The New York Times Strands puzzle for December 1, 2025 has arrived, and today’s challenge is themed “On the ice.” If you’re struggling to connect letters or identify theme words, you’re not alone. Strands continues to grow in popularity as players shift from viral games like Wordle and Connections in search of deeper puzzle complexity. To help you solve today’s word grid, we’ve compiled the full set of hints, answers, theme words, and the Spangram solution below.
NYT Strands is part of The New York Times’ expanding interactive puzzle lineup. The goal is to link letters in a 6×8 board to form theme-related words, plus one essential clue word known as the Spangram—a long term spanning across the grid that guides the rest of the puzzle.
NYT Strands Hint Today (December 1, 2025)
Theme
On the ice
Theme Word Clue
Hint #1: Large display that tracks game score
Spangram Direction
HORIZONTAL — running left to right
Spangram Starter Letters
Begins with “HO”
Additional Hint
Enclosed icy area where games are played
Spoiler Alert – Final Answers Below
Scroll further only if you want the completed solution.
NYT Strands Spangram Answer
HOCKEYRINK
This key phrase unlocks the puzzle theme and helps players identify related words across the board.
All Theme Words in Today’s Strands
GOALS
PUCK
STICKS
SKATES
SCOREBOARD
ZAMBONI
These terms fit perfectly into today’s hockey-centered theme and strongly connect to classic ice-rink gameplay elements.
Puzzle Difficulty Rating
Based on today’s theme structure, we rate this puzzle:
⭐ 2 out of 5 difficulty
The grid layout offers clear visual clues once the Spangram is uncovered, making this puzzle moderately accessible even without heavy hints.
About NYT Strands
Strands tasks players with forming themed words through path-based letter selection. Players receive hints, shuffle options, and a gradually revealed Spangram as they progress. The puzzle refreshes daily and is available for free on mobile and desktop browsers.
If today’s answers felt easy or difficult, don’t worry—a new puzzle drops at midnight, and we’ll return tomorrow with another full guide and set of clues.
Also try:
NYT Connections hints and answers for today
NYT Wordle hint and answer
