One of the best parts about winter in Chicago is the array of charming ice rinks that pop up all across the city. These seasonal rinks are a beloved winter tradition for locals and visitors alike. So grab your skates and check out these downtown and neighborhood ice skating rinks in Chicago. Most rinks are open mid-November through March, weather permitting.
Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
Maggie Daley Park, right next to iconic Millennium Park, offers a picturesque Skating Ribbon that curves through the whimsical play spaces and snow-dusted pine trees. Its path is twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink.
The Skating Ribbon opens for the winter season in November and will remain open until March, weather permitting. Skate rentals are available. Online reservations are required.
McCormick Tribune ice rink
The skating rink in Millennium Park is a must-do for any winter visit to Chicago. Stop for a spin on the ice in the heart of downtown, while you take in breathtaking views of the downtown city skyline and the magical sight of all those holiday lights reflected on the surface of Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”).
The rink is open daily from November through March, weather permitting. Admission is free, online reservations are required. Skate rentals are available.
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Get out of the cold and into the holiday spirit at Navy Pier’s most festive winter event. Light Up the Lake is a massive indoor holiday experience, including a birch tree maze, activities for kids, and a light garden made of large-scale sculptures. And the indoor ice rink means skating thrills without any of the chill. Light Up the Lake runs from November through January.
Winterland at Gallagher Way
Chicago’s Wrigley Field transforms into an all-ages winter wonderland come November. Along with a Christkindlmarket and Santa’s workshop, Winterland at Gallagher Way features a popular ice rink inside the iconic ballpark that’s perfect for skaters of all skill levels. Look forward to skating on the ice and enjoying ice bumper cars in the outfield.
The rink at Gallagher Way is open November through January, weather permitting. Skate rentals are available.
Midway Plaisance
In historic Hyde Park, the Midway Plaisance ice skating rink is located at the site of Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair. The rink is located between Jackson and Washington Parks, which are both excellent spots for a scenic winter walk. Drop in for a game of hockey or an ice skating lesson on select dates.
The rink is typically open daily from November through February. Admission is free; skate rentals and skate aids for those learning to skate are available. Specialty sleds that allow people of all abilities to skate together are available to use free of charge.
Sky Rink at Peninsula Chicago
The Sky Rink at the Peninsula Chicago, the only hotel ice skating rink in the city, is back for a ninth season. This charming rink is perched high above the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue on the hotel’s fourth-floor terrace and bathed in festive music and snowflake lighting. Warm up with the outdoor menu that features hot beverages and seasonal treats.
The price of admission ($20 for adults, $10 for children) includes skates and benefits children’s charities.
Warren Park
One of the city’s biggest public parks, Warren Park is located in the West Ridge neighborhood. In the winter, you’ll find locals twirling on the seasonal ice rink. Hockey games and skating lessons are open to the public on select dates. Afterward, warm up with authentic Indian, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern dishes on nearby Devon Avenue, where you can sample cuisines from around the world.
The rink is typically open from Thursday to Sunday from November through February. Admission is free, though pre-registration is required to use the rink; skate rentals and skate aids for those learning to skate are available. Specialty sleds that allow people of all abilities to skate together are available to use free of charge.
Mt. Greenwood Park
In the Beverly neighborhood, the rink at Mt. Greenwood Park is the perfect spot for beginner skaters. The large rink also hosts hockey games and ice skating lessons.
The rink is typically open Friday to Sunday from November through February. Admission is free, though the rink requires pre-registration; skate rentals and skate aids for those learning to skate are available. Specialty sleds that allow people of all abilities to skate together are available to use free of charge.
