Whether it’s ice skating downtown at The Rink at Rockefeller Center or high up in the mountains of Colorado, for families across the nation, ice skating is an iconic pastime that captures the spirit of the upcoming holiday season.This year, let’s skip indoor ice skating at your local ice rink for one of America’s top five outdoor ice skating rink venues instead.
After all, who can resist carving out a figure 8 while skating backward on the ice beneath a starry sky above? So, this festive season, dig out your ice skates from the attic, let the Zamboni work its magic, and join us as we explore the best outdoor ice skating rink destinations in the US.
New York, New York
It’s almost impossible to start a tour of America’s greatest outdoor ice skating rinks without first starting at The Rink at Rockefeller Center in New York. Located in the heart of Manhattan, the Rockefeller Center’s unique outdoor ice skating rink experience encapsulates the magic of the holidays each Christmas.
Set amongst the towering skyscrapers, when it comes to ice skating downtown, this world-famous ice rink has graced the screens of several family-favorite holiday season movies, including: “Home Alone 2” and “Elf”. A fantastic experience whether you’re a novice skater or a seasoned pro, Rockefeller ice skating is perfect for the whole family wanting to spend Christmas on the ice.
Complete your New York City experience after a day of outdoor ice skating while staying at the impressive Best Western Premier Empire State Hotel in New York, New York.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Next on our shortlist of the best outdoor ice skating rink venues in the US, we head to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,to experience the marvelous PPG Place outdoor skating rink. Nestled between the city’s lofty glass skyscrapers, the PPG Place ice rink is an incredible frozen arena for ice skating downtown with your friends and family.
PPG Place skating rink is idyllic for skaters of all ages and abilities and the perfect way to embrace the holiday vibes as you glide on the ice beneath the spectacular city lights of the Pittsburgh skyline. Just be sure to bring your gloves and scarves to enjoy the colder evenings on this outdoor ice skating rink in the heart of Steel City.
After a great day coasting around one of America’s best outdoor ice skating rinks, be sure to get a warm night’s sleep every night staying at the outstanding Best Western Plus Cranberry-Pittsburgh North in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.
Beaver Creek, Colorado
Our next ice rink lets us escape the big city lights and head to the serene winter wonderland of Beaver Creek Village, Colorado. This picture postcard outdoor ice skating rink venue is beautifully decked with festive lights throughout, while also benefiting from the truly stunning snow-capped mountain vistas.
Ideal for all ages, whether it’s your first time putting on a pair of ice skates or you’re an expert skater, Beaver Creek Village outdoor ice rink has something for everyone. As the sun goes down, you can stay on the ice for a panoramic view of the spectacular starry night sky above or head to a cozy rink-side cafe overlooking this fabulous outdoor ice park.
Enhance your family’s outdoor ice skating vacation with a comfy night’s sleep at the elegant Best Western Plus Eagle/Vail Valley Eagle, Colorado.
Roseville, Minnesota
Our following outdoor ice skating rink adventure comes with an authentic Christmassy feel as we head to Roseville, Minnesota, and The Guidant John Rose MN OVAL. This amazing outdoor ice palace enjoys the remarkable open-air vistas and awe-inspiring natural scenery while also immersing itself in the holiday spirit with beautifully decorated Christmas trees and dazzling Christmas lights around the outdoor rink.
Featuring an internal rink and an orbital track, the Guidant John Rose MN OVAL offers a variety of ice rinks to skate at your own pace. However, for the more advanced skaters, you can lace up your ice hockey skates for a game or warm up for the ice skating Olympics with its speed skating track. But no matter how you choose to skate on the ice, just don’t forget to take in the incredible scenic setting while you’re here.
Make the most of the Guidant John Rose Minnesota OVAL outdoor ice rinks with a comfy night’s sleep at the historic Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
San Diego, California
You might not believe us, but our final outdoor ice skating rink destination will find you skating on Coronado Beach in sunny San Diego, California. This famous rink on the beach could see you figure skating around the ice under some swaying Californian palm trees this festive season.
With ocean-side views, this incredible outdoor skating rink is an ice palace on the beach and a perfect setting for those who enjoy ice skating in shorts and a t-shirt. As ice rinks go, you can spend a morning gliding across the ice before building a sandcastle and enjoying a swim or a surf yards away from this tropical ice arena.
Heighten your family’s Christmas vacation and incredible outdoor ice skating rink experience with a stay at the wondrous Best Western Plus Suites Hotel Coronado Island in Coronado, California.