Lace Up Your Skates at These Chicago-Area Ice Rinks This Winter

Arts & Entertainment

Lace Up Your Skates at These Chicago-Area Ice Rinks This Winter

Erica Demarest | November 13, 2026, 5:00 am

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. (Patrick L. Pyszka / City of Chicago)

If you’re looking for ways to stay active this winter or just want to enjoy some time outdoors, the Chicago area is home to a number of ice rinks. Many offer free admission, and one is even putting on a New Year’s Eve fireworks show. Here are a few of our favorites.

Ice Skating Ribbon | Maggie Daley Park
Nov. 13-March 7

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Take in skyline views at the iconic downtown ice rink, which snakes through Maggie Daley Park. Reservations are required; slots open online on a rolling basis. Skate rentals cost $17-23, while skate aids are $11. Bringing your own skates is free or $5, depending on the session.

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink | Millennium Park
Nov. 20-Jan. 31

Your chance to skate downtown in Millennium Park, just a stone’s throw from the Bean. Admission is free or $5 depending on the session; reservation slots open on a rolling basis. Skate rentals are $18-22, while skate aids cost $11. The rink is also offering free weekend ice skating lessons; registration opens the Monday before each session and is limited to 20 participants per class per level.

Winterland | Gallagher Way
Nov. 20-Dec. 31

Gallagher Way will once again transform into Winterland, with an outdoor ice rink nestled next to Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville. Ice rink admission is $8. Visitors can bring their own skates or rent a pair on site for $16. And for folks who live nearby (ZIP codes 60613, 60614, 60640 and 60657), Monday and Tuesday offer half-price admission and rentals for Neighbor Discount Nights.

Winterland at Gallagher Way. (Courtesy of Gallagher Way)

Christmas at Cantigny | Cantigny (Wheaton)
Nov. 20-February (weather dependent)

While Cantigny offers a host of holiday attractions — including a light show, cocoa cabanas and fireside s’mores — it is possible to head to the expansive grounds to simply skate. Admission to the 100-by-40-foot outdoor rink is $7, skate rentals are $3, and ice skating parking costs $11. Skaters and spectators can buy food and drinks at Le Jardin, decorated like a ski chalet this winter.

Skating in the Park | Parkway Bank Park (Rosemont)
Nov. 21-Jan. 31

The Chicago Wolves Ice Rink opens Nov. 21, coinciding with the free “Light Up the Park” celebration. From 2-6 p.m. Nov. 21, visitors can expect meet-and-greets with Santa, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice sculpting and more. Skating at the outdoor rink is free; you can rent skates on site for $8. Check the website for dates and hours. Bonus: If you want to ring in the new year ice skating, there’s a fireworks show planned for New Year’s Eve.

Winter WonderFest | Navy Pier
Nov. 27-Jan. 3

Indoor ice skating at Navy Pier is included with admission to the larger Winter WonderFest ($27-32). The annual festival transforms Navy Pier’s Festival Hall with holiday decor, immersive displays and family-friendly attractions including rides on the Arctic Express Train.

Ice Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park. (Courtesy of Maggie Daley Park)

Chicago Park District Outdoor Ice Rinks | Various Locations
Nov. 27-Feb. 15 (weather permitting)

Beyond the Ice Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park, the Chicago Park District offers five additional outdoor rinks. Admission is free, but registration is required. Skate rentals cost $7.

The Rink | Block 59 (Naperville)
Nov. 13-Jan. 18

Back for a second year, The Rink at Block 59 offers festive outdoor skating with theme nights and local vendor perks (free hot chocolate at Stan’s Donuts, anyone?). Tickets are $12-14. Skate rentals are $5, but you’re welcome to bring your own skates. The season kicks off with a grand opening party Nov. 13 with treats, giveaways and a tree lighting.