12 Ice Skating Spots Across the Globe That Are Worth Lacing Up Your Skates For

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There are few things as romantic as ice skating in the winter. Put your favorite blades on and experience the best places for ice skating in the world.

When the weather gets cold, some places turn into magical destinations full of wintertime activities. One of the most timeless and thrilling cold-weather activities is ice skating.

Throughout the world, you can visit rinks, frozen lakes, and rivers that become enchanting places to skate. Below are the 12 best places for ice skating in the world.

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If you could skate anywhere, which icy wonderland would you pick? Let’s hear your dream glide! ⛸️

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Best Places for Ice Skating in the World Rideau Canal Skateway, Ottawa, Canada

Rideau Canal, Ottawa 1/5

Best Places for Ice Skating in the World Rockefeller Center, New York City, USA

Rockefeller Center, NYC 2/5

Best Places for Ice Skating in the World Lac de Joux, Switzerland

Lac de Joux, Switzerland 3/5

Best Places for Ice Skating in the World Somerset House, London, England

Somerset House, London 4/5

European Cities for Winter Vacation Vienna, Austria

Rathausplatz, Vienna 5/5

Results

Rideau Canal, Ottawa

19 1

Rockefeller Center, NYC

10 10

Lac de Joux, Switzerland

15 5

Somerset House, London

14 6

Rathausplatz, Vienna

13 7

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Somerset House, London, England

The Somerset House in London, England, is a timeless location for any ice skating fan. From November to January, you can glide through a neoclassical courtyard in one of Europe’s most classic rinks.

The rinks are located in the heart of London and are decorated with bright holiday lights and decorations. You’ll skate next to a 40-foot Christmas tree and endless holiday lights.

A DJ mixes constant musical hits as you spend hours moving through the jubilant crowd. After skating, sit down for a meal at one of the pop-up restaurants on the side of the rink.

Rathausplatz, Vienna

Rathausplatz is Vienna’s premier destination for ice skating. During the winter, Vienna’s city hall transforms its surrounding park into one of Europe’s best places to ice skate.

You’ll move through colorful rinks, trails, and hang-out spots surrounded by people having endless fun. Holiday lights, Christmas trees, and food stands surround you, making it a truly immersive experience.

At the highest vantage point is the new SKY RINK viewing platform. From here, you can look down on all the action before checking out the massive Christmas market or more skating.

Rockefeller Center, New York City, USA

Rockefeller Center may be the most iconic skating destination in the US. It’s been featured in some of the US’ most famous holiday movies, making it a must-visit skating destination.

Besides being famous, Rockefeller Center still has endless charms. As you enter the rink, the famous tower stands above you with its nationally televised Christmas tree.

The entire rink is decorated in timeless holiday lights. From the scenery to the vibe, there’s nothing quite like it in the world. After you’re done, you’ll be in the center of NYC, ready to make your Christmas miracles come alive.

Lac de Joux, Switzerland

When Lac de Joux freezes over, it becomes one of Europe’s most beloved ice skating destinations. You’ll see the villages and forests surrounding the lake covered in snow and have endless stretches of ice to yourself.

You can glide to your heart’s content along the shoreline or the middle of the lake. Along the banks, local artisans sell food and gifts. You’ll see families, couples, and solo skaters doing their thing and enjoying the calm winter scenery.

When you’re done, head into the village of Le Séchey for delicious meals. Then, grab a hot chocolate, slip into your skates, and head out for more.

Hôtel de Ville, Paris, France

Best Places for Ice Skating in the World Hôtel de Ville, Paris, France — © Petunyia / Adobe Stock

Paris’ Hôtel de Ville is as romantic of an ice skating destination as you can find. Located in front of the beautiful neo-renaissance-style Hôtel de Ville building, you’ll feel like you’re skating at a palace.

You’ll float along the rink, taking in the magical scenery along with other skaters. There are vendors selling treats and couples enjoying each others’ company. It’s easy to spend hours or an entire day just enjoying the scene.

