Ice skating is a winter tradition. There is something so magical about lacing up your skates and gliding around beneath a blue Chicago sky that makes winter feel like the most wonderful time of the year. Follow it up with some warm hot cocoa and a cuddle from your favorite person or little ones, and you’ve got yourself a pretty amazing way to spend an afternoon or evening. If you’re a fan of ice skating, too, you’ll be glad to know Chicago is home to a few special ice rinks that are perfect for a leisurely (or, dare I say, romantic?) day! Here are the best spots for ice skating in Chicago!
Discover the Best Spots for Ice Skating in Chicago
Millennium Park Ice Skating
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
Firstly, Millenium Park is one of the most iconic spaces in all of Chicago. Home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, aka The Bean,” and dozens of other iconic art installations and gardens, the park is a huge draw for Chicago residents and tourists alike. Every winter, Millennium Park hosts the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink.
Surrounded by trees decorated with twinkling Christmas lights and the twinkling lights of the towering skyscrapers hovering in every direction, this magical rink is a family favorite. Open November through March, you can take a free lesson on the weekends or simply hit the ice on your own for a leisurely skate.
Gallagher Way
3635 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
Secondly, Gallagher Way is a gathering space for Chicago families, neighbors, and friends in the heart of Wrigleyville, adjacent to Wrigley Field. This open space is transformed into a myriad of seasonal holiday celebrations in the winter, namely the Wintrust Winterland at Gallagher Way. This ticketed event features attractions like a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and other fairground rides.
It’s also home to the Gallagher Ice Rink, where you can enjoy public ice skating and ice bumper cars. Embrace the spirit of Christmas further by visiting the free Christkindlmarket, with its traditional candy cane striped huts, festive shopping, and hot spiced wine.
Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Thirdly, Maggie Daley Park serves as a beautiful Chicago park space reimagined and renovated in 2012. It has plenty of year-round and seasonal attractions like a 3-acre Play Garden, mini golf, tennis courts, and the beautiful Cancer Survivors’ Garden. From mid-November through mid-March, the Ice Skating Ribbon offers a winding trail of ice rink for skaters to enjoy.
You’ll need to reserve a ticket to skate, but it’s well worth the foresight. There’s nothing quite like skating through Chicago, surrounded by beautiful trees and spectacular city skyline views.
The Sky Rink | The Peninsula Chicago
108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Lastly, The Peninsula Chicago is one of the city’s most iconic luxury resorts. This five-star hotel in the middle of the city offers incredible accommodations, indulgent amenities, and all the style and sophistication you would ever dream of in a hotel. For the past ten years, The Peninsula has been home to the Peninsula Sky Rink. This synthetic ice skating rink on the hotel’s rooftop rests high above Chicago’s Michigan Avenue.
You’ll be surrounded by amazing skyscrapers and twinkling lights, enjoying a leisurely skate accompanied by festive music and snowflake lighting. When you’re done, you can enjoy a warm drink from a selection of beverages and snacks at the Hotel Chalet. Bring or rent your skates from the Peninsula SkyRink – 100% of skate rental proceeds support the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Hephzibah Children’s Association.
Ice Skating Chicago
Whether you’re looking for a date night skate or a little time on the rink with the whole family, these spots for ice skating in Chicago are the best version of the city in winter. Don’t forget to dress appropriately – it gets chilly in our beautiful, windy city!
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