Top Ice Skating Rinks to Visit This Holiday Season
Ice skating is an amazing way to get some movement outside despite the dropping temperatures and celebrate the holiday season while you’re at it. We’ve rounded up ice skating rinks in each Related city to take in glittering holiday decor, seasonal programming, and scenic views as you skate.
New York City: Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
There are several iconic skating rinks in New York City, but nothing beats skating under Midtown’s sparkling holiday skyline at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. The 17,000-square-foot rink features free-admission ice skating (rental skates can be purchased for a fee), skating lessons, and special events. Families will want to reserve a spot at Club Santa, which features a meet-and-greet with Santa, seasonal treats, festive crafts, and VIP skating on select dates.
Plus, Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park offers much more than its renowned rink. Shop for unique gifts at the open-air holiday market or hang out at The Lodge, an outdoor après-skate experience featuring festive cocktails and delicious food. Or, opt for a private escape to one of the cozy igloos, a 90-minute rinkside experience spotlighting seasonal dishes and drinks for up to eight guests. And just in case you miss visiting during the holidays, the rink is open all the way through March 1, 2026.
Chicago: McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park
Strap on some skates (either your own or rented for a fee) and enjoy ice skating at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park now through February 1, 2026, weather depending. Sign up for formal ice skating lessons at three different skill levels or reserve tickets for free skate sessions. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, tuck into comfort snacks and hot drinks from Momentum Coffee and Millennium Hall next to the skating rink.
The rink is situated in the shadow of Chicago skyscrapers and the city’s “official” Christmas tree, which will shine brightly over the rink through January 11, 2026.
Boston: Skate @Canal District Kendall
Technically located in Cambridge, Skate @Canal District Kendall is back mid-December for another season (through mid-March, weather permitting). The rink offers rentals, group and private lessons, and a snack bar with concessions for hungry skaters.
Most exciting this year, though, is the venue’s first-ever Holiday Ice Show & Winter Market. On December 13 and 14, pro skaters from Ice Capades and Disney on Ice will join local elites for a family-friendly ice skating show starting at 2 p.m. Spectators are invited to skate with the stars directly following the event. After the ice show ends, head over to the Canal District Kendall Winter Market, where you’ll find music, food, crafts, ice sculptures, holiday shopping, and more.
Los Angeles: Holiday Ice Rink, Pershing Square
Enjoy ice skating in the heart of downtown Los Angeles now through January 11, 2026, at The Holiday Ice Rink, Pershing Square. Book tickets (skates included in the ticket price) to skate under the L.A. sun by day or the lights of the city skyline by night.
The seasonal experience is elevated by art, sparkling holiday decor, special programming like Classical Sundays presented by Classical California KUSC 91.5 FM, and exclusive offers like discounts at Sprinkles’ Downtown L.A. bakery (Figat7th) when you show your same-day Holiday Ice Rink tickets.
San Francisco: Ice Skating at 2025 Thrive City Winter Wonderland
Thrive City Winter Wonderland is back for 2025 and offers ice skating on select dates (December 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, and 30). Admission is free but advance reservations are required. It’s often sold out online, but you might still get a spot if you go in person. On select dates, a DJ Skate Party is planned for the afternoon.
Ice skating isn’t the only attraction at Thrive City’s Winter Wonderland. Check out Thrive City’s Hanukkah Celebration on December 18, featuring a menorah lighting ceremony, live entertainment, treats, and crafts. Or, attend the Winter Wonderland Kwanzaa and Noon Year’s Eve Celebration on December 31 with music by Soji Sai Afrobeats, performances from the Diamano Coura West African Dance Company, a countdown at 11:59 a.m., and more.
Washington, D.C.: National Gallery of Art Ice Rink at the Sculpture Garden
Through March 1, 2026 (weather permitting), the National Gallery of Art hosts its Ice Rink at the Sculpture Garden. Skaters will enjoy gliding on ice under views of the iconic National Gallery of Art and its surrounding white lights by night.
Skating passes must be purchased in person, and cover two back-to-back, 45-minute skating sessions. Lessons (both private and group) are available, and so are packages for schools, birthday parties, and more. Plus, the nearby Pavilion Cafe offers refreshments after you’ve worked up an appetite from all that skating. Once you’ve recharged, head over to the National Gallery of Art to take in exhibitions like “American Landscapes in Watercolor from the Corcoran Collection” and “Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955-1985.”
West Palm Beach: Winter Wonderland at The Ben
An outdoor ice rink in South Florida? It’s a holiday wish come true at West Palm Beach’s The Ben hotel, where the area’s first and only outdoor rink is open through January 4, 2026. This year’s rink is bigger than ever and the experience goes beyond ice skating. The rink is part of Winter Wonderland at The Ben, which features a free-entry Winter Tree Forest and bustling Holiday Market, as well as ticketed ice time. Winter Wonderland at The Ben transports visitors beyond balmy South Florida with features like Aspen-inspired chalets, holiday lighting, music, seasonal decorations, and themed food and drinks.
Winter Wonderland at The Ben will also host special events like A Night at The Ben with Palm Beach Food & Wine (Saturday, December 13, ticketed event) and fun programming like cookie and ornament decorating, live music, and Santa on ice.
The Related Life is written and produced by the Related Life Editorial Team. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest events, news, and announcements in your area, and tag us for a chance to be featured @therelatedlife and #therelatedlife.