The World's Most Popular (and Crowded) Holiday Attraction Is in the U.S., Analysis Finds

"Christmas in New York City is magical. But there's a downside to its popularity with a new study naming the iconic ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center the most overcrowded Christmas attraction in the entire world."

"Nothing screams the festive holiday season like The Rink at Rockefeller Center, but more than 41 percent of visitors who went mentioned crowd-related issues, according to a study from eSIM company Holafly. Complaints specifically centered around long lines, limited skating space, and a "constant stream of spectators lining the rink's edges making it difficult to access the rink.""

"For Ice Skating New York is full of amazing ice skating rinks sprinkled throughout the city. For those staying near Midtown, Central Park's Wollman Rink is a great option with tickets starting at $16 for off-peak days. All skate rentals cost $12. The Rink at Bryant Park is also a wonderful alternative and is actually free to access with skate rentals starting at about $18. After going for a turn around the ice, check out the holiday market complete with festive eats and "jewel box" kiosks selling charming gifts. For those venturing downtown, there's The Rink at Brookfield Place, which offers 60 minute sessions starting at $15 and skate rentals starting at $5."

The Rink at Rockefeller Center received high crowd complaints, with more than 41 percent of visitors reporting issues such as long lines, limited skating space, and spectators blocking rink edges. Rockefeller Center overall ranked fourth among the most crowded Christmas attractions worldwide. The crowd data came from English-language online reviews collected across November, December, and January. Despite the congestion, Rockefeller Center remains a popular winter destination and retains festive charm for many travelers. Several less crowded ice skating alternatives exist across New York City, including Wollman Rink, Bryant Park, and Brookfield Place, each with varying prices and amenities.

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