.jpg) |
Holiday season in New York City is a storybook time of year, but those in relationships might not have much time to appreciate it while stuck shopping for your girlfriend's mother's entire family tree.
As your pockets empty, you still need to take her out for something holiday-themed. She has probably already mentioned ice skating: "It's so cute…blah, blah, blah…"
Don’t be hesitant. If you’ve never put on the blades, this is a good opportunity to learn, or just enjoy skating like Happy Gilmore. If you enjoy ice hockey, then it’s a bonus for you.
Feel the chill in the air, feel the romance, or feel the ice on your rear after unsuccessfully attempting the Triple-Axle. New York is a hub of outdoor wintry skating.
The Pond in Bryant Park, which opened on Oct. 26, boasts free admission. Yes, that’s right, free. In addition, The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park (open from Nov. 18 through New Year’s Day) surround the Pond and create a life-size Christmas village. Holiday themed lights teamed with a spectacular skyline provides for a perfect New York holiday setting. And the reasonable skate rental charge makes the experience cheaper than a movie, with just as many opportunities for “accidental” physical flirtation.
Bryant Park
FREE admission
$8.75 skate rental
Hours:
8 am to 10 pm Sunday through Thursday
8 am to midnight Friday and Saturday
Wollman Rink, nestled in Central Park between 62nd and 63rd Streets, is the biggest of the three main ice skating rinks (almost four and a half times bigger than Rockefeller Center, and twice the size of The Pond in Bryant Park). Wollman Rink, popular with fans of Serendipity, will most likely be the rink of choice for a chick flick lover. It’s a bit of a hike within Central Park, but well worth the scenery; just hope that she doesn't think ice skating in the park for relatively cheap includes the classic horse and carriage ride. If all this swooning makes for a crowded evening, head over to Lasker Rink and Pool at mid-Park between 106th and 108th Streets.
Wollman Rink
Prices:
$9.50 weekdays, $12 weekend and holidays
$5.00 skate rental
Lock rental $3.75 (plus $6.25 deposit)
Hours:
10 am to 2:30 on Monday and Tuesday
10 am to 10 pm on Wednesday and Thursday
10 am to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday
10 am to 9 pm on Sunday
