Best Ice Skating Rinks in Chicago for Christmas (2026)
From the Maggie Daley ribbon to free neighborhood ice, 17 places to skate in and around Chicago this holiday season.
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Chicago's a great city to skate in at Christmas, and you've got more choices than the two rinks everyone knows. You can loop through Maggie Daley Park with the skyline around you, skate below the Bean in Millennium Park, grab a mug of glühwein at Wrigleyville's Christkindlmarket after a few laps, or spend almost nothing at a neighborhood rink.
If you only skate once, make it the Maggie Daley ribbon. Go to McCormick Tribune if you want a traditional rink downtown, Gallagher Way if half the group would rather shop the market, and Navy Pier if nobody wants to be outside.
This guide covers 17 places to skate in Chicago and the suburbs, with this season's dates, prices and booking windows. Start with the map, then use the table to compare them.
Chicago Ice Skating Rinks at a Glance
| Rink | Area | Surface | 2026-27 dates | Adult cost with rentals | How to book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon | Loop | Outdoor ice | Nov 13–Mar 7 | $17–$21 online | Timed ticket online |
| McCormick Tribune Ice Rink | Millennium Park | Outdoor ice | Nov 20–early Feb | $18–$22 | Timed ticket online |
| Gallagher Ice Rink at Winterland | Wrigleyville | Outdoor ice | From Nov 20 | $8 access, $16 rentals | Buy on site |
| Wintrust Winter WonderFest | Navy Pier | Indoor ice | Nov 27–Jan 3 | $27 online, $32 at the door, skating included | Dated ticket online |
| The Peninsula Sky Rink | Magnificent Mile | Outdoor synthetic | Selected dates, Nov 20–Feb 15 | $20 rentals | Call the hotel |
| Chicago Wolves Ice Rink | Rosemont | Outdoor ice | Nov 21–Jan 31 | Free admission, $8 rentals | Walk up |
| Christmas at Cantigny Ice Rink | Wheaton | Outdoor ice | From Nov 20 | $10 | Buy on site |
| Midway Plaisance Ice Rink | Hyde Park | Outdoor ice | From Nov 27 | Free admission, $7 rentals | Reserve online |
| Warren Park Ice Rink | West Ridge | Outdoor ice | From Nov 27 | Free admission, $7 rentals | Reserve online |
| McKinley Ice Rink | McKinley Park | Outdoor ice | From Nov 27 | Free admission, $7 rentals | Reserve online |
| Mt. Greenwood Ice Rink | Mount Greenwood | Outdoor ice | From Nov 27 | Free admission, $7 rentals | Reserve online |
| Wentworth Ice Rink | Garfield Ridge | Outdoor ice | From Nov 27 | Free admission, $7 rentals | Reserve online |
| McFetridge Sports Center | Irving Park area | Indoor ice | Year-round | $10 | Register or drop in |
| Morgan Park Sports Center | Morgan Park | Indoor ice | Year-round | $10 | Drop in, cards only |
| Blackhawks Ice Center | Near West Side | Indoor ice | Year-round | $20 | Walk in |
| Paul Hruby Ice Rink | Oak Park | Indoor ice | Year-round | $12 | Register or walk in |
| Robert Crown Community Center | Evanston | Indoor ice | Year-round | $14 | Tickets up to seven days ahead |
Best Holiday Ice Rinks in Chicago
These are the rinks to build a Christmas outing around, whether that's a skyline skate, a market night or a day indoors. Rosemont and Cantigny are out in the suburbs, so they make the most sense if you're already nearby or want a full evening there. For the rest of the night, our Chicago Christmas bars guide picks up where the rink leaves off. Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville and the rest of the season's markets are in our Chicago Christmas markets guide, and Cantigny's light show and the other big displays are in our Chicago Christmas lights guide.
Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon
337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
This is our first pick. Instead of circling a rectangle, you follow a quarter-mile ribbon of ice through the park, with downtown's towers all around you. Brand-new skaters may want to start at McCormick Tribune, where the layout's simpler. Details: November 13, 2026–March 7, 2027, at 337 E. Randolph St. Sessions run two hours. Rentals are $17 online Monday–Thursday and $21 Friday–Sunday, on holidays and from December 11–January 3. Walk-ups cost $2 more if the session isn't sold out. Own skates are $5, or free at 11 a.m. on non-holiday weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends and during the holiday season. The RoamRecs move: Tickets for December 11–January 3 drop November 30 at noon. Take photos before you lace up, since phones and bags aren't allowed on the ice.
