For a highly anticipated three months each year, Union Square transforms itself into an ice skating oasis, perfect for a chilly winter getaway.

As the unofficial shopping center of the city, the square draws tourists and locals alike. And in the winter months, visitors can ooh and ahh at the life size ornaments hanging from the towering, glistening Christmas tree. While shoppers enjoy the sight from the windows, you can soak in the sights from beneath the twinkling lights. Tucked aside the Christmas tree, the Union Square ice rink is the perfect spot to surround yourself in holiday cheer.

Whether you spend most of your time crashing into your friends or doing Kristi Yamaguchi twirls around them, the rink is the place to be for some good ol’ fashioned fun. Afterward, nurse those (inevitable) triple axel stumbles with a round of hot chocolates. The stroll around the square and the stores surrounding provide a cheery endnote to a hoppin’ holiday adventure.