The best places to ice skate around D.C. this winter
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Ice Rink at the Sculpture Garden. Photo: Courtesy Washington.org
Festive ice skating rinks are open for the winter season.
Why it matters: There's a DMV rink for every mood, from first dates to family fun.
What's new: Most of the skating spots below are outdoors, but there's a cool new indoor rink, The Holiday Skate Spectacular, popping up at the National Building Museum (Dec. 16-Jan. 4).
- The free, synthetic rink will have theme nights and kids-only sessions. Skate rentals are just $5.
More rinks —
🎨 Sculpture Garden: One of the prettiest places to glide in D.C. is the National Gallery's rink on the National Mall (open now through early March). The Pavilion Café serves warm drinks and light fare. Season passes and lessons can be bought online — all ages and abilities welcome — and you can only buy regular passes on-site.
- Tickets: $10 for kids, $12 for anyone 13+, $6 skate rentals.
⛸️ Washington Harbour: Skate at the Georgetown Waterfront through February, overlooking the Potomac River and twinkling harbor lights.
- Tickets and skate rentals can be booked online, starting at $9 for kids and $11 for adults, plus $7 skate rentals.
🛥️ The Wharf: Glide out over the water at The Wharf rink, set on a pier. It opens Nov. 27, and you can warm up with s'mores at the nearby fire pit.
- Tickets are first-come, starting at $15 for kids and $19 for adults (no cash accepted).
🎄 Ice & Lights at Cameron Run: Enjoy skating and holiday lights in one place at this winter wonderland in Alexandria, where skaters can glide around displays and under the stars (through February). Warm up with cocoa and pizza.
- Tickets: $20 for skating and holiday village entry, day or evening.
❄️ Color Burst ice rink: Columbia's outdoor rink offers skating through January with festive decorations and warming drinks and eats.
- Tickets ($12) and skate rentals ($3) can be booked online.
🔥 National Landing: The huge ice rink touts itself as the largest in Northern Virginia. The surrounding plaza is filled with lights, shops and an outdoor fireplace. Lessons are available for kids and adults, and passes are offered for both walk-up and advance purchase.
- Tickets are $10 for kids under 12 and $11 for adults, plus $6 skate rentals.
⛄ Silver Spring: The outdoor rink at Veterans Plaza is set under colorful lights. Lessons for kids and adults are offered throughout the season. Online reservations are required (no cash).
- Tickets: $10 for kids and $11 for adults, plus $6 skate rentals.