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Very soon, you’ll be able to glide around the ice at Central Park’s Wollman Rink once again. The iconic rink reopens on Saturday, October 26, with a weekend-long celebration including free admission.
During the skating season, enjoy skyline views, rinkside igloos, an expanded skate school, and free access programs. General admission ranges from $15-$38 for adults, depending on the date; kids and seniors get in for $10/person. Skate rentals cost $12.
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As for the grand opening weekend, there will be free admission, skating classes, live performances and fall-themed festivities. Skating for both days will kick off at noon with a live performance from artistic figure skaters. Following the performances, complimentary skating lessons are available on the east side of the rink until 1:30pm.
Plus, an October-themed festival will feature face painting, hidden prizes, and apple cider donut available for purchase. On Saturday, wear a costume for a chance to enter a raffle for season-long family skating passes.
Tickets are currently sold out online for the free weekend celebrations, but standby tickets may be available at the rink as space allows.
"We are thrilled to welcome skaters back to Wollman Rink," Bret Pidgeon, general manager of Wollman Rink, said in a press release. "To provide an even more magical winter experience, Wollman Rink is introducing upgraded igloos and expanded skate school offerings this season, ensuring that everyone from first-time visitors to seasoned skaters can enjoy the beauty of Central Park in the winter."
Through the Wollman Rink Access Program, New Yorkers who have not historically been able to afford a visit can get free and reduced access. Through Culture Pass, free skating admission tickets are available online for New Yorkers with a NYPL card. Plus, New Yorkers with a library card or ID NYC card can stop by the box office each day to purchase a $15 package that includes admission, skate rental, and hot cocoa; the package is available each day, first-come, first-served.
For those who don't know how to skate or want to level up their skills, rink staff will offer lessons for all ages and levels.
To warm up after skating, there's a rinkside igloo village. The cozy igloos are decorated with cute interiors, plus heaters and options for catering. Igloos must be reserved in advance.
This year's dining options include The Café located in The Clubhouse and Melba's in the Park, located in The Overlook area that's an outpost of Harlem's Melba's Restaurant. The rink's managed by Wollman Park Partners (WPP), a joint venture between Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, Related Companies, and Equinox.