Best Ice Skating Rinks in Washington, DC for the Holidays (2026)
From the Sculpture Garden and Georgetown to the Wharf, Reston and indoor rinks, here's where to skate around DC this winter.
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For a first holiday skate in DC, head to the National Gallery's Sculpture Garden. Washington Harbour is the Georgetown date-night pick, and The Wharf is the one for a night on the water. Outside the city, Reston Town Center has the best holiday setting.
This guide covers 11 seasonal rinks across DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia, plus eight indoor rinks for bad-weather days and real practice time. Outdoor rinks can close for weather, so check the rink's page before you leave. For the light displays near several of these rinks, see our DC Christmas lights guide.
Every Rink at a Glance
Adult prices include skate rental unless the row says otherwise. Taxes and booking fees are extra.
| Rink | Area and transit | 2026–27 dates | Adult with rental | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Gallery Sculpture Garden | National Mall; Archives or Smithsonian Metro | Nov 23–Mar 7 | $22 | A classic first DC skate |
| Washington Harbour | Georgetown; no Metro, Foggy Bottom is closest | Nov 19–Feb 28 | $20 | A Georgetown date night |
| The Wharf | Southwest Waterfront; Waterfront or L'Enfant Plaza Metro | Returns in December | $25 last season | Skating over the water, then dinner |
| Canal Park | Navy Yard; Navy Yard–Ballpark Metro | Dates to come | $20 last season | A low-key neighborhood skate |
| Westpost (Pentagon Row) | Arlington; Pentagon City Metro | Opened Oct 30 | $18 online | An easy skate close to DC |
| Reston Town Center | Reston; Reston Town Center Metro | Opens Nov 6 | $19 last season | The full holiday setting outside DC |
| Rockville Town Square | Rockville; Rockville Metro | Opened Oct 30 | $18 online | Families in Montgomery County |
| Silver Spring | Veterans Plaza; Silver Spring Metro | Dec 4–Mar 1 | $18 | Skating before dinner or a movie |
| Harris Pavilion | Old Town Manassas; VRE Manassas station | Returns in November | $17 last season | An Old Town day trip |
| Color Burst | Columbia, MD; drive | Nov 20–Jan 31 | $15 | Skating with a holiday market |
| Quiet Waters Park | Annapolis; drive | Returns in November | $10 last season, plus $8 per car | A park day near Annapolis |
| Fort Dupont Ice Arena | Southeast DC; Benning Road Metro | Year-round | $14 DC residents, $24 others | DC's only indoor arena |
| MedStar Capitals Iceplex | Ballston; Ballston–MU Metro | Year-round | Shown at booking | Indoor skating by Metro |
| Mount Vernon Rec Center | Alexandria; drive | Year-round | $14 | Family-ticket value |
| Cabin John Ice Rink | Rockville; drive | Year-round | $13 | Budget sessions and tots |
| Wheaton Ice Arena | Wheaton; drive | Year-round | $13 | A first skate with a preschooler |
| Fairfax Ice Arena | Fairfax; drive | Year-round | $14.25–$15.25 | A simple indoor skate |
| SkateQuest | Reston; drive | Year-round | $14 | An indoor option near Reston |
| Tucker Road Ice Rink | Fort Washington, MD; drive | Year-round | $11 residents, $13 others | Southeast of DC |
For a family of two adults and two kids ages 5–12, skating with rentals runs $82 at the Sculpture Garden, $76 at Washington Harbour and $52 at a regular Cabin John or Wheaton session. Mount Vernon's family ticket is $40.
Best Ice Skating Rinks in DC
These four are the easiest to fit into a city day or night out, and each one feels different. Start with the Sculpture Garden for sightseeing, Georgetown or The Wharf for an evening, and Canal Park for something more local.
Turning it into a date? Our first-date bars and cozy bars guides have good next stops.
1. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink
Constitution Ave NW &, 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Art, the National Mall and a museum visit all fit into one afternoon here, which is why it's our pick for a first DC skate. The rink tops 9,500 square feet, with sculptures around the ice and lights after dark. Adults and ages 13+ pay $15. Kids 12 and under, adults 60+, military and students pay $12. Rentals are $7, lockers are free, and tickets are sold at the rink. The RoamRecs move: See the museum first, then reach the rink just before the top of the hour, when sessions start. Your ticket covers two 45-minute sessions in a row. Know before you go: Hours are 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday–Saturday. The last full session starts two hours before closing. It's closed December 25 and January 1, and after 5 p.m. you'll enter near 9th Street on Constitution Avenue or Madison Drive.
