Nothing beats winter in New York City, as plunging temps transform the Big Apple into a twinkling playground with tons of activities for adventure-seekers of every stripe. But few activities generate as much giddy excitement for locals and visitors alike as ice skating, one of Gotham’s most popular and cherished cold weather pastimes. And now Domino Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, joins the list of New York’s most iconic skating venues, alongside Wollman Rink in Central Park and the Rink at Rockefeller Center. Located along Brooklyn’s popular Williamsburg waterfront, Domino Park welcomes its first-ever ice skating rink, a mammoth 7,100-square foot arena which opened to the public in November and remains open through early Spring of 2025. Designed for skaters of all ages and experience levels, and kitted out with a state-of-the-art sound system, this winter wonderland overlooks the East River and boasts stunning, Insta-ready views of the Manhattan skyline, Williamsburg Bridge, and The Refinery, the landmarked nineteenth century factory that once produced nearly all of the nation’s sugar. (Be sure to dress warmly!) Even spectators can get in on the fun, thanks to tiered seating circling the rink, ideal for bench warming, picture-taking, and savoring this “only in New York” winter activity.
Be sure to check Domino Park’s website to find out about our special winter programming, including family-friendly events, live DJ’s, and promotions. Make skating at Domino Park your new winter tradition!
ADMISSION AND SKATE RENTALS
Tickets for Brooklyn’s newest can’t-miss holiday experience are available online and at Domino Square, the one-acre stretch just south of The Refinery which houses the rink.
Ticket prices start at $12 for NYC residents (ID required) from Monday through Thursday and $18 for non-residents. On weekends, Friday through Sunday, admission is $16 for NYC residents (ID required) and $22 for non-NYC residents. Skate rentals are available for $12. Skate aids are also available for $12 (limited availability).
Enjoy half-off admission and rental fees on Wednesdays.
GETTING HERE
Located at 15 River Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Domino Park’s 6-acres were built on the grounds of the historic Domino Sugar Refinery and span five blocks along the East River waterfront. It is easily accessible by car and public transportation:
SUBWAY: Take the M, J, Z to Marcy Avenue or the L train to Bedford Avenue. Both stations are about a 10-minute walk from the park.
BUS: Take the B32 or Q59 to Kent Avenue and South 1st Street. The B62 to Bedford Avenue and South 4th Street. Or the B24, B39, B44, B60 Q54, Q59 to Washington Plaza.
FERRY: NYC Ferry’s East River route goes to the North Williamsburg Ferry Terminal, a short walk from the park.
CITI BIKE: Citi Bike stations are located at South 4th Street & Wythe Avenue; South 3rd Street & Bedford Avenue; Wythe Avenue & Metropolitan Avenue; Metropolitan Avenue & Bedford Avenue; and Broadway & Berry Street.
PARKING: Parking is available at 325 Kent Avenue. Entrances are on South 3rd or South 4th Streets between Kent Avenue and Wythe Avenue.
Enter Domino Park along Kent Avenue at South 5th Street, South 3rd Street, or Grand Street. The skating rink sits in Domino Square,
WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO AT DOMINO PARK?
Indulge in one of Domino Park’s acclaimed restaurants, including Roberta’s, Brooklyn’s cult fave pizzeria; Tacocina, Danny Meyer’s upscale casual tacos-and-tequila shack; and Mekelburg’s, for artisanal sandwiches and craft beers. Coming soon: Wylie Dufresne’s buzzy Stretch Pizza and Frita Batidos, purveyor of acclaimed Cuban street food.
While you’re here, take a stroll through Domino Park’s historic campus, which melds modern design while honoring Williamsburg’s industrial past. “Artifact Walk” features thirty salvaged relics, including original mooring bollards which secured cargo ships bringing raw sugar cane into the port, bucket conveyors which transported the raw sugar to the refinery, and the syrup tanks that processed it. At its peak, the refinery produced 4 million pounds of sugar daily.
If you’re here at dusk, settle into one of the many chaise lounges or stadium benches overlooking the water for a show stopping sunset over the East River. The views of the Manhattan skyline are renowned here, delivering a sensational light show at golden hour. Coming with kids? Make a pitstop at Domino Park’s award-winning playground, designed to evoke the long-gone factories that once dotted the neighborhood. Or venture into Williamsburg’s Bedford Avenue shopping district, renowned for its trendy boutiques, and diverse restaurants and bars. There’s something for everyone here!
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