From its inception in 2008, Chanukah on Ice NYC has been a treasured holiday tradition for Jewish families in New York City, taking place at Central Park’s beautiful ice skating venue, Wollman Rink.
But then COVID hit, and for the first time in 13 years, Chabad of the West Side had to cancel the event in 2020. “Chabad hosted a series of Menorah lightings in Central Park and around the West Side, but our family really missed Chanukah on Ice NYC,” said West Sider Chagai Zamir. “We have attended every year since it began!”
On two occasions over the last 14 years, Chanukah on Ice NYC was held at Lasker, Central Park’s northern rink, when Wollman Rink was unable to host the event. With Lasker Rink being closed for a complete renovation for a few years, event organizers could only hope that Wollman would work out as the venue, notwithstanding a very recent shift in management, staffing, facility repairs and new COVID-19 policies. Otherwise, the concern was that the event might not take place for a second year in a row.
In September, the event organizers reached out to the new management at Wollman Rink in Central Park. “When we started to speak to Wollman Rink Partners, we quickly realized that the new management is going to do everything they can so we can host Chanukah on Ice NYC like we have in the past,” said Sarah Alevsky, Chanukah on Ice coordinator. “We are so grateful that they committed to making Chanukah on Ice NYC happen while they are still working around the clock to open the rink to the public during such a challenging year.”
While some of the iconic parts of the event will definitely be back – the giant Ice Menorah, the skating to Jewish music and of course, delicious traditional Chanukah donuts – there will be some changes this year.
All attendees will need to wear masks. Adults will need to either show proof of vaccination, a recent negative PCR test, or get rapid tested onsite. Boxed dinners will be distributed, and other social distancing guidelines will be in place.
Admission when reserving online is $30 for skate rental, $22 for no skate rental. At the door, admission is $35 for skate rental, $28 for no skate rental. Admission under three is free. Sponsorships are also available.
Special group rates are available. Please call Sarah Alevsky at (212) 864-5010 ext 114 for more information. Sponsorships welcome!
Chanukah on Ice is a project of Chabad of the West Side, in partnership with Chabad Centers throughout the city.
- WHEN: Monday, November 29 from 6-9pm.
- WHERE: Wollman Rink in Central Park, located near the 59th or Central Park South entrances.
For more information and to reserve, visit chanukahonicenyc.com.
Chanukah will begin on Sunday night, November 28 and end Monday, December 6, 2021. All eight days of Chanukah are marked by festive celebrations, eating fried foods like latkes and doughnuts, the gifting of Chanukah gelt and presents, and most importantly, the lighting of the Menorah every night. If you would like to receive a complimentary Menorah with candles, please contact rcba@chabadwestside.org.
ABOUT THE SPONSORING ORGANIZATION
Chabad of the West Side offers Jewish education, outreach and social services programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations. Learn more at www.chabadwestside.org.
