The coronavirus outbreak may be canceling many New Yorkers’ holiday plans, but Brooklynites can still show off their best figure eights this winter at one of the borough’s many ice skating rinks.
While some local rinks — such as the Aviator Sports and Events in Marine Park and Abe Stark Skating Rink in Coney Island — have remained closed, other ice skating favorites are changing their operations to abide by social distancing guidelines and other safety measures.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to make a reservation in advance before making the trek to hop on the ice.
Industry City in Sunset Park
Sunset Park’s Industry City is offering not one but two distinct skating options throughout the winter season: outdoor ice skating and an indoor roller rink.
This year’s ice skating rink, notably larger than last year’s, is decked out with holiday decor and an outdoor heating system to keep skaters toasty — while keeping socially distant by allowing a limited number of other people on the ice.
Lola’s Dreamland Roller Rink will also return to the megacomplex’s factory floor through March 2021 — pending any forthcoming city- or state-mandated shutdowns. Skaters can attend fun, holiday-themed parties Thursday through Sunday and a roller disco brunch every Sunday.
Go skating at Industry City Courtyard 5-6 (220 36th St. between Second and Third avenues in Sunset Park, www.industrycity.com/visit/explore/ic-ice-rink). Open Thurs, 4-8 pm; Fri, 12-8 pm; Sat, 10 am-8 pm; Sun, 10 am-6 pm. $12. ($10 skate rentals).
Lola’s Dreamland Roller Rink at Industry City in Building 1 (220 36th St. between Second and Third avenues in Sunset Park, www.dreamlandrollerrink.com). Open Fridays and Saturdays at various times. Tickets are between $12-$28 and include rentals.
The William Vale in Williamsburg
The William Vale hotel brings ice-skating to a whole new level: the 23rd level to be exact. Take in the views of the distant isle of Manhattan while gliding across the sustainable rink at Williamburg’s luxury hotel. Too chilly? Take a break in their heated outdoor enclosure.
The William Vale Hotel’s rooftop rink (11 N. 12th St. at the intersection of Kent Avenue in Williamsburg, www.thewilliamvale.com/vale-rink). Open Weds to Fri, 2-10 pm; weekends, noon-10 pm. $20 including skates and locker rental. ($12 for kids).
Court Street Tavern in Carroll Gardens
Opening Dec. 17, be the first to carve up Brooklyn’s newest ice skating rink at a Carroll Gardens restaurant that opened its doors in the midst of the pandemic: Court Street Tavern. Enjoy some classic American fare and custom cocktails on the floral-laced patio while the kiddos shows off their skate skills on the small outdoor rink.
Skating at Court Street Tavern (449 Court St. between Fourth Place and Luquer Street in Carroll Gardens, www.courtstreettavern.com). Open weekdays, 2-10 pm, weekends, noon-10 pm. $15-20.
LeFrak Center at Lakeside
It wouldn’t be a Brooklyn skating roundup without including the borough’s premier skating location: Prospect Park’s LeFrak Center. Warm up outside with a cup of hot cocoa from the rink’s Bluestone Cafe, which is offering outdoor dining and take-out. And for the young’uns who are still learning, get ready for skate school and hockey programs!
Skaters can reserve tickets online up to one week in advance.
Lakeside at the LeFrak Center (171 East Drive at the intersection of Parkside Avenue in Prospect Park, lakesidebrooklyn.com). Open for public skating at various times. $7.50 not including rentals.
