The weather is getting colder, the holiday lights are glimmering all around, and what better way to take it all in than with a favorite winter pastime: ice skating! Luckily, there are a number of easily accessible ice rinks around Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area. So before you lace up your skates and hit the ice, Secret D.C. has rounded up 6 of the best ice skating rinks you’ll want to check out this holiday season!
1. National Gallery and Sculpture Garden Rink
Just beyond the National Gallery, among the art of its Sculpture Garden you can glide across the ice of its seasonal skating rink and take it all in! Open every day (weather permitting) through March 5, 2023, you can rent some skates, partake in skating lessons, or show of your skills in 45-minute sessions!
Where: 7th St. and Constitution Ave. NW
2. Washington Harbour Ice Rink
Hailed as the largest outdoor ice skating rink in D.C., this Georgetown rink offers skate rentals, skating lessons, and open skating (in 90-minute increments)! Can’t make it before the holidays? Not a problem—the rink is open through March 12, 2023.
Where: 3050 K St. NW
3. The Wharf Ice Rink
Open through February, The Wharf Ice Rink lets you hit the ice while taking in the beautiful waterfront sights of the Washington Channel. When you’re done, you can warm up with some hot cider and s’mores from the Camp Wharf airstream as you sit beside a fire pit!
Where: 760 Maine Ave. SW
4. Canal Park Ice Rink
Located near the Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro, Canal Park Ice Rink offers a full service of skate rentals, skate lessons, and free public skating! Interested in coming as a group or hosting a party? You can register ahead online!
Where: 200 M St. SE
5. Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating
Just a short drive away in Arlington, Va., Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating has a variety of lessons for anyone looking to perfect their craft (youth, adult, and private!) and the opportunity to hit the nearby shops when you’re done. Win-win!
Where: 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington, Va.
6. National Harbor Ice Skating
Outside of the Gaylord National hotel in National Harbor, you can skate for as as you want from 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.—just don’t forget you need to register for tickets ahead of time online!
Where: 201 Waterfront St., Oxon Hill, Md.