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
1 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
This is the Chicago skating picture most people have in mind: a traditional rink on Michigan Avenue, right below the Bean. It's an easy add to a downtown day and the friendlier of the two downtown rinks for beginners. Details: November 20, 2026 through early February 2027, weather permitting, in Millennium Park along Michigan Avenue. Sessions run 90 minutes and need a timed online ticket. Rentals are $18 Monday–Thursday and $22 Friday–Sunday and on holidays. Own skates are free at 11 a.m. and can cost $5 at other sessions. There's a $1 fee per transaction. The RoamRecs move: Book a free weekend lesson, 9–10 a.m. through January 31, with rentals included. Skip opening night, when the city's tree lighting brings the crowds.
Gallagher Ice Rink at Winterland
3635 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613, USA
Gallagher Way works best when only some of the group wants to skate. The rink sits on the plaza beside Wrigley Field, with Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville steps away, so everybody else can browse the huts and find something warm to drink. Details: November 20–December 31, 2026, at 3635 N. Clark St. Open Monday–Thursday 3–9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Rink access is $8 and rentals are $16, sold on site. The RoamRecs move: Go on a weeknight if you can, then stay for the market.
Wintrust Winter WonderFest
600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
Navy Pier's holiday event is the one to pick when nobody wants to be outside, with an ice rink, rides and festive decor all under one roof in Festival Hall. It's a family day out more than a straightforward skate. Details: November 27, 2026–January 3, 2027, at 600 E. Grand Ave. Tickets are $27 online at least 24 hours ahead and $32 after that, with skating included. Everyone 3 and up needs a ticket, even if they aren't skating. The RoamRecs move: Buy by the day before to save $5 a person. Most weekdays from December 3–17 end at 5 p.m., so go on a Friday or Saturday for an evening visit.
The Peninsula Sky Rink
108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
The Peninsula's terrace rink is small, pretty and more of a festive stop than a real skate. At 2,100 square feet, it's a synthetic surface rather than ice, so go for the setting above Michigan Avenue and a hot drink from the Chalet. Details: Selected dates from November 20, 2026–February 15, 2027, at 108 E. Superior St. Rentals are $20 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. Call 312-337-2888 before you go, since it doesn't run every day. The RoamRecs move: Rent rather than bringing your own, since synthetic surfaces dull metal blades quickly.
Chicago Wolves Ice Rink at Parkway Bank Park
5501 Park Pl, Rosemont, IL 60018, USA
Rosemont's the best outdoor deal in the suburbs. The rink's free to enter and sits in the middle of an entertainment district, so skating rolls straight into dinner or a movie. It's also a Blue Line ride from downtown. Details: November 21, 2026–January 31, 2027, at 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Admission is free and rentals are $8. Hours change through the season, so look at the daily calendar first. The RoamRecs move: Go on November 21, when the Light Up the Park celebration switches on the holiday lights.
Christmas at Cantigny Ice Rink
1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton, IL 60189
Cantigny's a slower, more romantic night out. The rink sits by the Visitors Center in Wheaton, and you can pair it with the park's half-mile light show, which is a separate ticket. Details: Opens November 20, 2026, at 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. Open Wednesday–Friday 4–9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Admission is $7 and rentals are $3, bought on site. Rink-only guests pay for parking. The RoamRecs move: Reserve a Cocoa Cabana if you've got a group of up to 10.
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Where to book: Maggie Daley, McCormick Tribune, Gallagher Way, Navy Pier, The Peninsula, Rosemont, Cantigny.
Best Neighborhood Ice Rinks in Chicago
The Park District's five neighborhood rinks are the best deal in the city: free admission, $7 rentals and no downtown crowds. Don't expect decorations or much food.
All five open November 27, 2026, weather permitting, and usually run into mid-February. Reserve an open-skate session online. Sessions release Mondays at noon, about two weeks ahead, starting November 9, and Christmas week goes on sale December 7. They're closed on Christmas Day.
Midway Plaisance Ice Rink
1130 Midway Plaisance, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
This is the most scenic of the five, with the University of Chicago's Gothic buildings around you on the old grounds of the 1893 World's Fair. Families and groups of teens fill it up, and hockey players get their own sessions. Make it a Hyde Park afternoon. Details: 1130 Midway Plaisance North, Hyde Park.
Warren Park Ice Rink
6601 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645, USA
Far North Siders can skip the trip downtown and skate here instead. It's an easy, low-key session for a few dollars. Details: 6601 N. Western Ave., West Ridge.
McKinley Ice Rink
2210 W. Pershing Rd., Chicago, IL 60609
A handy Southwest Side rink for families who'd rather spend the afternoon on the ice than getting to it. Details: 2210 W. Pershing Rd., McKinley Park.