After skating, you can hang up your skates and visit the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral. Or, head out for winter shopping at the nearby Christmas markets.

Central Park, New York City, USA

Central Park is the city’s second must-see skating destination. If you want the true holiday experience in New York, you can’t miss it.

The Wollman Skating Rink is at the heart of the park’s skating culture. This historical rink is nestled among the trees and skyscrapers. You’ll want to snap a ton of pictures in this magical setting.

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After you’re done skating, you can walk around the park and check out all it has to offer. Grab roasted chestnuts and enjoy a walk, or simply watch the ice skaters from the sidelines. It’s hard to beat this level of holiday magic.

Millennium Park, Chicago, USA

Chicago’s Millennium Park is famous for its art installations, nature, museums, and events. It’s also an amazing place for ice skating in the winter. It remains a free attraction that locals and visitors can’t get enough of.

The main rink is known as McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. You’ll skate right in front of the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, what most people simply call ‘The Bean.’

The rink is usually full of families, couples, and people skating solo. In the park, you’ll find all kinds of activities, including markets, food vendors, and other fun events when the weather isn’t too cold.

Lake Louise, Banff, Canada

Lake Louise is Banff’s striking alpine lake. When the lake freezes over, it becomes one of Canada’s most beautiful ice skating rinks. Located high above the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise is like a skating rink on top of the world.

As you twirl and speed along the ice, you’ll be surrounded by majestic forests and snow-capped mountains. This being Canada, there will be hockey games on the side and ice sculptures filled with kids and families.

After skating, take a break and sip on hot chocolate. Then, get right back to skating freely on this mile-long lake-turned-ice rink.

Fuji-Q Highland Park, Fujiyoshida, Japan

Fuji-Q Highland Park is nestled at the base of Mt. Fuji in Japan. In the summer, it’s popular for its roller coasters and rides, but in winter, it becomes an ice skater’s dream.

In the park, you’ll skate amongst brightly lit decorations and winter scenes with Japan’s famous volcano in the background. Surrounding the rink are food vendors, boutiques, and plenty of fun events.

Besides the ice rink, the park is full of activities, rides, and events throughout the winter. To end your visit, visit some of Yamanashi Prefecture’s most famous shrines and hot springs nearby.

The Canals of Amsterdam, Netherlands

The canals of Amsterdam are some of Europe’s most quintessential outdoor ice rinks. When the conditions are right, you can ice skate along the ancient canals and marvel at the city’s architecture.

Stop off on a bank and hop into a cafe before putting your blades back on. You’ll see people playing games, racing, and simply enjoying themselves on the ice. You’ll also pass people sipping on hot chocolate and just getting lost in the winter vibes.

Unfortunately, the canals don’t always freeze enough for the ice skating rinks to appear, but fear not. The city has plenty of other incredible skating rinks to enjoy, including Museumplein and the Winter Paradise theme park.

Rideau Canal Skateway, Ottawa, Canada

Rideau Canal claims the title of the world’s largest skating rink. The massive rink is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts some of the most dedicated skating fans.

When the 7.8 km canal freezes over, the city of Ottawa transforms it into a massive skating rink. Locals and visitors use the canal to skate through the entire city.

The Skateway is free for everyone to use, and people of all ages enjoy it. During the holidays, it becomes one of the best destinations in North America for holiday fun.

Potsdamer Platz, Berlin, Germany

Potsdamer Platz is Berlin’s most popular city square for winter fun. Each year, the square turns into the Winter World ice rink and Christmas market.

You’ll have a gigantic outdoor rink called the Hüttengaudi with a towering toboggan run to enjoy. Entrance is free; just bring your skates or rent them at the event space.

After skating to your heart’s content, you can peruse the Christmas market and enjoy boutique shops and food. When it’s time to cozy up, grab a mug of mulled wine, sit back, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.