Manhattan
For the Lovebirds:
Lessons for two at the Rink at Rockefeller Center
It’s not advertised (on the website or elsewhere), but couples can request what the instructors like to call “semi-private” lessons. Bonus: Those who schedule at least a week in advance will be ushered past the endless line of eager tourists, VIP style. $65 for 30-minute couples lesson; $12 rentals. (Fifth Ave. nr. 49th St.; 212-332-7654.)
For the Little Lads:
Jumping Jacks at Trump Rink
This accelerated beginners’ program at the rink formerly known as Wollman teaches boys ages 5 to 10 all the basics, plus bunny hops and side jumps, preparing them for grand leaps in the future. $500 for season, up to four 60-minute sessions per week, through March 9; registration after January 3 is prorated. (Central Park S. nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-744-0882.)
For the SoulCycler:
Fit Skate at Trump Rink
Forty-five minutes of slalom-skating cardio is interspersed with leg-lifts and push-ups done on yoga mats. So long as you can skate forward or backward, you should be all good. Be sure to bring gloves. $45 for one session, $35 for you and one friend; Thursdays at 7 p.m.
For the Meetup Maven:
Adult Skate Night at Chelsea Piers
Beginner adults enjoy the consistency of a weekly skating group-date. Instruction is sandwiched between 20 minutes of free skate and 30 minutes of post-class practice time. $370 for twelve 60-minute sessions; rentals complimentary; Mondays at 7 p.m. (Pier 61, 23rd St. at the Hudson River; 212-336-6100, ext. 6158.)
Queens
For the Michelle Kwan Wannabe:
World Ice Arena
Though this indoor rink is known for its advanced figure-skating and ice-dancing schools, there’s a loophole—call ahead of any of the weekly freestyle sessions (when the serious skaters practice their moves), and beginners of all ages can get a private lesson from a knowledgeable staff coach. From $40 for one 30-minute session plus a $15 to $20 admissions fee, mornings and evenings daily; bring your own skates. (13135 Avery Ave., Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Corona; 718-760-9001.)
The Bronx
For the Aspiring Right-Winger:
Future Rangers at Van Cortlandt Park Ice Skating Rink
Boys and girls ages 4 to 12 get a jump-start on competitive team play in this focused, multi-week class. Students should provide their own equipment, but they’ll come away with an official Future Rangers jersey. $210 for a four-week session. (Broadway at 242nd St.; 718-432-1492.)
Brooklyn
For the Ambitious Beginner:
Skate School at Prospect Park at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside
Groups of pint-size first-timers share the ice with their more advanced skating-school peers. This U.S. Figure Skating Association–approved class aims to build confidence, while inspiring tots and teens alike to climb the ranks. $240 for nine 60-minute sessions; first class starts January 6; $5 rentals. (Prospect Park entrance nr. Parkside and Ocean Aves.; 212-661-6640.)
Staten Island
For the Whole Family:
Island Blades Skating School at World War II Veterans War Memorial Ice Skating Rink
Well worth a ferry ride for instructors who teach members of the pre-K set how to fall the safe way, even before they step on the ice. Parents are invited to join in on the action while Z100 blasts on open-air speakers. $210 for ten weeks of 30-minute sessions, followed by 30-minute free skate. Mondays at 4:15 p.m. or Sundays at 10:30 a.m. (1321 Victory Blvd., nr. Renwick Ave.; 718-390-7245.)