Ice Skating in Washington, D.C. 2024-2025

As the temperatures go down, Washington parks open their skating rinks to the great delight of kids and winter sports fans. The most spectacular ones include the rink in the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden, the rink at Fort Dupont, and the Silver Spring Outdoor Skating Rink. The season runs from early November till mid-March.

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink (November 23, 2024–March 2, 2025)

The ice rink at the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden operates from late November to early March, offering a unique setting on the National Mall. Surrounded by sculptures, it provides a picturesque environment for skating. The Pavilion Café is open Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm and Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Additionally, the Washington Elite Skating School offers group and private lessons for skaters of all ages and skill levels.

Hours & Tickets

The ice rink at the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden operates Sunday through Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm. Tickets are sold for 45-minute skating sessions, which begin on the hour. The final full session starts two hours before closing. Ticket prices are $12 for ages 13 and older, $10 for children 12 and under, seniors aged 60 and above, military service members with ID, and students with school IDs. A season pass is available for $250, and skate rentals cost $6. Free lockers are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ice Skating at the Washington Harbour Ice Rink (November 22, 2024–February 23, 2025)

Washington Harbour in Georgetown offers a unique ice skating experience, featuring the city's largest ice rink—larger than the Rockefeller Center rink in New York City. During the warmer months, the area showcases a dancing fountain surrounded by several restaurants, but in winter, the fountain transforms into an ice rink illuminated by twinkling snowflake lights after dark. Skaters can enjoy scenic views of the Potomac River, the Kennedy Center, Key Bridge, and historic Georgetown. Visitors can also complement their skating outing with a meal or drinks at the many nearby restaurants.

Hours & Tickets

The Georgetown ice skating rink offers skate rentals and 90-minute open skating sessions. Special ice skating events are also scheduled throughout the season, so be sure to check for updates. Session hours run Sunday through Thursday at 11–12:30 pm, 1–2:30 pm, 3–4:30 pm, 5–6:30 pm, and 7–8:30 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, an additional session is available from 9–10:30 pm. Holiday hours may differ. Pricing is $11 for adults, $9 for children 12 and under, seniors, and military personnel, and $14 per person for groups of 10 or more, which includes skate rental. Skate rentals are available for $7, and penguin rentals cost $10.

Ice Skating at the Wharf Ice Rink (November 27, 2024–February 2025)

The Wharf Ice Rink is a unique winter destination, offering DC's only over-water ice skating experience. With the evening glow of Edison bulbs lighting up the rink, gliding across the ice is a must-try activity. The rink also frequently hosts seasonal events, adding to the festive atmosphere. The Wharf is more than just an ice skating venue—it's a vibrant, year-round destination featuring the country's oldest continuously operating open-air fish market, 20+ restaurants and bars, and a mix of shops from local artisans and global brands. Pair your skating experience with a concert at one of the three music venues for a perfect outing!

Hours & Tickets

Regular hours of operation are Monday and Tuesday: closed; Wednesday: 4–10 pm (note that public skating is unavailable in January and February due to curling events); Thursday and Friday: 4–10 pm; Saturday: 12–10 pm; and Sunday: 12–8 pm. Special events and holiday hours may differ. Admission prices are $25 for adults (12 and older) with skates and $19 without skates. Youth admission (12 and under) is $20 with skates and $15 without. Seniors (65 and older) and military personnel with valid IDs can skate for $20. The rink also provides classes for kids aged three and older as well as adults, making it a popular spot for families.

Ice Skating at Canal Park Ice Rink (September 9, 2024–March 9, 2025)

The Capitol Riverfront neighborhood is lively year-round, offering waterfront activities, vibrant parks, and a thriving restaurant scene during the warmer months. In colder weather, the area remains a hub of activity as the ice rink opens for the season, providing a fun and festive winter experience. Canal Park offers public skating sessions seven days a week from late November until early March.

Hours & Tickets

Regular hours are Monday to Thursday from 2–8 pm, Friday from 2–9:45 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am–9:45 pm. General admission is $13, with skate rentals available for $7 per person. Skate Helper rentals (also known as "the Green Thing") are $10. A limited number of rental figure skates are available, ranging from toddler size 8 to adult size 15, on a first-come, first-served basis. There is also a very limited supply of hockey skates in adult sizes 10 to 12. Skating sessions last 90 minutes, with a break halfway through for ice resurfacing. A 15-minute intermission follows each session to allow for skate return and disinfection before the next session begins.