Chicago Ice Skating: Your Complete Guide to Rinks & 2025 Season Opening Times

The air is getting chilly and the holidays are drawing near, signaling the return one of Chicago’s favorite seasonal pastimes—ice skating! From the McCormick Tribune plaza downtown to your nearest neighborhood destination , here’s your guide to all the best local ice rinks in Chicago and when they open for the season. McCormick Tribune ice rink -------------------------- The McCormick Tribune rink is the quintessential Chicago ice skating destination, with picturesque views of the Bean, Millennium Park, and Michigan Avenue. The rink offers concessions and even free skate lessons on Saturdays! Here’s the best part: admission is completely free. All guests need is a reservation and a pair of skates. Bring your own pair and skate for free or rent skates for $10. The McCormick Tribune rink officially opens for the season on Friday, November 21 at 11 a.m. 📍 Where: McCormick Tribune Plaza | 1 N. Michigan Ave. 🗓️ When: November 21 – early February 2026 | 11 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. daily 🎟️ Admission: Free – reservation required Maggie Daley Ice Ribbon ----------------------- The Maggie Daley Ice Ribbon is perhaps one of Chicago’s most iconic and unique ice skating rinks! The looping ice track features sweeping views of lake Michigan and the downtown skyline. Guests can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and a snack at the rink café. The winding rink is open now for the season and reservations are going fast! Guest can bring their own skates and enjoy one free session per day or rent skates starting at $17. 📍 Where: Magie Daley Park | 337 E Randolph St. 🗓️ When: Open now through March 8, 2026 🎟️ Admission: Free – reservation required McFetridge Sports Center ------------------------ Looking for an ice skating experience that’s immune to the unpredictability of Chicago winter weather? Look no further than indoor ice skating at McFetridge Sports Center in Irving Park! The sprawling athletic center offers free public ice skating on Saturdays and Sundays for just $6 for adults, $5 for kids 12 and under, and $2 for seniors. Additionally, skate rentals are just $4. 📍 Where: McFetridge Sports Center | 3843 N California Ave. 🗓️ When: Saturdays – 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. | Sundays – 4:30 – 6 p.m. 🎟️ Admission: $2 – $6 Citywide rinks -------------- All other city ice skating rinks open for the season on Friday, November 28: * McKinley Ice Rink | 2210 W. Pershing Rd. * Midway Plaisance Ice Rink | 1130 Midway Plaisance * Morgan Park Sports Center Ice Rink (Indoor) | 11505 S.Western Ave. * Mt. Greenwood Ice Rink | 3721 W. 111th St * Warren Park Ice Rink | 6601 N. Western Ave. Source: https://secretchicago.com/chicago-ice-skating-guide-2025/