Chanukah on Ice, a long-running holiday favorite for Jewish families across the city, is returning to Central Park’s Wollman Rink on Tuesday, December 16. Now in its 18th year, the event has grown from a small community gathering into a beloved tradition that fills the rink with music, skating, and a sense of togetherness during the Festival of Lights.
The evening is organized by Chabad Family Programs, which first launched the celebration in 2008. “Chanukah is a time when the lights of the Menorah represent the power of good over evil, of love over hate,” said Sarah Alevsky, founder of Chanukah on Ice NYC. “Chanukah on Ice is an opportunity for families to celebrate these values together. At a time when being Jewish could feel fraught and fearful, it is important to host a party that is an unapologetic celebration of Jewish life and an expression of our connection with the global Jewish community and Israel.”
From 6 to 9 p.m., families can skate to Chanukah music DJ’d by Yoni Stokar, with the rink’s signature giant Dreidel mascot circling the ice. One of the night’s highlights will take place at 7:30 p.m., when an oversized Menorah — carved entirely from ice by artist William Bywater — is lit in a ceremony that has become a hallmark of the event.
Admission includes skate rentals along with complimentary kosher food and beverages. Due to heightened safety needs this year, security will be increased both at Wollman Rink and in the surrounding areas of the park, and all attendees must reserve in advance.
The event takes place on Tuesday, December 16, 2025—the third night of Chanukah—from 6 to 9 p.m. at Wollman Rink in Central Park, located near the 59th Street and Central Park South entrances.
Registration is online only (children under two can attend for free). Early Bird tickets are $30 through November 25 at 11:59 p.m., followed by regular pricing at $35 through December 15 at 11:59 p.m. Tickets purchased on the day of the event, December 16, are $40. Special group rates are available by emailing Shayna Sapo at shayna@chabadwestside.org, and sponsorship opportunities are also being offered. For tickets and additional information, visit chanukahonicenyc.com and follow @nycchanukahonice on Instagram.