Empire State Plaza Ice Rink to open for the Season December 6 with New Hours — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday 

First Free Skate Rental Saturday of the Season Presented by Hannaford Supermarkets on December 7 

NYS Tree Lighting & Fireworks Festival at the Empire State Plaza, Presented by Highmark Blue Shield on December 8 

Harlem Tree Lighting Celebration at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building Plaza in Harlem on December 12 

New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announced the official lineup for the 2024-25 Winter at the Plaza season, including the opening of the ice rink at the Empire State Plaza in Albany and the annual tree lighting at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building in Harlem. The ice rink will have new operating hours throughout the season from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Tuesday through Sunday. The Winter at the Plaza series of events are presented with support from I LOVE NY.

“Every holiday season, the Empire State Plaza becomes a winter wonderland full of fun events and activities for everyone to enjoy. The Office of General Services is proud to host New York State’s annual Winter at the Plaza series, which brings family, friends, and neighbors together to celebrate,” Commissioner Moy said. “We are delighted to continue the tradition of New York State’s Tree Lightings at The Empire State Plaza in Albany and the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building Plaza in Harlem. I want to thank all the generous sponsors who work with us to make this season special.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The Winter at the Plaza series is one of New York State's great seasonal traditions. The slate of family-friendly events in Albany and Harlem offer so many great opportunities to celebrate the holidays and the winter season, welcoming residents and visitors alike to explore and enjoy New York State."

Highmark Blue Shield Region Lead Kevin Quaranto said, "Investing in community spaces like the Empire State Plaza ice skating rink is an investment in the health and well-being of our community. This beloved winter tradition provides opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and a stronger sense of community. Highmark Blue Shield is thrilled to once again be a part of it and encourages everyone to enjoy the rink and all it offers this winter season.”

Hannaford Supermarkets Director of Operations Paul Provo said, “Our team at Hannaford is excited to once again ring in the winter season at the Empire State Plaza. We cherish the importance of fostering community, and this year we will continue the popular tradition of offering free-skate rentals every Saturday starting December 7 to allow individuals and families to come together on the ice. There is no better way to celebrate the season.”

Schedule of Events in Albany and Harlem:
Empire State Plaza Ice Rink Opening Day, Friday, December 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Plaza rink will once again play a significant role in a series of free events and activities planned for the season, which will kick off with the opening day at the Plaza ice rink on Friday, December 6, weather permitting, including Rock-N-Skate music provided from 4 to 6 p.m. by DJ MR CEO.

First Hannaford Free Skate Rental Saturday of the Season, December 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Empire State Plaza ice rink will feature free skate rentals each Saturday of the 2024-25 season, courtesy of Hannaford Supermarkets. 

First Learn to Skate Clinic presented by Highmark Blue Shield and hosted by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club, December 7, 8 to 10 a.m. Learn to Skate clinics will run on the first Saturday of each month from December 2024 to March 2025. Online pre-registration is required at empirestateplaza.ny.gov.

New York State Holiday Tree Lighting presented by Highmark Blue Shield, Sunday, December 8, noon to 8 p.m. Celebrate the season with outdoor activities the family is sure to love, including an afternoon rock-and-skate featuring Band of Gold, skating demonstrations by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club, performances by Tuba Christmas, caroling with The Rusty Pipes, ice sculpting demonstrations, and photo opportunities with Santa at Cornerstone at the Plaza. Stewart’s Shop will offer eggnog and holiday-flavored coffee samples while supplies last. Refreshments will also be available for purchase at Cornerstone at the Plaza. The official tree lighting and fireworks ceremony, hosted by the News 10 ABC Morning Team, will start at 5:15 p.m.

Evening Capitol Tours for the Holidays, starting Friday, December 6, the Office of General Services will offer free Capitol tours at 5:30 p.m.; reservations are recommended but not required. Tours will be offered on Fridays through December 27. During the Friday, December 13, and Friday, December 20 tours, the Empire State Plaza Visitor Center and Gift Shop will host a holiday "pop-up" store in the Capitol lobby. They will feature a selection of exclusive and limited-edition holiday ornaments and products available for purchase.

Harlem Holiday Tree Lighting at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building, Harlem, NY, Thursday, December 12, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Celebrate the season with outdoor activities that the family will love. The event, hosted by the entertaining MC Bob Lee, includes train rides, a meet-and-greet with Santa, and photo opportunities. Enjoy complimentary hot beverages provided by Starbucks, and giveaways (while supplies last).

Sponsors:
Sponsors of Winter at the Plaza events include Highmark Blue Shield, Hannaford Supermarkets, 98.3 TRY, Stewart’s Shops, and the New York State Department of Health. 

The Harlem Tree Lighting sponsors include WBLS 107.5 FM, Harlem Presents, Pollo Campero, Touro College, Starbucks, Harlem Community Development Corporation, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, and the New York State Department of Health.

Empire State Plaza Ice Rink Information: New Operating Hours
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, weather permitting. Closed 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. weekdays and 12 to 1 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. on weekends and holiday breaks for maintenance.

Cost to Skate: Free

Skate Rentals: $5.00 A photo ID is required to rent skates. Every Saturday is Hannaford Free Skate Rental Saturday.

Amenities: Lockers, skate rentals, and refreshments are available in the glass pavilion adjacent to the rink. Children’s helmets and ice walkers/trainers for beginning skaters are also available free of charge.

For Empire State Plaza rink status updates and additional information on Winter at the Plaza events and activities, including parking, directions, and ground rules, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @PlazaEvents on Instagram, or call (518) 474-4759.

OGS is implementing a new emergency text alert system, which the public can use at events to receive emergency notifications specific to the event they are attending. For the December 8 Holiday Tree Lighting, the public can text ESPHTL to 888777 to opt in and receive emergency messages.