Skate at Rockefeller Center and see the tree
The rink opens October 10; the tree is lit December 2. Midtown, Manhattan.
The short answer
The Rink at Rockefeller Center opens for the 2026 to 2027 season on October 10. General Skate tickets start from $22 for a 60-minute session; you can bring your own skates or rent a pair on site, and complimentary lockers are available for small personal items. Tickets must be bought in advance, and everyone who enters the rink area needs one, including non-skaters. VIP Skate starts from $131.
What it is like
Age rules are specific. Children under 6 must skate with an adult, and children aged 7 to 13 must be supervised. A first-timer on skates can have a good time in 60 minutes, but I would book the earliest slot, because a wobbly four-year-old plus a cold afternoon is a short happy window.
The tree is the other half. Time Out reported that this year's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree arrives on November 7, 2026 and is lit on Wednesday, December 2. Visiting hours after the lighting were still to be announced. Looking at the tree costs nothing; the crowds in December are the price. Go early on a weekday for a manageable look, or accept that you will see mostly the backs of heads and an enormous star.
Best time to go
Weekday mornings; December evenings are very busy.
Tips before you go
- Book the earliest session; it is calmer and the ice is fresh.
- Everyone entering the rink needs a ticket, including non-skaters.
- Plan the tree visit for a weekday morning in December to avoid the worst crowds.
Where it is
Rockefeller Plaza, between 49th and 50th Streets, New York, NY 10111. OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗
What's on here
From The New York Almanac, the next 60 days.
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Rink at Rockefeller Center Opens for the Season
The Rink at Rockefeller Center, Midtown, Manhattan · General skate from $22
The rink opens for its 2026 to 2027 season on October 10, with general skating from $22 for a 60 minute session. Hours had not been posted when we checked. Organizer ↗
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Christmas Tree Arrives at Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center, Midtown, Manhattan · Free
Rockefeller Center says the 2026 Christmas Tree arrives on November 7. Details on viewing are expected closer to the date. Organizer ↗
Wednesday, December 2, 2026
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Rockefeller Center, Midtown, Manhattan · Free
The tree lighting ceremony is set for December 2, with the tree staying lit into early January. Rockefeller Center had not yet posted viewing details or the time when we checked. Organizer ↗
Nearby on the Brood List
Whisper across the arch at Grand Central and watch the trains
Midtown East · 0.4 mile away · Free
A Central Park day: Heckscher Playground, the carousel and the zoo
Central Park, Midtown to Upper West Side · 0.7 mile away
Take the Roosevelt Island Tramway above the East River
Upper East Side · 0.7 mile away
Go up the Empire State Building (with the Family Ticket Bundle)
Midtown · 0.8 mile away
Questions people ask
When does the Rockefeller Center rink open?
It opens for the 2026 to 2027 season on October 10.
How much is it to skate?
General Skate tickets start from $22 for a 60-minute session, with VIP Skate from $131.
What age can children skate?
Children under 6 must skate with an adult, and children aged 7 to 13 must be supervised.
When is the Christmas tree lit?
Time Out reported the 2026 tree is lit on December 2, after arriving on November 7.
How much does it cost?
General Skate from $22; VIP from $131; rentals extra; free lockers for small items.
Which subway stop is nearest?
B/D/F/M to 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr (accessible station); E/F to 5 Av/53 St (not accessible). Check the MTA elevator status.
Can you take a stroller?
Not confirmed on the pages I could read; the plaza itself is open but expect crowds in December.
How long do you need?
1 to 2 hours.
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