside look at the rink this weekend and the sounds of laughter – and mild screams of pure excitement after not slipping on ice – were enough to make us plan another return trip to the rink. That icy euphoria was seen on everyone’s faces in the rink this weekend, from teens on their first date (or maybe third? Holding hands for stability does seem a bit forward), to adults, kids and anyone in between doing their best to show off their twists and twirls on ice.
Not to worry if a whirlwind on ice doesn’t suit you: you’re going to be in for a special treat upstairs, with s’mores and hot cocoa in a wonderfully decorated glass terrace. Filled with fresh-smelling pine and twinkle lights crisscrossing the ceiling, the terrace immediately transports you to a ski lodge backdrop, all the while you can watch the ice skaters below try to hold their balance, and take a quick break upstairs while the zamboni paves the way for the next set of skaters.
The rink is open daily now through March 1, 2024, and you can buy tickets for 50-minute sessions here. You can purchase discounted tickets if you’re a New York City resident and show ID, and can get ice skate rentals on the low as well. Be sure to bring a lock for the lockers, and check out the artwork on the wall just before you head out. For children– or heck, anyone of any age who doesn’t feel all that comfortable on ice just yet– there are these cute little plastic golden retriever-shaped skate assists that kids can even sit in for full family enjoyment. So go have a blast and have your own New York winter holiday adventure.