2. Washington Harbour Ice Rink
3050 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Georgetown's waterfront rink bills itself as the largest in the city, with views of the Potomac, Key Bridge and the Kennedy Center. Snowflake lights take over after dark, so it's the one we'd book for a date. Adults pay $12. Kids 12 and under, seniors and military pay $10. Rentals are $8, skate aids are $10, and sessions run 90 minutes. The RoamRecs move: Take a late-afternoon session, then walk up to Martin's Tavern, a Georgetown institution since 1933. There's no Metro in Georgetown, so plan your ride home too. Know before you go: This is your best bet for the holidays. It has sessions on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. In January and February, Monday–Wednesday sessions start at 3 p.m.
3. The Wharf Ice Rink
970 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
This is DC's only over-water rink, set on Transit Pier right outside The Anthem. Pick it when skating is one part of the night, with a walk along the water and dinner close by. The rink returns in December, and 2026–27 prices are still to come. There are no reservations, and your wristband is good for the whole business day. The RoamRecs move: Skate first, then head down the waterfront to Officina for Italian. Keep dinner loose, since the rink is first come, first served. Know before you go: The rink is cashless and doesn't offer lessons. Rentals run from child size 9 to size 15 hockey skates. Private events can close the rink, so check its page that day.
4. Canal Park Ice Rink
200 M St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA
Canal Park's figure-eight rink winds through a neighborhood park, so it feels more like a night in Navy Yard than a stop on a monuments tour. It's a good pick for a casual date or a family afternoon. Dates and prices for 2026–27 are still to come. Last season's 90-minute sessions included a break halfway through to resurface the ice. The RoamRecs move: Keep the plan in the neighborhood. Wiseguy Pizza is right by the park for a slice after you skate, and the Navy Yard–Ballpark Metro is about a block away. Know before you go: The rink is in the park's southern block at 200 M Street SE, not at The Yards. Private lessons have been offered during public sessions.
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Best Ice Skating Rinks in Maryland and Northern Virginia
Westpost, Rockville and Silver Spring are the easy trips, since all three sit near Metro. Reston takes a little longer but pays off with the best holiday setting. Save Manassas, Columbia and Annapolis for a day when the destination is part of the plan.
5. Westpost Ice Rink at Pentagon Row
1201 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
Still widely known as Pentagon Row, this 7,200-square-foot plaza rink is one of the easiest outings from central DC. There's a two-sided outdoor fireplace for warming up, plus restaurants right around the ice. The rink opened October 30. Online admission is $12 for ages 13+ and $11 for kids 12 and under, and walk-up tickets cost $1 more. Rentals are $6, and tickets are good for up to two hours. The RoamRecs move: Book online and arrive on time. The operator asks you to get there within 10 minutes of your start. Know before you go: Reservations open two weeks ahead.
6. Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion
1818 Discovery St, Reston, VA 20190, USA
This is the suburban rink we'd choose for the full holiday picture. The covered pavilion sits in the middle of the town center, with shops and restaurants around it, so it's easy to turn skating into a whole evening. The rink opens November 6, weather permitting. Hours are 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday–Saturday, with extended holiday hours. The RoamRecs move: Pair your skate with the November 27 holiday parade and tree lighting, or pick a quieter night and book dinner at Sixty Vines beside the pavilion. Know before you go: The pavilion has a roof but stays open to the air, so dress for the cold. Garage parking is free after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all weekend. Rentals run from toddler 8 to men's 15.
7. Rockville Town Square Ice Rink
131 Gibbs St, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
Rockville's rink suits a family or group that wants a proper outdoor skate with a meal on either side. It's also a short walk from Rockville Metro, and non-skaters have plenty to do around the square. Online tickets are $12 for ages 13+ and $11 for kids and seniors, and adult walk-up tickets are $13. Rentals are $6, and tickets are good for up to two hours. The RoamRecs move: Book online and ask about parking validation when you arrive. The operator offers two validated hours. Know before you go: Reservations open two weeks ahead, and holiday hours can change.
8. Silver Spring Ice Skating at Veterans Plaza
8523 Fenton St, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
Veterans Plaza puts the rink in the middle of downtown Silver Spring, so dinner or a movie can be the second half of the night. It works well when only part of the group wants to skate. The season runs December 4–March 1. Admission is $13 for adults and $12 for kids and seniors, and rentals are $5. The RoamRecs move: Take the Red Line and make a night of downtown Silver Spring. Keep your dinner plan close to the rink. Know before you go: The rink sits under a permanent canopy but stays open to the air. Rentals run from toddler 7 to adult 14, including some double-blade skates for kids.
9. Harris Pavilion Ice Rink
9201 Center St, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
Harris Pavilion is for the day you want to leave DC behind. The covered rink sits in Old Town Manassas, right by the VRE station, so a skate pairs well with a walk and a meal. The rink returns in November. Last season's prices were $10 for adults, $8 for kids 12 and under and $7 for rentals, with skate aids extra. The RoamRecs move: Go on a weekend. Weekday sessions didn't start until 4 p.m. last season, while weekend sessions started at noon. Know before you go: Sessions run 90 minutes, and you can reserve online. The rink closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day last year.
