Insider’s Guide to Outdoor Ice Skating in DC

Christmas weekend is right around the corner and that means (weather permitting) outdoor ice rinks will start opening up to the public all over the District. We’ve pulled together a list of some of our favorite places to cut the ice.

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Washington Harbour Ice Rink

3000 K St. NW Washington, DC

At 11,800-square-feet, this is the largest ice skating rink in DC. Ringed by rinkside restaurants there are plenty of opportunities for finding both hot drink and food to make it a night out. Hours Monday and Tuesday noon to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday noon to 9:00 p.m., Friday noon to 10:00 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Learn to skate on Saturdays 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. to 10 a.m.

Ice Rink at Fairmont Washington, DC, Georgetown

2401 M Street NW

The newest outdoor skating option in the District is in the Fairmont’s courtyard. The 900-foot ice skating rink is surrounded by sparkling lights and fire pits. Skating is $5 per hour. Hours are Monday through Friday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The rink is situated under Santa’s suite, so kids will occasionally be treated to the jolly red elf’s bellowing “ho, ho, hos” from the balcony above. The rink opens on November 25.

Canal Park Ice Rink

2nd & M St. SE Washington DC

Situated in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, Canal Park offers skating Monday through Friday noon to 10 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Admission is $9 per adult and $8 for children, seniors, and military. Skate rentals are $5.

Sculpture Garden Ice Rink

7th St. and Constitution Ave. NW Washington, DC

Skate while surrounded by the sculptures at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden. Hours are Mondays through Thursdays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Lessons are available Saturday mornings 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Rates are adults $9, children and seniors $8, and skate rentals are $3.50. Buy a season pass for $195.

Pentagon Row Ice Rink

1201 South Joyce Street, Arlington, VA

One of the largest ice skating rinks in NOVA and one of the first to freeze ice every year. Sundays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Mondays through Wednesdays from noon to 10 p.m., Fridays noon to 11 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Special hours on holidays. Prices: Adults $9, children and seniors $8. Skate rentals at $5.

Tysons Corner Ice Rink

Plaza at Tysons Corner Center, Tysons Corner, VA

Tysons Corner opens in mid-November (weather permitting) and is open on Christmas Day (check out special holiday hours at the website). Adult admission is $10 and children and vets skate for $9. Skate rentals are $6. Need a scooter? They have some for only $5. Skate aid penguins and snowmen are $10. Monday and Tuesday 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 3 p.m. – 9 p.m., Friday 1 p.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Reston Town Center Ice Skating

1818 Discovery Street, Reston, VA

Reston’s open-air pavilion is open through the end of March. Ice skating is $10 for adults and $9 for under 12. Rentals are $6. If you’re an avid ice skater you can buy 10 admissions for $85.

Silver Springs Ice Skating at Veterans Plaza

8523 Fenton St. Silver Spring, MD

This ice rink in downtown Silver Springs is the perfect addition to a day of holiday shopping. Ice skating is $9 for everyone 13 and up and $8 for 12 and under. Rentals are $5. Hours are Monday through Friday noon to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.