Mt. Greenwood Ice Rink
3721 W 111th St, Chicago, IL 60655, USA
The Far Southwest Side's neighborhood rink is a good size for a child's first skate, without the crowds or the bill of a big holiday attraction. Details: 3721 W. 111th St., Mount Greenwood.
Wentworth Ice Rink
5625 S Mobile Ave, Chicago, IL 60638, USA
This Southwest Side rink is close to Midway Airport and easy to reach for Garfield Ridge families. Look for it on Mobile Avenue, not Wentworth Avenue. Details: 5625 S. Mobile Ave., Garfield Ridge.
Where to book: Chicago Park District ice rinks.
Best Indoor Ice Rinks in Chicago and Nearby
These rinks don't do Christmas scenery, but they're warm, cheap and immune to a bad forecast. They share the ice with hockey and lessons, so public sessions are limited. Pick your session first, then plan around it.
McFetridge Sports Center
3843 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA
McFetridge is one of only two indoor rinks the Park District runs, and it's a cheap, no-fuss place to get your legs back before a bigger Christmas skate. There's a free lot next door, which is rare in the city. Eat first, though, because there's not much in the way of snacks. Details: 3843 N. California Ave. Admission is $6 for ages 13 and up and $5 for 12 and under, plus $4 rentals. You can register ahead or pay at the front desk. The posted public-skate schedule runs through December 18. The RoamRecs move: Adults can skip the crowds at the $4 adult-only weekday sessions.
Morgan Park Sports Center
11505 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643, USA
This is the South Side's indoor rink, and it's as simple as skating gets: show up, pay, skate. It's a good pick for a family that wants a small plan and a small bill. Details: 11505 S. Western Ave. Admission is $6 for ages 13–59, $5 for 12 and under and $3 for 60 and up, plus $4 rentals. Public skate is drop-in and takes cards only. December sessions are Saturdays 5:20–6:50 p.m. and Sundays 4:40–6:10 p.m., plus December 24 from 12:30–2:30 p.m. The RoamRecs move: Don't just show up on a weekday. Public skate here is mostly a weekend thing.
Blackhawks Ice Center
1801 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
The Blackhawks' practice home is the pick for a hockey-minded group. The expanded building has a team hall of fame, plus Rocky's Table & Tap and the Raise the Cup Cafe, so there's more to do here than at a typical rink. Non-skaters can watch for free. Details: 1801 W. Jackson Blvd. Admission is $14, or $10 for kids 10 and under and for seniors and military with ID, plus $6 rentals. There are no reservations, so it's first come, first served. The RoamRecs move: Look up the public-skate schedule under the Blackhawks Ice Center name. Older listings still call it Fifth Third Arena.
Paul Hruby Ice Rink
415 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60302, USA
Oak Park's rink is the simplest bill in this guide, with rentals included in the price. Saturday's Cosmic Skate adds disco lights and music, and skate walkers help first-timers get going. Details: 415 Lake St., Oak Park, at Ridgeland Common. Public skate is $12 with rentals, Friday and Saturday 6:30–8:15 p.m. and Sunday 12:45–2:45 p.m. You can register up to 14 days ahead or walk in. The RoamRecs move: Bring kids on Sunday afternoon and save Cosmic Skate for teens. Holiday-week sessions can change, so look at the calendar first.
Robert Crown Community Center
1801 Main St, Evanston, IL 60202, USA
Evanston's year-round rink is the North Shore's best bad-weather backup, with public skates that work for a mixed-age family. DJ Skate Nights are the fun option if you've got teenagers. Details: 1801 Main St., Evanston. Admission is $10 for ages 18 and up and $6 for 17 and under, plus $4 rentals. Tickets go on sale seven days ahead, and online sales end two hours before each session. Anything left is sold in person 30 minutes before the start. The RoamRecs move: DJ Skate is $11 for adults and $7 for kids, sold only in person, so get there early.
Where to book: McFetridge, Morgan Park, Blackhawks Ice Center, Paul Hruby, Robert Crown.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Hours
Maggie Daley's the only outdoor rink in the Park District system that's open on Christmas Day.
| Rink | December 24 | December 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Maggie Daley ribbon | Sessions at 8 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. | Sessions at 8 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. |
| Neighborhood Park District rinks | Open with holiday hours | Closed |
| The Peninsula Sky Rink | 11 a.m.–7 p.m. | 11 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| Morgan Park Sports Center | 12:30–2:30 p.m. | No session |
| Wintrust Winter WonderFest | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Closed |
| Gallagher Way | Shorter holiday hours | Closed |
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