The Rockefeller Center ice skating rink first opened to the public on Christmas day in 1936. Postcards, posters and calendars proclaim this wonderful scene of holiday ice skating beneath a towering Christmas tree and colorful lights.
Feelings of warmth emanate from a sheet of frozen water. Few things seem cozier than the thought of skating there with your family or friends, wrapped up in plush scarves and hats, a cup of hot cocoa squeezed between mittens. Few things, that is, save the image of nestling up to a fireplace, enjoying the afterglow of outdoor exercise and companionship.
If you’ve never been to New York City for the holidays, put it on your to-do list. The ice rink at Rockefeller should be at the top of that list. Why does skating at the center beat out so many wonderful things to do in the Big Apple? After all, who doesn’t want a snow-kissed carriage ride through central park, seats at a Broadway show, or a boat ride to Liberty Island?
For starters, Rockefeller Center itself is a sight to behold. Take a virtual tour of the center to see beautiful Christmas displays, decorated buildings, and amazing art. The ice skating rink there is like the star on top of the Christmas tree. The other decorations have sentimental value and are very pretty, but the brilliance of the star is unparalleled.
The ice surface is not much different than any other rink. But Rockefeller’s reminds us of an era where ice skating could only take place outdoors. People enjoyed the elements and were dressed to defy them. It was an innocent age, when Dick Button broke through barriers with his flying camel, doubles and triple jump. No one could even imagine the quadruple jump race – or the total hip and knee replacements our young skating stars endure today.
Times were simpler back when the Center’s rink was dedicated. Stepping onto that ice in the present seems to transport families back to the 1930s. Family time was a priority back then. Hear echoes of nostalgia and observe moms and dad, toddlers and teenagers, grandmas and grandpas and best friends holding hands as they wobble around the frozen water. For each hour and a half session, office business doesn’t matter. When you’re on that ice, the word traffic disappears from your vocabulary. Bills, trials, and losses fade from existence. For that brief moment, you have tunnel vision. Nothing exists beyond the common recreation you share with the people you love.
This doesn’t have to end with the holiday season. Ice skating rinks welcome families all year in many places. Just like a monthly family game night, plan a weekly family skate night. Together-time, something regular, predictable, scheduled, honored, is important to children’s development and sense of stability. Even if you don’t have kids, scheduling in a weekly skating session with your partner will reap countless benefits. Couples who recreate together have a better chance of making it through life’s hurdles together.
Most rinks have a time designated for families. These sessions usually cost less than regular public sessions. And for the adults who can’t quite get their legs under them, rinks offer walkers knowing that it’s better to skate with support than watch your family from the sidelines. Many rinks even allow strollers for infants and sleds or wheelchairs on the ice. Call the rink before you go to see what special accommodations they offer or allow.
The rink at Rockefeller Center is open for the 2006-2007 holiday season from November 4th through January 7th, but it operates its regular public sessions from October to April each year. Their sessions run about every hour and a half and cost $9.50 to $15.50, depending on the skater’s age and the day of the week. For a complete schedule and more information, visit www.NYCtourist.com.
No matter what part of the country you’re in, make family recreation a priority. Ice skating is the perfect activity for people to do what we’re made to do best: Love, respect, and enjoy one another. Merry Christmas and happy holidays, everyone!
