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12 Must-See Ice Skating Rinks Across The U.S. to Spice Up Your Winter
Winter brings many joys: hot cocoa, thick scarves, and a perfectly good excuse to live in your coziest sweaters for months. But perhaps the crown jewel of winter activities (besides snowball fights, obviously) is ice skating.
And whether you’re gracefully gliding across the ice or frantically flailing like a baby deer on roller skates, there’s no denying it, ice skating under twinkling lights just feels like pure magic.
So we’ve rounded up the most iconic and charming ice skating rinks that deserve a spot on your winter bucket list. Lace up those skates (or rent them… no shame) and get ready to channel your inner figure skating champion, or at least try not to fall too much.
Rink At Rockefeller Center – New York City, New York
Dubbed as the ice skater’s paradise, the Rockefeller Center rink is the quintessential New York experience. Situated beneath the towering, famous, twinkling Christmas tree, this iconic skating destination lets you explore a festive frosted wonderland.
Granted, you’ll be dodging fellow skaters like you’re participating in an impromptu ice dance marathon, but that’s all part of the charm, right? Whether you’re nailing triple axels or epic wipeouts, the holiday spirit here is truly electrifying.
Washington Harbour Ice Rink – Washington, D.C.
Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., this vast expanse of ice offers a skating experience with a dash of history. The Washington Harbour Ice Rink stands as the city’s largest outdoor rink, presenting skaters with mesmerizing views of the Potomac River and the charming backdrop of historic Georgetown.
Here, rusty skating skills and D.C. politics find common ground. Both require a knack for balance amidst the unexpected. So, lace up and conquer this frosty frontier this winter.
Ice at Santa Monica – Santa Monica, California
Who says you can’t ice skate in sunny California? Beach city vibes meet icy delights at Ice at Santa Monica, where an outdoor rink springs to life right by the Pacific Ocean. It’s the perfect place to showcase your skating skills while secretly hoping not to faceplant in front of a beachside crowd.
As palm trees sway, you’ll feel the thrill of winter mingling with a sun-kissed breeze… at least until you trade skates for surfboards.
The Ice at Discovery Green – Houston, Texas
Houston takes icy escapades to a whole new level with the Ice at Discovery Green, boasting the largest outdoor rink in the Southwest. Forget snowstorms. Here, themed skate nights serve up more entertainment than the entire first season of a reality TV show.
Glide alongside costumed companions and let those wobbly ankles test their strength against some uniquely Texan winter whimsy.
Boston Common Frog Pond – Boston, Massachusetts
Boston’s historic Common transforms into a frosty playground when the Frog Pond freezes over. Glide across this iconic rink with the city’s skyline as your backdrop, feeling like you’re in the opening scene of a holiday classic.
It’s the perfect spot to practice your wobbly spins or just cling to the wall for dear life. Once you’ve had your fill of icy escapades, you can refuel with a cup of hot chocolate, because nothing says “winter” like almost falling and then rewarding yourself with cocoa.
Keystone Lake – Keystone, Colorado
If you’re going to ice skate, why not do it on a massive five-acre lake with the majestic Rocky Mountains staring back at you? Keystone Lake offers one of North America’s largest Zamboni-maintained outdoor rinks, so you have plenty of room to perfect your glide… or at least attempt to.
Surrounded by a picturesque village and crisp mountain air, you’ll feel like you’ve skated directly into a snow globe. It’s an epic setting for both graceful pirouettes and spectacular, scenery-enhanced wipeouts.
Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon – Chicago, Illinois
Chicago doesn’t do ordinary and the Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon proves it with a twisting, turning ice path that offers a unique skating experience through a winter landscape.
So, grab your skates and limber up because you’re in for whimsical turns and curves right in the heart of a city that knows how to embrace the cold. Just try not to get too dizzy as you navigate your frozen ribbon through this urban winter wonderland.
Elm Street Plaza Ice Rink – Cincinnati, Ohio
Elm Street Plaza’s Ice Rink transforms into the heartbeat of Cincinnati’s winter festivities. Twirling around under an array of dazzling lights, you’re at the epicenter of merriment, sharing brisk spins with locals and tourists alike.
The rink isn’t just a place to skate but a social gathering spot where city dwellers embrace the chilly charm. Grab a hot cocoa post-spin, because here, the ice truly pulses with holiday magic.
Winterfest Ice Rink At Kiener Plaza – St Louis, Missouri
Amp up the festive vibes at the Winterfest Ice Rink, with iconic views of the Gateway Arch. This brilliantly lit oasis invites skaters to soak in the holiday spirit while channeling their inner figure skating legend.
Blend skating under zillions of twinkling lights with St. Louis charm, and its urban winter wonder perfection. And don’t miss the chance to skate in this glowing plaza. It’s a place where every stumble under the arch adds to the merriment of the season.
The Rink at PPG Place – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
If you’re yearning for an enchanting city skating experience, look no further than the Rink at PPG Place in Pittsburgh. Bigger than Rockefeller Center’s famed rink, this crystalline plaza transforms into a frosty paradise.
Skate amid gleaming glass towers reflecting twinkling lights as you navigate its vast frozen expanse. It’s a magical experience where every glide resonates with pure magic. But don’t worry; your skating escapades here are bound to leave everyone impressed… or at least laughing behind their scarves.
Crown Center Ice Terrace – Kansas City, Missouri
Forget dull indoor rinks; the Crown Center Ice Terrace in Kansas City offers the city’s only public outdoor ice-skating experience in the area, with stunning skyline views to boot. Skating here feels like starring in your own winter blockbuster, with skyscrapers providing a dramatic backdrop.
Perfect for showing off those spins or gracefully falling on your behind (in style, of course). So, embrace the brisk winter air and sparkling city lights, because this rink glistens with that special frosty magic.
Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park – Denver, Colorado
Downtown Denver’s Skyline Park rink offers the perfect mix of Energizer-Bunny vibes and brisk mountain air. Feeling thrifty? Bring your own skates and take laps for free, or rent some blades for just a few bucks. It’s an activity that won’t break the bank.
The vibrant atmosphere downtown ensures you’re skating amidst urban charm with skyscrapers standing sentinel. Bright lights, twinkling as you spin, ensure every pirouette feels like a scene out of a holiday movie.
Please note: This one is closed for the 2025-2026 season for renovations, with plans to reopen in late 2026 for next season.
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