10. Color Burst Ice Rink at Merriweather District
6221 Mango Tree Rd, Columbia, MD 21044, USA
Color Burst earns the drive when you pair it with Merriweather District's seasonal events. It's a lively all-in-one outing for families who've already done the Mall. The season runs November 20–January 31. Admission is $12 and rentals are $3, plus tax and a reservation fee. Your 75 minutes start when you enter the rink, and kids' skating aids are $5. The RoamRecs move: Go during the December 4–6 holiday market, or make opening night on November 20 your tree-lighting outing. Book skating separately for both. Know before you go: Reserve ahead. Use the Symphony Woods Garage at 6275 Mango Tree Road.
11. Quiet Waters Park Ice Rink
600 Quiet Waters Park Rd, Annapolis, MD 21403, USA
Quiet Waters is the change-of-scenery pick, with the rink set beside the visitor center in a park full of wooded paths. It's a good family outing if you're already in the Annapolis area. The rink returns in November. Last season's prices were $7 for adults, $6 for kids 12 and under and seniors 60+, and $3 for rentals. Park entry is $8 per vehicle. The RoamRecs move: Go on a weekend and walk the trails first. Weekday openings were 3 p.m. last season, which leaves little daylight in December. Know before you go: Sessions last two hours and start on the hour. The rink was closed Tuesdays outside school breaks, and it closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Call 410-222-1711 for daily updates.
Best Indoor Ice Skating Rinks Around DC
These are year-round arenas, so you're coming for the ice instead of the decorations. They're the move for rain, wind or a longer practice session. Book or attend a public skating session, since the building's hours also cover hockey and lessons.
12. Fort Dupont Ice Arena
3779 Ely Pl SE, Washington, DC 20019, USA
This is DC's only indoor ice arena, and resident pricing makes it a real deal for District families. Rentals are included: adults pay $14 with DC residency or $24 without, and ages 5–17 pay $11 or $18. Reserve Open Skate ahead, and kids under 14 need an adult with them.
13. MedStar Capitals Iceplex
627 N Glebe Rd Ste 800, Arlington, VA 22203, USA
The Capitals' practice home sits above the Ballston garage, close to Ballston–MU Metro. Enroll online before you go, using the Suite 800 and garage elevator directions. Cones, buckets and walkers aren't allowed on the ice, and adults can't carry kids.
14. Mount Vernon Rec Center Ice Arena
2017 Belle View Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22307, USA
The rebuilt arena has two NHL-size rinks and the best family deal on this list. Rentals are included: adults pay $14, and ages 5–18 and seniors pay $10. The $40 family ticket covers up to five related people, with one or two adults. It's in Fairfax County, not at George Washington's estate.
15. Cabin John Ice Rink
10610 Westlake Dr, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
This is the Montgomery County pick for cheap ice. Regular sessions are $9 plus $4 rentals, and Cheapskate sessions are $9 with rentals included. Parent and Tot sessions are $10 for one adult and one child ages 3–4. It's closed Thanksgiving, and the late session on December 12 is canceled for the winter ice show.
16. Wheaton Ice Arena
11717 Orebaugh Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902, USA
Wheaton is our first stop for a preschooler's first skate. A Parent and Tot session costs $10 for one adult and one child ages 3–4, rentals included. Regular sessions are $9 plus $4 rentals, and Cheapskate sessions are $9 all in. Use the Orebaugh Avenue entrance.
17. Fairfax Ice Arena
3779 Pickett Road, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA
Fairfax keeps things simple, with daily public sessions, $4 rentals and free helmets while supplies last. Admission is $10.25 on weekdays and $11.25 on weekends and holidays. Buy at the box office, which opens 30 minutes before each session.
18. SkateQuest
1800 Michael Faraday Ct, Reston, VA 20190, USA
SkateQuest is the indoor option near Reston, about $14 with rentals. Public sessions run at set times, so check the schedule before you swap it in for the Town Center rink. They're two separate venues.
19. Tucker Road Ice Rink
1770 Tucker Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744, USA
Tucker Road covers the south side of the region, near National Harbor. Adults pay $7 with Prince George's or Montgomery County residency or $9 without, plus $4 rentals. Super Saver sessions are $6 or $8 with rentals included. It's closed Thanksgiving.
Before You Go
Book where you can. Reserve ahead for Washington Harbour, Westpost, Rockville, Color Burst, Fort Dupont and MedStar. The Sculpture Garden and The Wharf sell tickets on-site, and The Wharf doesn't take reservations.
Check what your ticket buys. You get 90 minutes at Washington Harbour, 75 at Color Burst and up to two hours at Westpost and Rockville. The Sculpture Garden splits its time into two 45-minute sessions.
Dress for the weather, even under a roof. Reston, Silver Spring and Harris Pavilion are covered but open to the air. Wear gloves, layers and socks that come above your ankles.
Staying out after? See our DC Christmas bars and festive restaurants.
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